Help page : how to use this site on jazz or music improvisation and FAQ

A smart plan to navigate this website and starting studying music improivisation

  • If something is not clear, write a comment on this website .
  • Learn all major and minor scales
  • Learn all chords ( Major, dominant, minor, half diminished and diminished) with their inversions.
  • Learn their function (degree) in every key. (For example C7 is V degree in F maj key, F min key; IV degree in melodic minor key and VII in natural minor key).
  • Study melody building chapter.
  • Improvise on a standard or a song playing JUST chordal notes, as you like.
  • Improvise using the melody building suggestions
  • Study music rhythm and swing
  • Study phrasing
  • More

music improvisation how to

FAQ : How can I learn improvisation?

You have to know music harmony, transcribe solos, listen great improvisors.

  • How do I start?

You can start to study major and minor scales and all chords in every key. Then begin to improvise using just chordal notes, then use the melody building concepts.

  • What is the most important thing to learn improvisation and to improvise?

The most important thing to improvise is knowing the melody building concepts.

  •  How long does it take to play good improvisations?

It depends on how much you study but I think at least 10 years.

  •  What is a chordal note?

Chordal notes are the first four tones of a chord ( For example D7 : D, F#, A, C)

  •  What is the key concept?

The scale I can use on a chord depends by the key in which is the chord in that moment! (If I find Dmin7 in Bb major key I must use on Dmin7 the Bb major scale that is D Phrygian mode. If I find Dmin7 in F major key I must use on Dmin7 the F major scale that is D Eolian mode, and so on.)

  • What is the most important concept in rhythm?

The most important concept in rhythm is emphasizing the upbeats or offbeats. Do not stress downbeats.

  •  What are wrong notes in improvisation?

Wrong notes are not-solved tensions.

  • How can I solve a tension?

After a tension (in general) you have to play a chordal note close to it.

Resources on the Art of improvisation

I have published other sites about jazz piano improvisation and music theory. Now I am working to publish live piano videos and other music albums.

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