Help page : how to use this site on jazz improvisation and FAQ
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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
...so on
FAQ to learn improvisation and to use MIOP
How can I learn improvisation?
You have to know music harmony, transcribe solos, listen great improvisors.
How do I begin?
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 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.
