Improvising Blues and Jazz: A Guide for Aspiring Musicians

Improvising in the blues and jazz genres requires a combination of technical skill and musical intuition. However, the journey to becoming a skilled improviser can be challenging. This guide draws from the wisdom of experienced musicians to help aspiring blues and jazz improvisers take their craft to the next level.

Understanding the Basics

Before delving into the specifics of improvisation, it's important to have a strong foundation in music theory. Knowing your scales, arpeggios, and chords inside and out is crucial. However, as Bobby Shew, Bud Shank, and John Stowell may have emphasized in their lectures, there are no shortcuts. Persistent study and practice are key.

Ear Training: The Go-To Method

The journey to becoming a master improviser begins and ends with developing your ear training. In 1992, while attending jazz workshops in the United States, I heard a snippet by bassist John Clayton that changed my outlook. Clayton's advice, though simple, is profound: choose 12 recordings of good jazz solos and learn them by ear.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ear Training

Select 12 Good Solos: Choose solos from a variety of jazz musicians. Avoid simplistic solos by minimalist artists like Miles Davis, as they may not be challenging enough. Focus on solid, mainstream solos. Learn Without Software: Listen to these solos without any software that fills in the notes for you. Use only your ears to decipher the music. Memorize and Practice: Once you have a solid understanding of the solos, try to memorize them. Practice playing them along with the recordings to build muscle memory and ear recognition. Up Your Speed: Gradually increase the tempo of your practice until you can play at the original speed. This will help you develop the necessary speed and dexterity under pressure. Memorize Without Written Notes: Avoid writing down the notes. Instead, focus on memorizing the solos by ear. This will enhance your ability to improvise in real-time situations.

Putting Ear Training to Work

John Clayton's advice has not only improved my understanding of chord progressions but has also changed my entire approach to jazz improvisation. Previously, I struggled with complex changes, but now I find them exciting and inspiring.

Charlie Parker, one of the most influential jazz musicians, never had a library of pre-transcribed solos to study. Instead, he learned by copying the solos of Lester Young and other greats. While this method is not a substitute for scale practice and technical training, it is incredibly effective for developing improvisational skills.

The Role of Technical Discipline

While ear training is crucial, a strong technical foundation is equally important. Spend time studying the changes, running arpeggios, and practicing scales. Once you have a good understanding of the music's theory, go back to the recordings and study the solos.

Lastly, practice improvising on the changes with a blues like Blues for Alice. Learn the solo by a great musician and then revisit the changes. By combining technical discipline with ear training, you will become a more confident and skilled improviser.

Conclusion

Improvisation in blues and jazz does not come overnight. It requires a combination of technical practice, ear training, and a deep understanding of music theory. By following the advice given by experienced musicians like John Clayton and Charlie Parker, you can improve your improvisational skills significantly, turning you from a struggling musician into a confident and inspired one.