Basic Improvisation

Learn a step-by-step approach to improvisation that applies to all styles and any instrument. Develop your solos by studying the riffs and licks of legendary players, and learn to incorporate the inflexions, feel, and nuances of the masters into your own playing!

Learn the solo riffs and licks of the masters: Jimmy Page, BB King, Charlie Parker and others, and how to develop you own! "What notes do I play?" is the first question that comes to mind when a musician is asked to improvise. The answer is easy: notes that are within the key! Basic Improvisation is designed to get you to develop your solos, and organize your thoughts and playing with the sounds around you through a step-by-step approach that applies to all styles and any instrument. You'll begin by looking at the 12-Bar Blues form and the pentatonic scale, and gain a greater feel for phrasing your riffs and playing 'in the pocket' by studying rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic repetition. You'll transcribe, record, and submit for instructor review excerpts of solos from legendary players from many different genres (BB King, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Jimmy Page, Louis Armstrong and others). You will develop an understanding of the five elements of music: melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and color. You will be able to incorporate these elements into your own playing and also relate them to other improvisers regardless of your primary instrument.

Author: Matt Marvuglio and Jim Odgren and Edward Tomassi