improvisation epiphany

[Asher S]

I'm sure many musicians already know what I'm about to write below, but for some reason it never sunk in with me until tonight:

When improvising, the choice of notes isn't as important as the rhythm, phrasing and dynamics.

For those non-believers out there, try this for yourself:

1. Put on a practice blues track (like something from Band-in-a-Box)
2. Choose JUST 2 notes from the blues scale in the same key. Any 2 notes.
3. Playing just those 2 notes, play around with various rhythms/syncopation and melodies
4. Add in some phrasing (i.e. DON'T play and let the backing track play for several beats between phrases)
5. Add in some dynamics: play louder for a bit, then softer, as the mood strikes you. Think of it as a conversation

Then add a 3rd note and repeat as above

Then try all that with 3 notes NOT in the blues scale or in a different key. See if you can make it work using just rhythm, phrasing, and dynamics.

Again, I realize this is likely elementary to many of you here, but being a 43 year-old student has given me more of an appreciation for those rare times that I get a glimpse of insight. Also, it helps a ton if you listen to a lot of great improvisers- the riffs get in your head and variations will tend to drip out of your fingers...

Cheers,

Asher

 

[Jerrick]

I really dig into this thread. It makes sense to me and I think it will change the way of my playing. This is quite useful and helpful. Cheers, dude!

 

[Magnus Scott]

You should see Mr. Wooten's Groove Worshop... there's a great demonstration of this.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Sorry, that's kind of like saying "You know speaking a foreign language isn't so much about WORDS as it is about using NOUNS, VERBS and ADJECTIVES."

Gibberish played in time is still gibberish. I know, I spoke fluent gibberish for a long time.

Improvising in a meaningful way is about communicating what you are hearing internally (the line that your imagination suggests), that means you gotta hear it ALL - rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, and the actual pitches.

 

[Asher S]

Sorry, that's kind of like saying "You know speaking a foreign language isn't so much about WORDS as it is about using NOUNS, VERBS and ADJECTIVES."

Gibberish played in time is still gibberish. I know, I spoke fluent gibberish for a long time.

Improvising in a meaningful way is about communicating what you are hearing internally (the line that your imagination suggests), that means you gotta hear it ALL - rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, and the actual pitches.

I agree 100%.

HOWEVER, all I'm saying is that getting new players over that initial fear of playing a "wrong note" is much easier if they start the way I outlined above. I saw this with my own eyes and ears with my 10 year old daughter playing her sax.

OF COURSE ear training is critical, and OF COURSE the note selection matters. But getting over that initial fear MUST happen first in order to get to that point. I've seen it in many kids.

This approach helped my daughter tremendously- she now plays by ear amazingly well. Just a few days ago she was so hesitant to play a single note that wasn't written on a page in front of her. When I reduced it to 2 notes, and showed her how to vary the rhythm, phrasing and dynamics, the immediate gratification encouraged her to keep playing, and off she went.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

My teacher uses his methodology with complete beginners, if you start from a place of making meaning with the vocabulary you have, you "get over the fear" pretty quickly too.

 

[Asher S]

My teacher uses his methodology with complete beginners, if you start from a place of making meaning with the vocabulary you have, you "get over the fear" pretty quickly too.

I don't doubt that at all. It seems to me though, that some kids can get immediately overwhelmed, very easily, and then get discouraged. My daughter is/was one such child.

 

[masterfader87]

You should see Mr. Wooten's Groove Worshop... there's a great demonstration of this.

2 Through 10

 

[MakiSupaStar]

I kind of see what your saying, while an off note here and there might be ok or acceptable, it's going to sound like garbage if you play whatever note you want whenever you want. Playing the wrong note at the right time, is always better IMO that playing the right note at the wrong time. Still, it's always best to play notes that are in key at the right time.

 

[tZer]

Fear of wrong notes is what it is. Many people are afraid to express themselves - even with words - for 'fear' that others will see their flaws.

I agree with the idea that maintaining a solid groove will go a long way to make up for some out note choices - but as Ed says, there's no substitute for using good notes and phrasing.

My advice to anyone trying to overcome a fear of improvising is to start simply and use notes and riffs you are comfortable with. Don't worry too much about impressing people with speed and flash - try to be lyrical and 'say something' in a melodic and well-phrased fashion. You'll be amazed and how few notes and how little speed and flash is required to be really good at improvisation.

You can look at it like this: An auctioneer has an uncanny ability to say things, real things, very quickly, rhythmically and dynamically. The equivalent of a guitar or bass player ripping off some wicked riffs and licks. Impressive? You betcha.

Then there's that wise old man in the corner who, when he says something, says it with very few and very simple words and phrases and always leaves people impressed.