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Could anyone recommend a book specifically aimed towards building improvisation skills? I already have Tim Richards' book so please don't recommend that. The problem I have specifically with improvisation. The approach Tim Richards uses is basically like this "OK here's a left hand pattern, here are some licks that sound good, now try to improvise something based on that". Well, that's nice but how do you actually do that and not sound like a toddler banging on the keyboard. I'd like a more structured approach with exercises that I can do every day to improve improvisation skills.
If you analyze transcriptions of straight ahead players (like Hank Mobley, Wynton Kelly, etc.) the basic formula for bebop improv is a line of eighth notes with chord tones on strong beats embellished with chord scale fragments, arpeggios and approach patterns at chord changes. You can see it in action here:
I always thought Jerry Coker's "Elements of the Jazz Language" book was pretty helpful. Your local university music library may have a copy that you can look through. It basically shows common ideas/phrases that improvisers use and how you can vary them/apply them to different chord progressions.
Another good option is the "Joy of Improv" series by the masterful Dave Frank, which focuses on an immersion based learning as opposed to an analytical one. You play good solos and melodies every week and develop your ear to the point where you can play the melodies in your head.
Qazedcft, As you can guess, there are many books that have been recently published on the subject of improvisation. I found Bob Rowlins' "How to Play From a Real Book" very informative. Bob has been a professor of Harmony at Rowand University for many years and has developed a very concise presentation using short explanations and examples. It is published by Hal Leonard and can be downloaded from the following web site:
"Imagine it in all its primatic colorings, its counterpart in our souls - our souls that are great pianos whose strings, of honey and of steel, the divisions of the rainbow set twanging, loosing on the air great novels of adventure!" - William Carlos Williams
Yes, that site looks very suspicious and I don't think it is legit. Especially, since the book is still being sold in the usual places. But thanks for the recommendation anyway.
Sorry, I did not look closely at the link. I just copied the first one stating a pdf on google search. I'm told Hall Leonard offers a digital download.
"Imagine it in all its primatic colorings, its counterpart in our souls - our souls that are great pianos whose strings, of honey and of steel, the divisions of the rainbow set twanging, loosing on the air great novels of adventure!" - William Carlos Williams
Johan d, The Fifth Factor looks like a wonderful book! I would love to get it, but I'm a little confused. The entire description of it at that link is in English, but the photo of the cover is not and the shopping cart page is all in Dutch. Is it actually available in English do you know? I surely hope so! I guess I'll try contacting her.
Thanks, Johan! I have written her and am waiting for a reply, but I have a feeling it is not available in English. You'd think she would say so in her description of it in English though if that were the case.
OK here's a left hand pattern, here are some licks that sound good, now try to improvise something based on that". Well, that's nice but how do you actually do that and not sound like a toddler banging on the keyboard. I'd like a more structured approach with exercises that I can do every day to improve improvisation skills.
A good book on improvisation is a good idea. And a structured learning approach is also a good idea. But please don't dismiss the "toddler banging on the keyboard" factor. When toddlers are jabbering their nonsense language, they are experimenting through trial and error. Trial and error is a valuable learning tool. And playing around with the tool set that someone like Tim Richards offers is a path to learning. And it doesn't have to be his book. But playing around with the materials presented is necessary to internalize them into your "mind's ear" which is key. The struggle to put together chord changes that work together will help to train your "mind's ear". But memorizing a formula that one teacher or another presents is much less likely.
Very true indigo dave! Great point! I'll add that most great improves use as few notes as possible. When things start getting out of control, improvise using one note against the chord pattern and then start adding other notes one at a time. This will re-center rhythm and tonality. You will hear the greatest players do this.
Enjoy.
"Imagine it in all its primatic colorings, its counterpart in our souls - our souls that are great pianos whose strings, of honey and of steel, the divisions of the rainbow set twanging, loosing on the air great novels of adventure!" - William Carlos Williams
I had another thought. About 35 years ago I was having lunch with a guitar player friend. He was playing in 5-6 night a week night club gigs. Those used to exist in days of old. Anyway he punched/played a few songs on the juke box. Those used to exist too. He pointed out the bass and had me focus on it. The part the bass player was playing, I mean. Those are the "key" to the chord changes. Pick some songs on youTube and focus on the bass part. Can you hear the chord progression ? Try playing along on the piano with the recording. Picking out songs is analyzing them. This will develop your ears. Improvising is nothing without hearing what's going on.
This won't work with all music. Things like Credence Clearwater Revival play chord progressions that are simple and in root position generally. A great starting place for developing your ears. And note the root movement. Does it move UP a 4th ? Up a 2nd ? Down a 3rd ?
And if you don't know what I'm talking about, any good book should be showing these things in one form or fashion.
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