How to Improvise in Jazz

Jazz is the medium through which improvisation is king. Standards are the songs which all jazz instrumentalists know. These standards are know by all and can be called on at any time in a gig . A player can expect to build his own solo jazz part upon a standard usually. It is important to know the standards as you can see if you expect to be a player . The pattern of the song must be memorized and understood prior to attempting a solo. If you read written music it will help you in your attempt at jazz or any other music.

Most often the group will play the main melody of the song prior to a instrumentalist performing. Only if you know how many bars the main part is will you know when to be prepared to launch your solo. You will receive a nod by the leader of the band to begin your solo when it is your time in any case. Sometimes if there is a vocalist, your solo will begin after they sing.

Great jazz improvisations are based upon time, patience and knowledge. The chord pattern of the song dictates the boundaries of your solo. This is a good example of why knowing your scales is important. A good jazz improvisation solo combines your knowledge of scales with your knowledge of the chord structure of the song itself. If you find it difficult at first to build a solo, try playing arpeggios in the key signatures as you move through the song.  A good solo is not simply combining scales one to another. The jazz solo should contain dynamics, structure and have something to say. You cannot know the exact way you will get through your solo, but you can know generally how you will  get there.

The melody simply played is a good place to start your jazz improvisation. Starting simply is the best way to leave room to move as you go through your solo. As you go on through your solo you can increase the tension, dynamics and tempo before resolving to the main melody at the end. Most jazz solos you will discover follow this same pattern most of the time.

It is always a good idea to listen to other soloists, either in person or on recordings to see and hear how they build their jazz improvisations. An excellent jazz improvisation comes with time, study and training.