[fred12]

I've been playing about 3 years plus, going thru the standard method books with a good teacher, but can't seem to get started improvising. The funny thing is that I can play by ear pretty well, if I can hum it I can play it - sometimes right off with only a couple wrong notes. And sometimes I can get behind a slow blues number and fool around with the blues scale. What I would really like to do is to play behind, or with, other instruments andor accompany a soloist, rather than blowing a complete improvised solo. Anyway, it would seem if one can sing along a bit, and play by ear, you could also improvise but that's just not happening. Any ideas of what's wrong?

 

[docformat]

If you've got a good ear you've got a good chance of being a strong improviser. I would say it is a matter of confidence. Get yourself a playalong book like 'Maiden Voyage' (Aebersold) and start practicing at home where you don't feel any pressure. Hopefully things will progress form there.

 

[maestroelite]

You have to practice improvising to be able to improvise. I would get a book like the doc said. The major/minor scales book is good as well. For now it would provide you with a static accompaniment(no chords changing) which makes it easier to get around, and in the future it will be a challenge to make really interesting/compelling ideas. When I was introduced to improvising my teacher gave me a copy of the Mixolydian and Major scales CDs along with the "blues scale" stuff. The blues scale is fine to get around on but don't get too hooked on it, its uses are fairly limited.

 

[Tenortones]

... Any ideas of what's wrong?

Nothing's wrong at all...

Keep doing what you do and the above suggestions- perhaps ALSO:

Go to a club where there's an open session-just go listen the first few times. Maybe hang out with a cat that encourages exploration and bravery. Play some riffs with a group- then break away when YOU are ready. Good luck man.

 

[Admark]

Maybe you already do this, but try listening to a lot of jazz. All the time. If you don't know what it's supposed to sound like, it's hard to do it.

 

[thejoyofsax]

Have you tried transcribing a solo? One of the best ways to put your ear to good use and to learn to approach different chord progressions is to review what the masters have played.

Try finding a solo you like, nothing too hard at first, and learn it by ear. If you want to write it down (and I recommend that - people are visual and auditory learners) you can find a demo version of Sibelius on its website: www.sibelius.com (with the demo I do not believe you can save progress. You can print but "SIBELIUS" will appear in gray lettering across the page). You could also try handwriting.

This is a great way to really get into someone's playing and to figure out for yourself why you like it so much. You can also work some of the licks or nuances into your own improvisational vocabulary.