Improvisation is a type of music that is often associated with jazz. It is a type of music created on the spot without any preparation. Improvisation usually involves a solo instrument or instruments, but a group of musicians can do some styles of improvisation. Fans like Kavan Choksi Japan and others worldwide have made jazz piano’s fanbase an international affair.
In this article, we will provide an introduction to some basic concepts related to improvising and the basics of Jazz piano. Although pure improvisational music is not particularly difficult on an instrument such as the guitar, there are some specific things that musicians need to know before they can improvise and eventually excel at creating and playing jazz on the piano.
What is improvisation?
Improvisation is the playing of music without any preparation whatsoever. Instead, the musician will choose their notes and chords on the spot playing through a song. Sometimes improvisation can be quite challenging to both the player and those listening. It can involve scales, arpeggios, techniques such as slapping (on bass) or tapping (on guitar), or other methods. Usually, a song will have a basic structure, such as chords and arpeggios in a chord progression, which can make improvising easier to figure out.
What is jazz?
Jazz is a style of music that was originally played on instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and drums in New Orleans around 1900. Later, it became known as Swing Jazz, Bebop Jazz, Chicago Jazz, etc., until it evolved into today’s Fusion.
What are the characteristics of jazz improvisation?
The characteristics of improvisation are as follows:
– The use of blue notes. A blue note is a note that is somewhere in between the standard notes on the scale. For example, if you were using A minor pentatonic, which goes from A to E, your blue notes would be F# and C sharp. Blue notes are not usually found on the piano but are used on saxophone or guitar. Blue notes are characteristic of jazz improvisation.
– The use of scales and modes. Scales are groups of notes that follow a particular pattern divided into octaves. For example, there is the C major scale, which goes from C to C, and includes the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Modes are scales that have been altered or modified somehow. You can generate modes by starting with a major scale and altering one note at a time until you get back to where you started. For example, if you start with C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B) and play seven notes up the C major scale (C, D to C), you get an E note. To get back to where you started, you go seven notes up from that (E to E).
How can you improve your improvisation skills?
Improvisation is something that can be practiced. The best way to improve your improvisation skills is by learning some jazz standards on the piano while practicing good technique and taking good care of your hands. Use some jazz theory to create new ideas when you are improvising. Learn about scales, modes, arpeggios, etc., and practice them in different keys.
Conclusion
Improvisation is a great way to express yourself musically. It is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. If you are interested in learning more about improvisation, many resources are available online and in libraries.
