How to Build a Jazz Improvisation

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Don't give the improvisation everything you've got straight away- start it simple and relaxed

   In other words, reference another song that is in the same key, or you have transposed to be so.
   
   Don't overdo it, you could even just play a few lines from, say, star wars, or a well known pop song. ,, For example, you could lay back on the beat for effect, or even push ahead to do similarly. , It'll sound good to those who don't know the passages, and you'll be respected by those who do! ,, Be aware of the type of song, its genre, its meaning, its emotional tone.
   
   In other words, be aware of context.
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   Step 2: and give it somewhere to go.

   In other words, what effect you would you like to create on the audience.
   
   This can change later on as the band audience react. , It can be anything: burning intense a la John Coltrane in My Favourite Things or simple and understated a la Joe Henderson in Song For My Father. ,, It builds affinity and agreement and can generate excitement in the audience.
   
   Carried on too long though, it generates boredom. , These are all tools for you to use to achieve your communication. , You may need to play some phrases to "wind down" your solo if it got really intense, or you can even just stop right at the peak.
   
   Either way it should be a self-determined action. ,
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   Step 3: Try building upon a motif/idea- for example

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   Step 4: a simple rhythmic or melodic phrase that is repeated

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   Step 5: and then slowly altered in a manner which is interesting and sounds good.

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   Step 6: Quote!

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   Step 7: Learn a few "tricks" you can use if you run out of ideas halfway through- for example

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   Step 8: melodic lines or even impressive sounding

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   Step 9: simple exercises- for example

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    Step 10: the Hanon exercises.

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    Step 11: Alter the way you play passages.

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    Step 12: Listen to many jazz artists to get the idea

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    Step 13: and even transcribe some of their passages and use them in your own solos!

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    Step 14: finally

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    Step 15: do whatever you enjoy

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    Step 16: and whatever sounds good.

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    Step 17: Be aware of what is happening in the band before you begin your solo.

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    Step 18: Have an approximate idea of what you want your solo to sound like before you start and where you want it to go.

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    Step 19: With context in mind

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    Step 20: work out a suitable motif

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    Step 21: emotional tone and/or message to start your solo with that enhances the music of the band.

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    Step 22: Develop your solo towards the idea you had in point number two

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    Step 23: working with the band

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    Step 24: interacting with it and keeping your ears open.

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    Step 25: Don't be afraid of repetition.

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    Step 26: Consider varying different aspects of your solo - volume

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    Step 27: timbre

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    Step 28: melodic tension

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    Step 29: silence.

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    Step 30: Once you feel you have achieved point number two

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    Step 31: wrap up your solo

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    Step 32: all the while listening to the band.

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    Step 33: Acknowledge the audience's reaction.

Detailed Guide

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