3 Common Mistakes in Jazz Improvisation
In this post, we’re going to talk about 3 common mistakes in Jazz improvisation. These are some of the pitfalls that improvisers often fall into when they’re learning how to solo. By understanding these mistakes and how to avoid them, you’ll be able to improve your jazz improvisation skills. This will help take your solos to the next level.
If you’re looking for a quick jazz improv tip that will help your soloing – you’ve come to the right place! While there are probably more than these 3 common mistakes, these are the ones that I have seen the most. Let’s get right to it.
1. The first pitfall. Playing too many notes
While this pitfall is probably not the case for beginners, it is definitely one of the most common for intermediate players and above. When you’re soloing, it can be tempting to try to cram as many notes as possible into a solo. But this can actually make your solos sound cluttered and difficult to follow. Instead, try to focus on playing a few well-chosen notes that really add to the melody.
My go-to suggestion for these well-chosen notes are called targets. I have a ton of other videos on my YouTube channel and in my other resources that you can check out. Targets are carefully chosen notes that fit a macro purpose (for instance the 1, 3, or 5 of the key area) or a micro purpose (which could be a chord tone for the chord you are on in that exact moment in time).
To avoid playing too many notes, try to think about phrasing and leaving space in your solos. This means playing groups of notes that have a clear beginning and end, and leaving gaps between phrases for the other musicians to respond. You can also experiment with different note lengths, such as playing longer notes on the beat and shorter notes off the beat, to create more interest and variation in your solos. Another great suggestion is to try and leave at least as much space as the length of the line you just played. This particular concept can leave too much space if overdone so you will need to use your best musical judgement.
2. The second most common mistake. Not listening to the band
As a musician, it’s easy to get caught up in your own performance and focus solely on what you’re playing. But in a band setting, it’s crucial to listen to the other musicians and respond to what they’re playing.
By paying attention to the rhythm section in addition to the chord changes, you can ensure that everyone is playing together and create a cohesive sound. This will make for a better overall performance and a more enjoyable listening experience for your audience. The last thing anyone wants is for your solo to sound like you are working out ideas with a play-along track.
But how do you develop your listening skills with the rhythm section? Here are a few tips:
Practice playing with other musicians
This will give you the opportunity to hear how your playing fits in with the rest of the band and make adjustments as needed. This has been one of the biggest benefits of going to jam sessions in my opinion. Take note of what other musicians do when you play a particular line. How are they responding to it? Are they treating your line like a call and response? Are they ignoring it? Then ask yourself internally after that moment, “how do I respond to their response?”
Pay attention to the overall sound of the band
Don’t listen to just your own instrument. What is everyone else playing in the moment? This will help you understand how your playing contributes to the overall band experience and how you can adapt to fit in with the rest of the group.
3. The third most common mistake. Getting Stuck In Familiar Patterns
When we improvise on our instruments, it’s easy to fall back on familiar patterns and licks that we know well. This can be a tempting default because it feels comfortable and safe. But the problem is that using the same old tricks over and over can make our solos sound predictable and uninteresting.
So, how can we avoid this mistake and make our improvising more exciting and fresh? Here are a few tips:
1. Practice something new. This will challenge your brain and muscles to think and play in different ways, and will open up new possibilities for your solos. If all you are doing is playing up and down the same scales and expecting a different result…I believe that is the definition of insanity. Have you not been working on melodic playing? Work on it. If you have neglected chromaticism, work on it.
2. Be mindful of your practice and playing decisions. Then make conscious decisions about what you want to play when you are in the moment. This will help you stay present and avoid falling back on old habits. And when you are improvising, don’t be afraid to take risks and try new ideas! You never know what interesting sounds you might come up with if you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
3. Listen to other musicians for inspiration. Don’t just listen to the same old stuff you always listen to. Explore new instruments, genres and styles, and pay attention to how other musicians approach improvising. You might hear something that sparks a new idea for your own playing.
4. Something a little out of the box: experiment with different sounds and effects. Try playing with a delay or maybe even a distortion pedal. These small changes can make a big difference in how your solos sound because you will find yourself approaching it from a different angle or perspective.
What to do next…
Good jazz improvisation takes time and dedication to master. With practice, awareness of common mistakes and willingness to try something new, jazz musicians can build their jazz improvisation skills for a more creative sound. Be sure to listen to the band and use good phrasing to make your solos stand out. Finally, practice with new scales and chord progressions and experiment with different sounds to avoid getting stuck in the same old patterns. With these tips, jazz improvisation can be a joy for jazz musicians of all skill levels.
Want to Listen?
I would love for you to come follow and check out what some of the above tips can accomplish after putting them into practice
