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Need clarification on the concept Improvisaion
Improvisation: I’ve heard this word in general but I don’t think I understand what it means in the context of playing guitar. Does it mean playing individual notes?
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6 Replies
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Perfect Question, It grabbed me and gave me pause to think! Improvisation could be one note but does not have to be….adding in harmonize notes add lovely sonic texture. I use a rake technique across 4ish strings muted, also providing texture. Those are examples of “What you do is up to you” and “If it sounds good it is good”. Specifically what happens is the rhythm of the chordal structure is maintained for 4,8,16 bars (whatever is agreed between the players) or a backing track, the Improviser then adds a melodic contribution over the chordal structure.
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Jumpinjeff, I got most of what you explained, but definitely you answered my question. My confusion was “is it just off the top of your head?” like improvising sometimes means. I deduced from your answer that it can be rehearsed and agreed upon. Many thanks.
Paula
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The frame for the improvisation is definitely rehearsed and agreed. Within this frame the improvisation can be the melody exactly (if there is one) or you toy with the notes in the melody to see what else sounds good finding little motif variations. Two or three single notes can combine to make some fun, cool sounding combinations. Those notes plus your rhythmic choice is the nuts and bolts of improvisation.
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Yes, jumpinjeff said it best.
It is, as you said, off the top of your head, but within a framework; so the sounds match up. It is freedom and discipline within the structure.
If your like the Grateful Dead though, you might occasionally throw everything out the window on a live jam.
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the best though is when they sent it out the window on a kite string and 20 minutes later they reel it in. OMG that was some musical bliss.
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Hi @PaulabMoore It is a great question. The way Tony teaches imorovisation is by teaching you a scale, which is typically individual notes. The improv would be trying to find something on your own by playing the backing track and playing the notes from the scale however you like. Whatever sounds good to you flies. You can embellish it however you like. Iff you see an improvement from Charlie D, take a look and listen. Look at how he incorates the scale, but then he adds to it.
I suggest keeping it simple at the,beginning and try to just use the scale. You can play notes in whatever order you want. You can repeat notes or patterns that sound good to you.
Another great way to practice improve is to use the pentatonic scale in different keys. If you play in the key of C, go to YouTube and search Key C backing track. If you are I. The key of B, you do the same, but search for backing track in that key. Play around and do minor scales and major scales. Just make sure you say major or minor or when searching for a backing track. Then just relax and start with different notes from the scale. If it sounds good, it is good. Hope this helps. 😉
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