Joanne Meegan
October 5/2023
The following suggestions are intended to serve as a melodic resource for improvisation in a tonal context.
To achieve the goal, establish a simple practice strategy: choose a musical concept, develop it with technique exercises, apply it to a song from your repertoire, and improvise freely.
CONCEPT
CHORD SCALE
The chord-scale system of music theory uses the notes in a musical scale to create a series of chords.
The confidence needed to improvise can only be developed in the daily practice routine through repetition. Thinking too much and trying so hard creates tension and poor muscle coordination.
TECHNIQUE
Play the D major chord scale
Each scale must be played up and down from each chord degree.
Once the concept is understood, it must be played over and over again in order to develop muscle memory and be able to recognize it every time we hear it.
REPERTORY
Memorize Now’s the time
Memorize!
Everything that is said in words about improvisation has to be put to the test. It’s not about believing, it’s about experimenting to find out what works best for you.
IMPROVISATION
Apply the concept to the complete song:
- Play the D major chord scale one time through the whole recording.
- Improvise your style by applying the concept whenever possible. Explore your own ideas using the chord scale as a complement. You already play the chord scale in the previous steps. Now’s the Time to enjoy!
Listen to versions
Listen to versions to familiarize yourself with the language. Music, like languages, is best learned by listening and speaking.
