lines- are they created according to any rules?

[rafapak]

hi guys

it is said that jazz lines are used by jazz improvisors in their improvisations. Are there any rules that must be obeyed when creating your own lines? Knowledge about what aspects of jazz guitar is necessary when one wants to create his or her own lines? How lines are created? I doubt that these are random notes joined together.

please comment

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Rules? How about germs of ideas:

1. Base it on the melody.
2. First drum a jazzy rhythm and then set notes to it.
3. To follow the changes, choose target notes and connect them.
4. Use chromatic approach notes.
5. Transcribe some lines you like and digest.

[monk]

Solos or improvisations played by jazz musicians generally "describe" the chord progression of the song being played, either melodically or harmonically.

Things that are handy to know are how to play the melody and then play variations on the melody (melodic improvisation).

Next would be playing the chord progression as series of single note lines based on the chord tones, connecting and ornamenting them with passing tones (harmonic improvisation).

Being intimately familiar with the melodies and chord progressions of songs is necessary as well as being able to play arpeggios for the chords.

This would be basic tip of the iceberg stuff to get started.

Regards,
monk

[rafapak]

thanks!

[sydjester]

the rule to jazz lines (or personally to any other genres) is that you have to go from a point to another, you have to move. music is movement. so you choose a destination note, and then you choose from where to start and what to do in the middle.

let me tell you that you must hear in your head what you play in order to play something relevant.
if u cant hear the changes, practice audio, study audio.
if u cant hear a line, transcribe it, sing it, sing it in C mobile, play it in all tonalties , and the most important thing play it over the cd, and play it ALONE tapping your foot , if its jazz tap on 2 and 4, analize how that lines moves over the chords, analize the colours created, etc
when u think u have it done, try to use that line over other song , in other context or work it, if it doesnt fit in the song u are playing, try to change the notes to make it work. if the line is in a minor context try to change the notes to a major context. i think that this work is a good daily exercise to start !!!! good luck ! keep it on

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Rules? How about germs of ideas:

1. Base it on the melody.
2. First drum a jazzy rhythm and then set notes to it.
3. To follow the changes, choose target notes and connect them.
4. Use chromatic approach notes.
5. Transcribe some lines you like and digest.

Very nicely and elegantly stated--each one of the points a virtual portal to exciting worlds, without the physical necessity of blasting off into space (Sun Ra excepted, of course

EDIT--#2 cannot be emphasized enough--there are ONLY 12 notes--what are you going to do with 'em?

[Goofsus4]

Originally Posted by NSJ

Very nicely and elegantly stated--each one of the points a virtual portal to exciting worlds, without the physical necessity of blasting off into space (Sun Ra excepted, of course

EDIT--#2 cannot be emphasized enough--there are ONLY 12 notes--what are you going to do with 'em?

Yeah, but 12!

[bako]

Rules for creating lines

1. First do no harm
2. Leave the planet in better shape than you found it
3. Express yourself and have fun