Me improvising over I-vi-ii-V

[jimiclaptoncarl18]

Hey guys,

Well, I posted in the showcase section, but maybe this is a better place?

I just recorded this short improv. It's 20 choruses of me just trying to come up with melodies that fit over the changes. I'm basically trying to play what I hear in my head, I don't think I hit any "clams", but there are a couple times, where I play a note I didn't want to play.

Please keep in mind that I'm a beginner, since I've only started playing Jazz within the last month or so, and I'd like you all to give me some feedback and please point out any problems I may have with my playing.

Thanks!

I-vi-ii-V Jazz improv on Vimeo

[ksjazzguitar]

Originally Posted by jimiclaptoncarl18

I don't think I hit any "clams", but there are a couple times, where I play a note I didn't want to play.

Well, that is still a clam, by my definition, but I say that is you don't hit the occasional clam, then you aren't pushing your boundaries enough, so don't worry about it.

First off, good job.

One thing that positively loved was that you weren't afraid to leave some space. Too many beginners are afraid of space and try and fill it up with notes. You are clearly listening to what you are playing and listening to the space too - good job!

I also liked that you started out simply and built, another important thing that beginners often don't understand.

Also, you were thinking about the chords instead of just smearing scales over the top, yet another important thing that beginners often don't understand.

Now onto things that I think you could improve.

I noticed that in you keep coming back to the roots, not always, but enough to notice. I would try to work on your rhythmic phrasing a little - you tended to start and end lines in the same place every time. Try to break it up. Instead of doing 2 bar phrases all the time, try doing 3 bar, or 5 bar, maybe 2 1/2. Force yourself to do that for a while and then you'll break your ear out of "rhythm jail."

Everything you did was very consonant. That is appropriate at your level, but you may want to think about getting some dissonance in there. Approach some of the chord tones from a half-step below. Use a chromatic line to connect some chord tones. Stick a D# over the G7 and resolve it to the E in the CMaj7. Stick an Ab over the over the G7 and resolve it to the G in the CMaj7. Sub an A7b9 for the for the Am7 and resolve it correctly. These are things that will begin to spice up your playing.

But a great first step. You're on the right path. Keep up the good work.

Peace,
Kevin

[jimiclaptoncarl18]

Thanks a lot for your very helpful post! I agree with you 100% regarding the things I need to improve on.

[Meggy]

To add another compliment - you have a great natural sense of swing and phrasing which is very apparent already! A very good asset for a budding jazz guitarist to have, since this is kind of a natural thing that cannot easily be taught. I would echo the previous poster's excellent advice also, and in general I think just try to increase your stock of musical ideas (be they runs/licks/arppegio shapes or whatever) so that you have some good material to work off.

[jimiclaptoncarl18]

Thanks for the compliment Meggy!

I always try to be aware of rhythm when I'm practicing, so I'm glad it comes across when I'm playing and not thinking about it. And thanks for the advice, that's what I'm trying to do, as much as I can, absorb all these ideas from as many jazz cats as possible!

[Meggy]

Originally Posted by jimiclaptoncarl18

Thanks for the compliment Meggy!

I always try to be aware of rhythm when I'm practicing, so I'm glad it comes across when I'm playing and not thinking about it. And thanks for the advice, that's what I'm trying to do, as much as I can, absorb all these ideas from as many jazz cats as possible!

You have years of fun ahead of you! Good to be aware of the importance of rhythm too, although what I was largely saying was that you appear to have a natural feel for it anyway! Although you are not playing a whole lot of notes on the clip, you add a whole lot of interest just by the nice way you place notes timing-wise, which made it enjoyable to listen to. Keep posting on this forum too!