How to improvise with Mini-Melodies (Part 1 and 2)

[equenda]

Hi!
There are many different ways to learn to improvise in jazz, not just one.
Some students (myself included), after studying scales and arpeggios for a long time, were still unable to improvise original and effective solos.

The root of the problem was most likely the lack of a musical "vocabulary" consisting of a certain number of melodic ideas that, when combined, would allow for the expression of a complete musical discourse.

This concept is not new, and there are many books that explain it well. For my part, I wanted to make my small contribution with four videos. The first two are already published on my YouTube channel and feature a series of "Mini-Melodies" for the minor 7th chord and the dominant 7th chord.

At the beginning of June, I will publish the third video with 20 "Mini-Melodies" for the CMaj7 chord. At the end of June, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll publish the final video where I'll explain how to combine the various "Mini-Melodies" seen in the previous three videos to create longer, more complex melodic lines that I've called "Macro-Melodies."

I'd love to hear if you find the videos interesting or if this "Mini-Melodies" idea seems silly to you.

Grazie mille!

Ettore

VIDEO 1:

VIDEO 2:

[Tom Karol]

The idea of 'Mini-Melodies' or simply developing a vocabulary of 'Licks' that work with certain short chord patterns is fine. But what I do when introducing my students to improvising is focus on having them create variations to the song's original melody - duplicating certain notes, modifying the rhythm of the melody, adding little fills - that kind of thing. That doesn't mean that one can't move on to 'playing over the changes', but I think it's a good place to start. And, more importantly, I think that's how jazz improvisation started in the first place!

[charlieparker]

Hi!
There are many different ways to learn to improvise in jazz, not just one.
Some students (myself included), after studying scales and arpeggios for a long time, were still unable to improvise original and effective solos.

The root of the problem was most likely the lack of a musical "vocabulary" consisting of a certain number of melodic ideas that, when combined, would allow for the expression of a complete musical discourse.

This concept is not new, and there are many books that explain it well. For my part, I wanted to make my small contribution with four videos. The first two are already published on my YouTube channel and feature a series of "Mini-Melodies" for the minor 7th chord and the dominant 7th chord.

At the beginning of June, I will publish the third video with 20 "Mini-Melodies" for the CMaj7 chord. At the end of June, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll publish the final video where I'll explain how to combine the various "Mini-Melodies" seen in the previous three videos to create longer, more complex melodic lines that I've called "Macro-Melodies."

I'd love to hear if you find the videos interesting or if this "Mini-Melodies" idea seems silly to you.

Grazie mille!

Ettore

VIDEO 1:

VIDEO 2:

Always enjoy your videos. Were you using a fingernail as a pick?! Sounded like the real thing.

[Mick-7]

First time I've seen Bugs Bunny playing an archtop, I usually see him with a Les Paul.

I'd call those scale patterns, which could become melodies if you treat them right.

[equenda]

The idea of 'Mini-Melodies' or simply developing a vocabulary of 'Licks' that work with certain short chord patterns is fine. But what I do when introducing my students to improvising is focus on having them create variations to the song's original melody - duplicating certain notes, modifying the rhythm of the melody, adding little fills - that kind of thing. That doesn't mean that one can't move on to 'playing over the changes', but I think it's a good place to start. And, more importantly, I think that's how jazz improvisation started in the first place!

Thanks, Tom.
I agree 100% with what you wrote.
I also think it's very helpful to keep the song's original melody in mind when improvising. In fact, I've posted two "Thematic Solos" on my channel, one on "All The Things You Are" and the other on "Blue Bossa." Soon, I'd like to post a video for another "Thematic Solo" (guess what...)....on "Autumn Leaves."

Ettore

[equenda]

Always enjoy your videos. Were you using a fingernail as a pick?! Sounded like the real thing.

Thank you so much, CharlieParker!
My first steps on the guitar were taken by studying fingerpicking. Country Blues, Ragtime, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Charlie Patton, and especially Merle and Chet.
Then I fell in love with jazz and started using a pick.
Only four years ago did I accurately compare the sound I got with a pick to the one I could get with my index fingernail. With the latter, the sound is slightly warmer and "rounder." I should add that using a pick or my index fingernail...my technique is still quite limited...but at least I can do without having picks lying around the house.

Thanks again.

Ettore