What NOT to play while improvising?

[markf]

I like what Dizzy G. wrote in his autobiography: If you happen to land on a wrong note, just hold it until it fits.

do you mean "to be or not to bop" ?

That is a very entertaining book. what an interesting man he was.

[C.A.JO.]

What not to play: Scales!

What to play: What you hear! (Hopefully it's not scales:-)).

How?

- Develop the necessary technique for your music goals.
- Learn the "language" in the style you're into. (In the beginning this is licks, lines, and patterns. But you should also listen to records every day from the style you want to learn - I assume you're into jazz).
- Practice ear training (this involves music theory).
- Practice: "hear" a phrase --> "play the phrase".