Learn How to Improvise:
Blues Soloing: From Concrete to Creative: Part 2
In this series, Columbus Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Pete Mills introduces a fun and accessible way to learn to solo over the 12-bar blues. The simple “riff” pattern demonstrated in the video and outlined in the attached .pdf is very effective in teaching easy solo vocabulary that also effectively outlines the common chord progression of the 12-bar blues.
In Part 2 of this series, Pete describes two ways that you can change the chord progression of the blues in your practice.
1.) Remove the “IV” chord in the second measure, and focus on playing four measures of the “I” chord, allowing you to “stretch out” or play longer ideas over a single chord.
2.) Replace the “V-IV-I” progression in measures 9-10 with a “ii-V-I” progression, to add variety to your solo vocabulary. Note: The “ii” chord in measure 9 is a minor 7th chord. This is a good chance for you to introduce the sound of the “ii” chord to your students and to describe how it leads to the “V”, a very common jazz chord progression.
Tips:
Be sure to focus not only on where you can add notes to your solos, but to the opportunities for space in your solos.
When learning the “ii-V-I” progression, start by playing the root of each chord. Then, as you learn the arpeggios for each chord, begin to play the root and 3rd, then add the 5th, 7th, and so on.
Play with the metronome on beats “2 and 4” and focus on maintaining the form of the blues with good time. Repetition is key!
Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/h0C-js6khI4