Learn How to Improvise:

Blues Soloing: From Concrete to Creative: Part 3

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 3 of this series, Pete demonstrates how to easily learn this exercise in new keys, expanding your knowledge of chords, keys and solo vocabulary all at the same time.

Steps:

1.) Start by memorizing the pattern in one key. In this case, Pete began in the key of F concert. It’s important to commit the fingerings and the sound of each pattern to memory!

2.) Move to the next key in the circle of fifths. In this case, Pete moves to the key of C concert. By doing so, you only have to learn one new chord and its pattern - the G chord. You already have the F and C chords learned from the playing the exercise in the key of F concert.

3.) Be sure to memorize the pattern in each key before improvising and adding your own ideas. Then, you can change the harmonic pattern in that key as described in lesson 2, or move to the next key in the circle of 5ths.

Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/8Fwubov0ho8