Learn How to Improvise:

Blues Soloing: From Concrete to Creative: Part 1

In this lesson, 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.

Once a student memorizes this exercise, they can begin to explore improvisation in a structured, tangible way.

Tips:

• The riff in this video is based upon the intervals “3”, “1”, “5” and “flat-7” from each chord of the blues. It’s a great idea to explain your students to think about how this “3-1-5-b7” pattern is constructed on each chord, which will help them to associate numbers with chord degrees.

• Take the time to explain what a dominant 7th chord is, so that students can have a firm grasp on how to build each chord and pattern as they change keys.

• Use a metronome! Placing your metronome on beats “2” and “4” will help keep the music swinging with a good time feel.

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