Jazz Piano Improvisation

When it concerns coming to be an excellent jazz improviser, it's everything about discovering jazz language. So unlike the 'half-step below method' (which can be outside the range), when approaching from over it sounds better when you keep your notes within the scale that you're in. That's why it's called the 'chord range above' approach - it remains in the scale.

If you're playing in C dorian range, the incorrect notes (missing notes) will be C# E F# G # B (or the notes of E major pentatonic scale). Half-step below - chord scale over - target note (e.g. C# - E - D). In this write-up I'll show you 6 improvisation techniques for jazz piano (or any type of tool).

For this to function, it needs to be the following note up within the scale that the music remains in. This offers you 5 notes to play from over each chord (1 3 5 7 9) - which is plenty. This can be put on any kind of note size (half note, quarter note, eighth note) - however when soloing, it's typically put on eighth notes.

Just come before any chord tone by playing the note a half-step below. To do this, stroll up in half-steps (with the whole chromatic scale), and make note of all the notes that aren't in your current scale. Cm7 enunciation (7 9 3 5) with solitary tune note (C) played to fascinating rhythm.

Currently you can play this 5 note range (the incorrect notes) over the very same C minor 7 chord in your left hand. With this technique you simply play the same notes that you're currently playing in the chord. Chord range above - half-step below - target note (e.g. E - C# - D).

Most jazz improvisation techniques piano solos feature a section where the melody stops, and the pianist plays a series of chord voicings, to an intriguing rhythm. These include chord tone soloing, approach patterns, triplet rhythms, 'chordal textures', 'playing out' and much more.