Allowing a soloist to interpret music their own way is prevalent in jazz music. Most all soloists know a common set of songs called standards. These standards are know by all and can be called on at any time in a concert . Standards are often the base around which a jazz solo is created. It is important to know the standards as you can see if you expect to be a soloist . To be a good soloist, you must know the song and understand the structure. Reading music can be an invaluable skill when it comes to this task.

 

 

The soloist usually will not begin prior to the main melody of the song being played once through by everyone. Only if you know how many bars the main part is will you know when to be prepared to launch your solo. You will receive a nod by the leader of the band to begin your solo when it is your time in any case. Often your solo will begin after the singer finishes the verse and chorus.

 

 

A great jazz improvisation will come with knowledge and study. Knowledge of the pattern of a song will give you a road map of where your solo should go. This is where all the time you spent practicing scales will bear its fruit. If you learn your scales in all keys and practicing going from one to another, you will be on your way to knowing what a jazz improvisation solo should sound like. Try playing arpeggios if you are having a hard time making up a solo, this may help get you going.  A solo is not just running scales however. The jazz solo should have something to say after all, so do not just play scales by rote. You cannot plan your solo note by note but you can plan a basic route you will take.

 

 

The melody simply played is a good place to start your jazz improvisation. A simple start allows for a greater latitude in expression as you move through the solo. You can then increase the tempo, dynamics and tension before resolving to the original melody at the end of your solo. If you examine some of your favorite solos, you will see that more often than not they follow this general structure .

 

 

You can learn from other soloists as you build your skills. Listen to recordings and go to concerts. In time you will know what the pattern of a good jazz improvisation is intrinsically without being told.

 

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