"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
For some, the idea of improvisation is like jumping off a diving board. You stare at the vast surface of water, knowing it's deep but you're unsure what to do with yourself along the way, and you kind of short circuit.
Knowing some of the tools, scales, arpeggios, licks (motifs) can help, but it can also intimidate. We can try to do too much. Zak Borden in his continuing YouTube video sessions has a three part series on improvisation. His is a masterful approach to diving in without fear. A simple direction: know where you are going to do to start and how long you have. Then, it's just a matter of filling out a skeleton with the very basics of melody.
Disclaimer: In the 'Information Age' of the 21st Century,
any fool with a computer, a modem, and an idea can
become a self-professed 'expert." This site does not
come equipped with 'discernment.'
April 2, 2015 | Zak Borden Mandolin Lesson: Beginning Improv. 1
