How Do You Learn Simple Jazz Improvisation?
Improvisation is creating in real time. Some musicians are superb at this skill. It involves risk, and the rewards are very enjoyable. Start with small steps. Choose a simple tune you’re confident with. Memorize it on your instrument of choice. Play it through as written, with absolutely no changes. Play it and change two notes by altering the pitch or rhythm. For example, “Are You Sleeping?” is F G A F (to name the pitches of the four quarter notes). Normally the F G A F is repeated. However, play four eighth notes in place of the F and G. Try this: F E F G (in eighth notes), then A F in quarters to complete the first phrase. Use the same pattern in “Brother John”: A Bb C (in quarter notes); A G A Bb (in eighth notes); C (as a half note).
