Becoming a fluid improviser in any popular music genre takes time, patience and most of all hard work! A good method in developing your improvisation skills is to transcribe a solo using the following method...
1) Listen to your CD and MP3 collection and find a solo you would like to play. It should be challenging but don't make it too difficult to begin with.2) Import it into an audio editor, such as Audacity and slow down the tempo3) Play along with the solo in 2-4 bar phrases4) Write down what you have transcribed so far at the end of your practise session
5) Once you have completed the transcription after a few sessions, try playing it at a faster tempo step by step and then learn the solo in all 12 keys!!
Obviously it can take a long time to work out a transcription but as your skill develops it will get easier. Transcribing improves the vocabulary of your solos and depending on the player, it can help your 'feel' for a certain style. Good luck!Martyn Croston is a jazz pianist and music teacher based in London
Martyn Croston is a professional jazz pianist who performs at weddings and parties throughout London and the home counties. He has performed throughout the UK, USA and Russia both as a solo pianist and with numerous ensembles
