I have been playing guitar for around 2 years and I mostly play sheet music. My friend recently invited me to play in his jam band and I would appreciate any tips to get better at improvising.
2006-06-14 03:03:43 · 8 answers · asked by Liuman 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
with rhythms - learning the "riffs" that are being played is essential to jamming... if the riffs are being made up on the spot - then learn the chords / placements / timings as you go along... at two years this should be ok with your experience.
with soloing... if you've never improvised soloing before... try any scales with the root note (usually the key of the first chord in the solo riff) and see how they sound. If you've never done this before.. learn some universal scales like what is discussed in the link i've provided... email me if you'd like more detailed info.
also check out whatever this site has to offer... seems pretty cool.
2006-06-14 03:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by abcinco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a trumpet player for a long time and had the exact same problem. I could read music like it was nobody's business but when it came to improvising, I just couldn't. The best thing to do is put the music down when you practice and just play. Record a chord progression and play it back and jam with it. Just remember... not everyone can improvise. It has to be in your soul. If it's not there, you'll know it right away.
2006-06-14 06:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by jc1129_us 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations!
I think improvisation is all about not thinking and just doing what feels right. If what you come out with rocks great, if it sucks try something else. Unlike sheet music, there is not a set way to improvise. The grateful dead were the kings of improv and Garcia never planned what he would do, he just played. (Of course he did have a little help from various substances and some crazy talent). Anyway, I suggest you listen to them if you don't already. Pick up any album called Dick's Picks # (?) and check it out. They might give you some ideas.
2006-06-14 03:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by guitar4peace 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know a scale that works with the song you are playing, just pick out random notes and see how they sound. After a while it should just flow. When I get bored with my playing, I do just this. Sometimes I come up with a really cool riff.
2006-06-14 04:28:32 · answer #4 · answered by Joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stating the obvious
take more lessons play all the time till you fingers are numb and bleeding
2006-06-14 03:08:23 · answer #5 · answered by searchingjohn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep playing
2006-06-14 03:05:41 · answer #6 · answered by Andy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try some books
2006-06-14 03:17:22 · answer #7 · answered by catholica 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out guitaralliance.com
2006-06-14 03:07:38 · answer #8 · answered by Tumblefish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋