[Trombone-l] Improv in daily routine

[Daniel Pliskin]

> Along with tone, scales, and chord spelling, chord function within a piece is extremely important.  For example, let's consider a A minor triad.  In the context of a piece, is it a I harmony, a VI harmony, a II of V harmony, or a V of II harmony?  Certainly it could be any or all of those things. Where that knowledge becomes helpful in improvisation is in being able to hear chordal/harmonic structure particularly in a unfamiliar, or somewhat familiar work.  Suppose you've only had a chance to learn a particular tune in C.  Knowing the names of the changes in C may not help you if you find you have to play the tune in Eb.  Knowing how the chords function in the harmony and hearing that way can help.  In short, while a A minor triad might be a VI chord in C, the VI chord function in the tune will be the VI chord function regardless of the key.


This is exactly where I find that theory falls on its face.  I was improvising, long before I learn theory.  I did studio work, did a few live radio shows, did lots of demo work, even had a top-ten R&B hit.  

Yes theory is VERY important.  But it's most important because it gives you a context for ear training.  It's ear training that tells you where you can take a particular phrase.  If I was charting a tune I'd be aware that it was a I, VI, II, V, for example.  But I don't actually think about I, VI, II, V when I'm improvising, I'm just playing something that I think will sound good with the music.  And when you start getting into whether the chord is from this key or that key, well, you just missed the point.  

You're not trying to play notes of a chord.  You're playing musical phrases, phrases that have a similar flavor to the tune.  The theory wakes your ears up to what's possible, but it's your ear that tells you what to play.  That's why I start people on the basics.  Start by playing the scale of the piece you're listening to.  Alter that scale slightly, so that it wounds better.  Now try an exercise, like a Hannon Piano exercise, in the key of the music you're listening to.  Alter that exercise to make it sound better, when played with the music you're listening to.  This stuff gets your ears working on what sounds good and what doesn't.  When your ear gets better, you should be able to play the melody and other parts of the music you're listening to.  Start simple, like with Kind of Blue or Sugar.  Work up to West Side Story or Giant Steps.  

Boredom will set in many times along the way, where you're simply sick of that same old stuff you play.  The boredom will drive you to catch up on your theory, ear training, scales and exercises.  The boredom will drive you to try playing other things.

But most importantly, improvisation is a learned skill.  It's not just going to hit you some day, while you're working on technique.  You need to practice it.

Enjoy,

DanP


 



 
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