A Simple and Direct Guide to Jazz Improvisation

(Jazz Book). Helps musicians know what to do with specific chords in specific contexts. Lays out clear and objective guidelines on how to turn scales and chords into real music. Perfect for a college or high school improvisation class!

When I was starting out I reached a point when I was stymied: I had a good technique on my instrument, I knew my chords, and I listened to jazz all the time, but when I tried to improvise, it just didn't sound like jazz. Playing the chords didn't work. After talking to several accomplished musicians, as well as transcribing a few Charlie Parker solos, I eventually found a handful of basic principals that turned my playing around within the period of a few weeks. All chords are not created equal, and approaching chord types in the right way is not complicated. In this book I've attempted to present a simple method to improvising in the bebop style that brings quick results.