How do you make improvisation sound musical?

[sticktothemuse]

I will digest that, more good advice, thanks!

[Stuartw]

@DavidP

As I recall you have not delved into music theory. I forget if you have done the first few free lessons of Justin’s Practical Music Theory.

I’ve done up to module 3 but it was a long time ago and have probably forgotten more than I can remember.

@DavidP

Then play patterns of 5 notes on the beat like this 1 2 3 4 A C D C A 2 3 4 A C D C A 2 3 4.

That’s easy enough. No real problems with that.

@DavidP

Just start with that. See how it sounds and feels.

Sounds OK, though after the 20th time of doing it the fingers want to explore further or even, dare I say, stick a ‘hammer on’ on the D!!

[Stuartw]

@Richard_close2u

Did you give it a go?
If yes, how was it?

It went fine. No real issues. It’s knowing where to go next that’s the problem. I can learn these simple licks but no idea how to sue them to sound musical!

@Richard_close2u

The example I created above is an example of motifs

OK thanks.

[BurnsRhythm]

Okay Stuart, I’m joining in the fun.

First I play @DavidP’s little riff but I don’t play it twice as in his suggestion.
I add in your idea of the hammer and follow it with a flick back to C. The hammer is on the ‘and’ after 2, the flick on 3
Then I play G (below A) then A
Then David’s riff again.
So it goes like this:

A C D C A 2 3 4
A CD C G A 2 3 4
A C D C A 2 3 4

And then……your turn to find something for the next line!

[Stuartw]

@BurnsRhythm

A C D C A 2 3 4
A CD C G A 2 3 4
A C D C A 2 3 4

And then……your turn to find something for the next line!

How about

A C D C A 2 3 4
A CD C G A 2 3 4
A C D C A 2 3 4
A C D (bend-release) C A 2 3 4

or

A C D C A 2 3 4
A CD C G A 2 3 4
A C D C A 2 3 4
/A 2 C D A 2 3 4

[BurnsRhythm]

Yep, they both sound good

So you CAN improvise and make it sound musical. Just a case of finding an idea and building around it. You’re on your way. Have fun!

[CT]

@Jamolay

but, to the horror of Clint (@CT) , I mostly play music already created by others and I am still happy with my journey.

Live your best life.

[DavidP]

@Stuartw

Sounds OK, though after the 20th time of doing it the fingers want to explore further or even, dare I say, stick a ‘hammer on’ on the D!!

Of course they do Stuart.

The point of my example was to illustrate the idea of starting and finishing on a chord tone playing notes from the scale in between.

Once you understand that small piece of theory (what are the chord tones of the one chord you are vamping over) and that simple musical idea (to start and finish on a chord tone), then use those to improvise over a single chord.

Of course play other notes on other strings and use all the techniques in your toolbox (hammer, slide, bend), remembering the power of a pause between phrases.

I think that is a way to develop some ear and feel. Change the chord, the rhythm of it.

Have a fun and see how it goes over time. I think it can help without worrying about learning licks and playing musically over a 12 bar blues.