Jazz Tips

• Learn the language – Here is a handout explaining jazz chord notation:

• Use iRealPro
• Learn jazz standards using a Real Book
• Listen to jazz greats such as J.J. Johnson or Mark Nightengale (just to name 2!)
• Transcribe solos of great players – click here to see an example
• Learn scales and patterns of all kinds – Here is a handout with modal scales (as one example):

Constructing a solo:

• use parts of the tune
• use patterns such as thirds, scales, intervals, etc…
• use silence – don’t just try to fill in every little space
• use sequencing – play the same lick at a different pitch level or in a different octave or at a different volume, etc…
• vary attributes such as range, dynamics, articulations, etc…
• use special effects such as flutter tongue, smears, scoops, etc…
• tell a story
• record yourself taking a solo and listen back to find things to improve