Perspective

The musical base depends on the perspective.

The most relevant perspective in improvisation are the chords – the harmonies- and rhythm. We’ll focus on the chords first.

The base is simply what is already there*. The pizza base for example. We wouldn’t think of making that base tastier by just adding more pizza base to it. We would add something that fits well with it. Something that complements the base. Adds variation. Adds diversity. Adds color.

Melody

The base in melodies are the chord tones.

Make the melody the same as the background (chords) and it will blend in. It won’t add much if anything; no extra color or ‘flavor’ or tension. Just change the ratios a bit.

If you don’t know what chord tones are – simply the individual tones that combined form a chord, a harmony, ‘the tones in the chord’ – and have no clue about chord symbols, don’t worry. Here you learn how to improvise by ear. 

Sure, the rhythm of your melody adds some tension; some structure to the base. And the more rhythmic tension you add to your melody made ‘out of base’ (chord tones) the more your melody will stand out from the base.

So when you use chord tones in your melody – melodic phrases, improvisation – you won’t add harmonic tension (the interaction of the different frequencies of the chord tones: known as ‘interference’). You’ll just emphasize the chord tones you’re using: change the ratios a bit. This still leaves the opportunity to create tension.

  • for example by making the character of a note – short/long, legato/staccato, loud/soft, round/shrill – stand out.
  • or through rhythmic tension How? Later.

No tension

Chord tones don’t add any harmonic tension. So why use them? They create rest/peace. Very important!

Rest

That’s why you should also use no notes at all: silence. Rest. And attention for what the other musicians are doing. Also very important. And a pause to take a breath. For you, and for the listeners. So their brain can get some rest.

Base example

I’ll have my husband explain all this. He’s the brain behind this ‘How to improvise’ method after all.

Featured in this video is my mini-keyboard. It’s been all over the world. I take it with me whenever I go somewhere to coach or perform.

It fits in my suitcase :)

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