1.6 Improvisation – Extend

Creating blues melodies with the blues form harmonies is where it all starts. Below, are four 12 bar choruses of blues. Play the written examples with the band in the first 4 bars of each blues chorus. Then , continue to play the last 8 bars of each 12 bar blues chorus with the trumpet. Try to imitate what the trumpet plays.

Click and listen carefully as you play with the band and trumpet.

1.6 Play Track: Improvisation - Extended
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How to use the A-B Repeat feature

Click and drag the left arrow to establish the loop starting point. Then click and drag the right to establish the ending point.

Choose your instrument below.

Fixed Rhythms

Making up melodies with fixed rhythms helps you develop and control your improvisation. Here are a few melodies with fixed rhythms for you to work with. After the trumpet plays each written blues melody, use the same rhythm to make up your own blues licks in the open measures. Use the minor blues scale as a reference.

Click and hear how this is done.

1.6 Play Track: Fixed rhythms example
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How to use the A-B Repeat feature

Click and drag the left arrow to establish the loop starting point. Then click and drag the right to establish the ending point.

Now you try it!

1.6 Play Track: Fixed rhythms
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How to use the A-B Repeat feature

Click and drag the left arrow to establish the loop starting point. Then click and drag the right to establish the ending point.