How To Improvise On Chord Changes

[@HerroVincey]

In one lesson, I learned how to elevate my game a HUGE step to the next level. This was amazing, and I truly appreciate this.

[@robertgreen3702]

Thank you, Ruslan. So clearly and well presented. I'm very lazy but you've inspired me to work.,😁😁

[@haroldmsimmons]

I love this man. This really opens my eyes and my ears on chord changes as a Sax player.

[@saxsmithmusic3258]

Harold Simmons same here

[@pocketcloud4930]

dude, i've been a pianist for 32 years now, and this is exactly how i do things in my mind when i improvise - be it jazz, blues, rock or pop. great job explaining it. best video on improvising, IMO. i tell my students: if you don't know your scales (not fast, just knowing them), you don't know anything about music except how to dance to it.

[@norym32]

yep

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

The rudiments 2 and 1/2 ..3 And a 1/2.. All 12 scales can be learned in one day. The major scales are key to everything . Even the Minors ultimately are a variation of their relative scale I try to practice every scale , at least every few days.

[@freshtank1]

Nobody, nobody, nobody has been able to answer my questions about how to start improvising like you, my dear Sir. I’ve watched tons of videos, I have lessons twice a week, I have a stack of jazz how-to books. You have saved me from total frustration and my practicing will be joyful from here on out. Thank you for that gift. You literally changed my life. Electric cellist here.

[@thedoctor3835]

You are such an amazing friend to have in my jazz music journey . You just brightened up my wet Saturday afternoon in May in UK

[@eechingtan3372]

This is the best video on improvisations I have seen in my entire life. Have been struggling to understand how modes are applied to improvisation

[@JoeCarnaggio]

Finally!!! Something on KZbin that illustrates that there ARE no shortcuts. Thank you Ruslan

[@aguztinalvarez]

composing a solo using just the common tones is the biggest shortcut to try to sound decent....

[@vincedonevon316]

100% yes to your comment

[@hillaryjones1330]

This video is absolutely amazing. I've been struggling for years trying to wrap my head around this topic even attending a week-long jazz seminar. Thank you, thank you. I've had an epiphany thanks to you. Wonderful !

[@saltiii]

It's honestly really refreshing having someone explain how to learn modes without using the word, only to just confuse people more than help them, I'm sure people are very thankful for this explanation without realizing they're learning modes

[@arnoldfearon3920]

Only one word needed. Excellent!!!!!

[@Baldheadedalex]

Sax player here and man...this video is soooo helpful. I want to thank you for 20 minutes plus the time it took for you to create the songs/video/screenshots everything! Thank you!

[@urgoldteef]

Flying lotus just shared this video on twitter and I’m so thankful that this exists. I’ve been wanting to get into improvising but have had no clue where to start with any of it. This is fantastic information and it makes me want to practice these exercises every day! Subscribed for sure.

[@itsayesfromme2669]

What I like more than the lessons themselves is just how giving and open you are. Ruslan, I thank you for that. It is why I like artists and musicians more than anyone else; it's because they give so freely, nothing is kept as a secret or a mystery. You are not only a top class player but also a top class human being. Thank you.

[@ruslanpiano]

Kenneth Little thank you Kenneth. I really appreciate that. In an ocean of comments about Lydian flat 7 and rhythmic displacements, it warms my heart to read the words you wrote.

[@pectenmaximus231]

Brilliant exposition, don't think I've ever seen such an immediately useful/practical approach to the subject. Thank you!

[@bodeokedayo5614]

This is the best lesson on jazz improvisation I have ever seen. If every one teaches it like this. Thanks so much. You have opened my eyes..

[@latinkeys1]

It’s so simple the way you explain it, super helpful. I hear all the notes but never follow a line of thought. This showed me that that’s where my problem lays

[@laurielyon7740]

Excellent clip. Great job. I have subscribed as a result of seeing how enlightening your explanations are. I’m a 70 year old clarinet player who returned to his instrument after a hiatus of almost 50 years. I’m studying to improve my improvisation, having never been much of an improviser in my youth. And I’m loving it!! I think you might just be the vehicle to take me where I want to go. Thanks!!!

[@ruslanpiano]

Laurie Lyon I am so very happy to hear, sir!!!! If there is anything I can ever do - please comment and ask!!! I’m honored to have you on my channel

[@limpassieredechezpaul9948]

Exactly the same for me as a piano player! Cheers!😁

[@serseriherif9530]

man your track record is AMAZING, these lessons blow my mind every time plus you are so humble despite the crazy accomplishments in your life... you are making the world a nicer place imho, thnx for all of this

[@ruslanpiano]

Thank you so much, my friend.... your words have truly moved me and touched me. Im happy I can offer some help to this many people in the world, on a distance. I really appreciate you taking the time to write me here. Thank you...

[@reubenyahsrael346]

I'll have to say this is one of the best explanations of playing on chord changes I've ever seen! a lot of work to be done well worth it! Now it begins!

[@vincedonevon316]

In short, brillant lesson, thanks for sharing. Its like you knew what you had to be doing over the chord changes with the notes of the chord, but this video just clears it all up about what specifically needs to be done, it validates years of thought. Plus, when you see someone flying over an improvisational line, you don't always appreciate all the hard work, preparation and analysis they have put in to understanding the piece before they go and improv over it. Thanks again. Appreciated and GREAT. Vince

[@thephunk1]

This is the best instructional solo video I have seen in a considerably long time. Thank you for this.

[@electorize]

Excellent instructions. This is one of those videos on YT, among thousands of others on the same topic, where you really learn about a new way to practice.

[@joany2000]

very talented pianist and teacher with inspiring vidéo ...thx a lot for sharing.

[@tommyiglesias2267]

Tip: Use G dorian and E Aeolian, that will create an extra common tone: the note E natural. Also try E minor blues, that will give you the Bb so another common tone :) Final one, the G harmonic minor to get the F# which is common to E minor. :)

[@eduardoinke7081]

Wow. Never thought of that! Using different scale structures to create more common tones!!! Awesome!!

[@starros1]

Ruslan, I've been waiting for someone to explain improvisation and chord changes the way you do. It was a brilliant presentation, so clear that I understood it all. Now the work begins. Thank you so much!

[@BAwesomeDesign]

I love your editing. And I love the no-nonsense idea presented here. It's funny when you don't leave anything out, the tone can come across as kind of sarcastic... but I love it. It makes total sense.

[@MrDimwits]

Gold. Currently working on my tetrachords in all inversions (at long last). This opens a door. Thanks a million, Ruslan.

[@efren84025]

Dude, where have you been all my life? You Sir just explained this whole 'mystery' on improvisation in terms i can understand. Thank you so much.

[@camerongainer1638]

Quite possibly one of the most helpful videos on youtube about improvisation! Thank you!

[@ЯнКарлин-й9э]

Прекрасное объяснение, превосходная серия упражнений, спасибо Руслан!

[@jallor]

I’m a guitar player and your explanation of playing over changes in this fashion was excellent, easy to understand and transferable to guitar. Thank you!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Guitar player since about 12. around 15 remember putting the needle down on the record and trying to learn the next Chet Atkin Lick.. I didn't have a Gretchen. my dad had gave me a Sear Silverstone. The high fret action toughened up my fingers.

[@jonbrewster7512]

This is my favorite music instruction video I have EVER seen. I have been looking for something to help me solo on guitar. It’s definitely a lot of work. But, if you know your scale shapes and have access to a practice play along piece, you’re good to go. Many Thanks!

[@jcdrnosecone]

This is the practice session I'd been hoping to find for a couple of weeks..... just what I need

[@briankops]

Thank you Ruslan so much for making this video! This is an absolute gold mine of information. I’m excited to get working on this.

[@Gilloringsend]

A truly simple concept that I often thought about in an abstract way. Brilliant now to “see” how to use this. Thanks

[@Jazzcaz15]

What an interesting way of looking at improvising over changes. Thankyou.

[@zoaltamam]

Oh Ruslan!! It is almost unfair that stuff like this exists for free here, and from a virtuoso such as yourself! Thanks a lot for that! Well, playing over chord changes!!! That’s always been a mystery to me, even though I have a very good ear and can play almost as soon as I hear the first chorus, but making it really good is very tough man! I play Sax and have searched the internet up and down for a method like yours, and I have finally made it home. There are a ton of videos and methods out there that address this very subject, and we are always expected to do the hard work. That’s fine, but I have never seen a method that is so intuitive and logical and complete, regardless of the time it could take to master! You see, I don’t mind putting the time to practice, as far as I am confident I’m on the right path! Thanks again, I’m off to subscribe to your channel now, see you there! Ashraf

[@ruslanpiano]

Ashraf Dahab thank you for the kind words my friend! I’m so very happy that this is of any help to you. I agree, many of us are not putting hard work in, not because we are lazy, but because the path ahead is unclear and we don’t know the precise steps to take and the exact things to sweat over!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

I know what you mean. There is so much to jazz and music in general. He has given us a golden roadmap. As you say..you spend all kinds of time.. but without a vast amount of time, we find ourselves going in circles.

[@kunzangrangdrol]

Well this is the tutorial i have been needing to see for about the last 30 years or so. This is the missing knowledge that I have been seeking. So, thank you, Ruslan, for picking up on this "problem" and giving folks this system to work with.

[@luvkayakn]

Thank you for such a well explained and demonstrated lesson.

[@noordinm]

I play the saxophone and am slowly being introduced to playing over chord changes. Its tough but your video has opened up a whole new way of looking at it. Thanks so much. I'm glad I stumbled across your video

[@islandmikes-sailingandtrad8473]

Best explanation I have seen in years....methodical fundamentals,fundamentals, fundamentals Boy was my instructor lacking in techniques to move me along..thank you!

[@ruslanpiano]

+chinamikes-sailingandtrading-co. Happy to hear this!!

[@cafiristanemperor]

Hey, my name is André and I am from Brazil, how are you? I must say that your video is one of, if not the best one about improvisation over chord changes that I have found on the internet! Right to the point, with several examples and very practical! I could never thank you enough! I wish you all the best, sincerely!

[@ruslanpiano]

Thank you so much. It makes me very happy to hear it :) I will continue to make more videos. And if there is any specific topic you want to learn about - please let me know and I'll cover it!

[@dennisa946]

The video itself is so well done, clear, not rushed and with the explanations/method of Mr Sirota it can empower many players trying to improvise, I for one. I wish I found you before this - thanks for your generosity.

[@rafaelhernandez9602]

The best theoretical explanation I have heard about jazz improvization. Excellent explanation.

[@jonahm7545]

Its taken me 6 months to find a tutorial this helpful. Thank you SO much! I wish I had this wayyyyy sooner.

[@danielirilarry]

I have no words to describe the clearness in the way you've chosen to explain these concepts. I knew about it, but you show it in a different way. I'm very happy discovering your channel! Thanks a lot!

[@ruslanpiano]

Thank you so much. I'm very happy to hear you are enjoying the videos!!! :)

[@carolschiller5745]

I am a jazz piano student since Many years ago, Lhave seen a lot of jazz tutoríals and books But these is the first l watch yours , l sincerely congratúlate so much you because your explanación about these tópic was so clear and lovely and Warmfully and so unselfish that reach not only the mind but the heart .¡wonderful teaching, these really helps me to follow to the next lével (excuse my Poor English. l´m from México. My name is Adrian Hernández, from now your disciple Thanks a lot.

[@blacklonggadogg]

Bless you, Ruslan. You have talent in simplifying topics that seem intricate for the most of us.

[@ruslanpiano]

blacklonggadogg happy to hear you found this helpful! Thank you so much!

[@micheldindaine8403]

Mr Ruslan Sirota, first of all, I have to say THANK YOU AND RESPECT!! you just say all there is to know about playing music for real. I did not even know your existence and I am a humble bass player who has just discovered you, and I get that pedagogical punch in the face ( but it feels soooo good !!! ).

[@ruslanpiano]

+michel DINDAINE I’m really happy to hear!! That’s great! :)

[@kenneththompson4533]

Excellent: A really comprehensive and logical approach to something that sometimes comes across as mystifying. Thank you for this

[@raulo2351]

Thank you, thank you and thank you. This video have just put things in order of so many books that I once started studying and never finished. Let's do it!

[@jdcaporali]

This is PURE GOLD! Thank you so so much!

[@oziermuhammad2488]

Hi Ruslan, I have a lot of appreciation for your generosity, honesty (if one wants to get better you have to put in the work) and methodology. I am now a subscriber and I hope from time to time I will have questions for you.

[@businnovate]

Even though I'm yet to start rehearsing with this lesson but this is on of the best I've ever seen, so detailed and practicable. you are such a good teacher thanks so much for this lots of love man.

[@ChoBee333]

You are a great teacher! Can’t believe I learned so much already! Thank u!

[@eloyjazz]

been playing for a while, took away more that I initially thought, Play guitar...putting your method to work immediately...Thanks

[@neilloughran4437]

Amazing video man. the fact you give a specific set of exercises to work on is the icing on the cake to me. Really appreciated!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Yeah we can play over his backing tracks.

[@CineMutt]

This lesson is a clear, specific set of suggestions that never bogs down. It leaves me ready to get going. It is obvious you speak from experience. Thank you thank you for not leaving me hanging with a fragmentary bit of info and lots of chord jargon. May all good things come to you!

[@ruslanpiano]

CineMutt Thank you for the acknowledgement. Yes, there’s too much smoke and magic around many of the crucial topics in music. While I can not teach people inspiration or make them any more talented than they naturally are, I can teach the CRAFT part of music about as clear and precise as geography or physics are taught. It is with this goal in mind that I set out to make these videos. I’m glad it’s coming across as intended, my friend! Cheers! Ruslan

[@htc6441]

Thank you very much Ruslan. You resolved for me one of my most difficult problems regarding use if modes from just watching this video.

[@musiclaw355]

The best explanation i heard on this truely frustrating subject. Thank you!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

He is an excellent teacher.

[@mikedee2201]

A very elegant and approachable system - thank you

[@davidmanhart2980]

Excellent. Lots of new ideas. Thanks!

[@michaelfkilleen7390]

An awesome approach Ruslan thank you for the the simple yet profound advice.

[@markvador6667]

Simple and clear. Wow. Thank you A LOT

[@Videoseminarkanal]

That's great. Thank's a lot. I am a beginner as far as this type of music is concerned. I am very happy that I found your chanel!

[@zurckoni]

excellent! EXACTLY what i've been looking for. thank you.

[@anthonycarbonaro7890]

Very excellent presentation..

[@thedaychr]

Good class, totally changes the perspective of the issue

[@gdp9598]

Good lesson, your way to explain step by step how to improvise is excellent !

[@1821712]

Rusian, I love this lesson. I have been very tentative about improvising and not knowing where to begin. Thanks so much, for giving me a starting point and a good reason to learn modes. I play guitar poorly, but love learning it, as my hobby in retirement.

[@ruslanpiano]

That’s really great! Good choice of hobby!! :)

[@kylebustard4434]

This is a very valuable lesson on improvisation. Thank you!

[@TrungDuong1992]

Very useful, I added this to my favorite videos. Great job in explaining it and thank you.

[@marcosmonteiromusic]

You have a special talent for teaching. You made a concept, that most people make complicated, sound doable for the rest of us. Tnx :)

[@willierodriguez5236]

Very helpful. Trimming my practice time with more essentials to freely improvise. Thanks.

[@melodichands7092]

What an eye opening video,this was really designed for me.Sir Ruslan,you are amazing

[@k22bngpny]

Thank you this is the best explanation on how to use the scales in improv and the common notes between two chord scale.

[@davidcox8961]

Thank you for this Ruslan !! Your's is the clearest lesson I've come across about how to use the changes as a single note player. I play flute and tenor sax. I use my creativity and instincts to improvise with but sometimes I just don't have anything to say- or what I do say sounds like crap. I know that if I play the notes in the scale of the chord it will work. I'm about to go to bed but first thing tomorrow I'm going to take some songs that I don't like to solo on and see what I can do, using your advice about common tones.

[@ruslanpiano]

David Cox I’m very happy to hear this!! Thank you :)))

[@defsharp11]

I don't have the patience to watch a longer vid . You hooked me in absolutely fascinating, methodical approach that made sense straight away. I teach and I can reconise a great teacher as well as a sublime musician I am in the presence of . This is the first video I had to comment on Many thanks and brilliant work Ruslan and labour of love sharing your passion from John in the UK

[@ruslanpiano]

John Oswin thank you so much my friend

[@rayfarr6303]

Thank you! Best lesson on here for improvising. Ray Trombone.

[@Rasmus-LX5]

So clear !! no more mystery ! tell me more ! Thanks !!!

[@nycstev]

Definitely the best out there . I have looked at all of them. Including attending Barry H workshops. This is just pure common sense

[@KS-pj8rk]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I'm studying jazz guitar in my recent retirement, your video has provided a lovely starting point for soloing of chord changes. Thank you again.

[@KS-pj8rk]

Soloing over chord changes. By way of giving something back there's a beautiful full length seminar by Ted Greene that I think you might like, it's exceptional. it's from 1993, the video quality is not great and the sound could be better, and to top it off he was a guitarist, guitar teacher not piano, but please give it a try, it's seminar as performance art: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH2zlnVrfN6Apqs

[@derycktaylor3677]

Thank you. An excellent instructional video. Just what I needed.

[@MarkNelsonful]

Wonderful, will do practices, great fun! Thanks, Mr, Sirota!

[@shabzstarchintu1211]

This is awesome so clear thanks dude

[@angelaarmstrong4510]

Great Lesson... Thankful...

[@dmorales64]

I am not an accomplished musician, but I have always wondered how improvisation worked. I knew there had to be a mutuality and connection when playing in a key.. Thanks, I will re-watch this video over and over until it sinks and practice starting with just one key.

[@gerardbarrett8369]

I really enjoyed these 20 minutes and will apply it to my sax improvisation. I will continue viewing, studying, practicing and applying what you teach. Thank you for sharing.

[@ruslanpiano]

I’m very happy to hear that! Thank you for checking out my channel :)

[@acyutanandadas1326]

I have a great 'ear' which is a blessing and a curse. I hear the notes of a chord but I am illiterate in structuring my solos. I'm gonna play this video a lot

[@zifuzmalikoshaylou1052]

The best i ve seen on impro in 20mn.. This is precious information and great video ..

[@ruslanpiano]

Thank you!

[@mago569]

Trying out for jazz allstate ensemble. This will help thanks!!!!

[@waltersmith132]

To me, you explained improvising on chord changes in a very simplistic way. I see how its done, but as you stated I've got to put the work in of familiarizing myself with the various modes. I'm an old dude trying to advance my understanding of how to play the piano. Thanks

[@ruslanpiano]

Well, just because the student has to put a lot of work in, doesnt mean the explanation is Simplistic :) This video basically says: there are many things you need to practice in order to improvise well on chord changes, but until you control these first few basic things, you will not progress very far. Plus - I'm inviting you to check out my videos "How to improvise on chord changes" part 2, part 3, and part 4. Those are more advanced than this one, but they build upon this one.

[@freedomseeker6336]

This is the best lesson for me, thanks a lot!

[@SiFi5478]

Thank you so much Ruslan. You are such an inspiring teacher! I found you through Janek's channel (bass player here).

[@ruslanpiano]

Si Greg glad u dig it!! Lots more coming

[@SiFi5478]

Can't wait!!

[@pearseobyrne]

Oh my my my, you have just blasted me into the stratosphere.. I've been playing guitar for two hundred years and lately started fumbling into jazz piano but this has sent me back to guitar soloing and turned my head around through 180. What a truly fabulous lesson. Let me know how I can contribute to your work. And is that you playing piano? Thank you so very, very much. Pearse

[@ammiammi1974]

Excellent. Thanks a million.

[@robertgannon2586]

Well said....

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Very good..love those backing tracks.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

I plan to go over and over your video.. As you played some improv ove,r I think it was Gm , I was totally getting it.. also you filled in the blanks on what goes with what. I will be sharing this link .I was busy yesterday making a guitar video on Autumn leaves. I am improving ..I think it's Cmaj. A good place to start on jazz songs i is to do the diatonic 7ths. I literally write them out. Also 2 apps ( Maestro and Score Creator), are very easy to use. I write them out and they play back in midi form.. I did a video or two on Georgia on my mind. Hoagy write it in F. So I take the time to write out (F maj7 FACE, Gmin7 G Bb D F, Amin7 ACEG, Bbmaj7 Bb D F A, C7, Dminor7 DFAC, Emin7b5 E G Bb D). As you know all this, the song starts in Fmaj7 then Emin7 b5 and then then Emin 7 b5 is turned into a A7 b9 by just moving the pinky to C#..of course with an A bass... Georgia on mind in F is a study in the uses of the diatonic 7 this. At one point a D9 is in there. I play a lot of the song in D blues, not F Blues. Wasn't planning on writing so much,but this may help someone..Hope no typos..on my Android phone.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Spell check .. needs help.. changes tenses etc. Anyways..Love your videos. TIP FOR VIEWERS THAT ARE STRUGGLING. Say you want to play a song in Gmin7 natural. Well what I used to do..and I can't believe I didn't see this. I would think..well the G must be the six of something...I'm thinking oh the Aolian mode. (G A Bb C D Eb F G) 5 or 10 seconds..problem is that in the real world when a song is flying by..you better know it or the opportunity is lost .ÀNSWER GO UP A MINOR 3RD.. Why think backwards. I just thought that someone may be helped with this.

[@brandonway641]

my mind just expanded more. THANK YOU!!!

[@CharlesAustin]

Nice choice of chords .. that tells us more than one might think !! Thanks .. hip, dude !!

[@cocuk-sarkilari]

Thanks bro🙏🙏🎹💃🕺🏻