Motivic Development: Try Smaller Melodies and Build Them Up! | Lesson

[@jimkangas4176]

I retired from my day gig not too long ago and since have been trying to learn how to play solo. I used to play in restaurants with a bass player and that worked pretty well. I can play chord melody okay, but when it comes to improvising solo and trying to keep a groove, I have a hard time with the phrasing (now I have to be the bass player and/or the rhythm player). So smaller ideas are necessary so I can throw in chords. A fruitful thing to work on for me!

[@JuanDhas]

Glad to hear this resonated with you, Jim! Trying to comp for yourself is an exercise I regularly talk about with students, as it's not only an excellent skill to have, but also highlights places where you either play too much or don't leave enough space. Hope you enjoy some of the other lessons here on the channel!

[@barrysebastian9584]

Really enjoyed this, Juan👍… “develop the nugget” is truly good advice! I’ve tried to inject more open space over latter years. It’s also important in context with “aging hands…” sometimes we just need to play less to extend the time we are physically able to play. EG: A 3 hour session full of 16th notes, vs quarter notes is just physically (and mentally) harder on everything😳. Great discussion - thx!

[@JuanDhas]

Thanks, Barry! Glad you found this helpful! It's advice that I often have to remind myself of as well, but I've found it gets students in a good frame of mind and more relaxed. Very good point made about the aging hands! I do hope some people see that and take it on board.

[@slashclash21bharat]

Thanks a ton. Absolutely meaningful.

[@JuanDhas]

Thank you, Bharat! Glad you found it helpful.

[@utsoghosh6570]

💙💙💙

[@JuanDhas]

Glad you found this useful!