Methods of Jazz Improvisation

Jazz Improv combines elements of all three methods

Improvise on the Melody
- Paraphrasing
- Add to (start, middle, end)
- Changing the Rhythmic content
- Ornamenting or Embellishing
Improvise on the Harmony
- Harmonic Generalization
  - Tonic Triad
  - Diatonic
  - Major Blues Scale
  - Minor Blues Scale
  - Cliches & Quotes
- Harmonically Specific
  - Arpeggios (1-3-5-7 & 3-5-7-9)
  - Scales (tone center, chord)
  - Guide Tones (3rds & 7ths)
  - Chordal Alternatives
Motivic Development (from melody or newly formed)
- Repetition
- Transpose
- Mode Change
- Fragment
- Add to (start, middle, end)
- Sequence
- Embellish or Ornament
- Augmentation (pitch, rhythmic)
- Diminution (pitch, rhythmic)
- Invert (upside down)
- Retrograde (backwards)
- Retrograde inversion (upside down & backwards)
- Displacement (pitch, rhythmic)