First steps in improvisation

I was discussing improvisation with a pupil today and so thought I'd write some ideas of first steps you might take in improvisation.

Let's begin with a C major scale.  Play the scale a few times and then try changing the rhythm of the notes the scale.  You are now improvising!  You are creating your own melody using the scale as a starting point but creating your own rhythms.  Next, we can expand on this by changing the order of the notes - just remember to end your tune on the tonic (C) so it sounds finished.

As you get more confident in making up melodies using the notes of C major scale you might like to try adding an accompaniment.  The three primary chords used to accompany melodies are the tonic (I), subdominant (IV) and dominant (V).  The tonic is formed from the first, third and fifth notes of the scale (C, E and G in this case as we are in the key of C major).  For the subdominant, take the fourth note of the scale (F) and then the A and C above this.  The dominant chord is formed from the fifth note G with B and D.  Practise playing these chords a few times in the left hand and then try accompanying your melody with them.  You'll soon find which chords work at which points.  Chords are usually on strong beats (beginning of the bar or on beats 1 and 3 in 4/4 time) and need to fit the melody.  For example, if on beat 1 we have a G in the melody we can accompany this with chord I or V since both these chords contain the note G.  Again, remember to end on the tonic chord so it sounds finished.

Once you are used to this you can try using other chords including chord II and V7.  You might also like to try making up left hand melodies and using the chords to accompany in the right hand.  Using arpeggios instead of block chords or other accompaniment patterns will also vary the texture.

When you've mastered this in the key of C major try other keys.  It would be sensible to begin with G major or F major, which only have one sharp or flat, and then gradually move on to D major and Bb major and then later the keys with more accidentals.

Following these steps should get you started on improvising.  However, remember that improvising is all about experimenting! Try out different things and see what works - chromatic notes, different chords, minor keys...  There really are no rules so have fun!