​How do I learn to play a jazz solo?

​1. Immerse yourself in jazz music. The more you listen, the quicker the journey. This is because you need to be able to identify when you’re playing correctly. Adopt the listening habits of a musician. There are numerous resources available online, such as blogs and courses, that can guide you on how to listen effectively. For instance, consider the audio lecture series “Elements of Jazz”.
2. Commit three songs to memory: a blues, a ballad, and a standard. These will serve as the foundation for applying your expanding knowledge.
3. Master the fundamental elements of Jazz. A good start is the major scales for the three songs you’ve memorized, and the jazz chords played in broken inversions. There are additional aspects to learn, but we’ll tackle those later.
4. Experiment with the melody. Pay attention to how the greats have “interpreted” the melodies on the ballad and standard. Try to emulate them.
5. Develop your instrumental skills to match the level of the jazz solos you aim to perform.
6. Identify a brief sequence, perhaps three or four notes, within a jazz solo you admire on YouTube. Listen to it repeatedly until you can sing it, then locate it on your instrument. The “licks” you learn this way will become uniquely yours. I can guide you on how to transpose these licks onto the other chords of your three songs. Here is a demonstration transposing a 3 note lick in “Autumn Leaves.”
7. Analyze the solos of other musicians on YouTube. Search for something like “Autumn Leaves Transcription” and explore the results. Try to find multiple versions of your three songs.
8. Focus on the basics before diving into more complex techniques. Ensure you can play a12 bars blues without losing your place before moving on to complex tunes.
9. Deepen your understanding of music theory. High-level jazz involves applying theory in real-time at a fast pace.
10. Invest time in ear training. It’s challenging to play what you can’t hear.

Remember, I’m here to assist you with each of these ten steps.

Call me

​David