5 Things I Wish I Knew When Learning to Improvise

  • Prioritize rhythm and phrasing over pitches.
  • Let your ear guide your improvisation, not music theory.
  • Take responsibility for the time, don't rely on the rhythm section.
  • Focus on developing ideas and playing melodically, not just learning vocabulary.
  • Play what feels comfortable and serves the music, not what you think will impress the audience.

via 5 Things I Wish I Knew When Learning to Improvise