Start improvising today using this 3-step method

Improvising music. For some, that sounds liberating. For others, making up music on the spot is just about the most terrifying thing.

So how does one improvise? Are there rules to follow?

Of course, there are many approaches to improvising and many different ways of teaching it.

In this post we provide you with a 3-step method that will get you playing simple but musical improvisations in very little time! Just give it a shot and have fun!

Disclaimer: we assume that you have basic knowledge of major and minor chords

1. Pick your chord progression

   If you are starting out, choose a short chord progression - maybe four chords to start with. Some popular ones are:

   I-vi-IV-V (in the key of C major: C, Am, F, G)

   I-ii-V-I (in the key of C major: C, Dm, G, C)

   Play the chord progression a couple of times to really feel the sound and change of harmony.

2. Play melody notes using chord tones

   Once the chord progression is in place, we can start improvising our melody. Start by doing long notes (maybe semibreves or minims), using notes from the chords that you are playing.

   For example, when you are playing the A minor chord in your progression, play an A, C or E in your other hand (as these three notes make up the chord of Aminor).

3. Add passing notes to smooth your melody and make it more interesting

   Passing notes don’t necessarily have to be from the chord of your progression. They are just there to connect the notes that are. By using passing notes, our melodies become more interesting and also smoother, with less large gaps.

If you have tried this 3-step method, did it work for you? Were you pleased with the results? Let us know in the comments!