Phrasing
Question about phrasing: I often find when playing to jam tracks that my phrasing is becoming too regular - everything starts on the first beat, lasts two bars, then there's a pause, repeat the lick for two bars, etc., etc. I think partly it's a consequence of concentrating on using chorus forms and partly from having a limited lick vocabulary. I don't mind that too much because I know it's just an inevitable stage in learning - you pick up a structure and apply it too rigidly at first - but it's still frustrating. Any tips on how to break out of a rut when you find yourself playing the same old thing over a jam track?
Great observation. Make a point one chorus to play a couple quick notes and then stop, then repeat... another chorus try holding a note for three bars... another chorus play a one-bar lick, then rest for one bar, then repeat. It's the first think you play that makes the difference. Keep digging into your study songs... there's tons of great licks in there. Take a look at Tongue Blocking Study #4, this is a good example of using pickups and changing up the rhythmic focus.