Using The Chorus Forms
Hi Dave...I am working my way through the intermediate level songs right now. With repetiton and practice, I am able to learn the songs quite successfully. The challenge lies in selecting licks and applying them to the chorus forms. Is it just a matter of selecting the licks I like, and repeating them until they are solidly in my memory and repertoire? After many hours of repetition with several licks, will I build up a vocabulary of licks that I can randomly recall when required?
Does it sound like I am on the right track and\or are there other things that I should be doing?
Homer.
Hi Dave...Thanks for the good advice. Maybe I don't fully understand the meaning of "the context of what is known to be good phrasing". Perhaps it's a little like aquiring a taste for fine wine? You gotta drink a lot before you know what is good and what is not so good? ;-P
Maybe it has a lot to do with feel? Is it something that comes with a lot of practice?
Homer.
The Chorus Forms I teach in Improvising Study 1 details the phrasing used by great song writers and improvisers. That's what I mean... those five phrasing types.
Yes, repeating those licks over and over until you get them is a great first step. THEN... play each lick as AAA, AAA with fills, AAB, AAB with fills, the three variations of A B/A C... then change the texture(s)... move the lick up or down an octave... play fragments of the lick (making new smaller licks). By placing each lick into the context of what is known to be good phrasing is the key. SO... when you're on the bandstand and that lick pops up, you'll have a lot of "been there, done that" moments with great phrasing. If you haven't already done so, start studying the Improvising Studies on the site.