Most things really worth doing require more than one step to accomplish. Anything at all complicated requires preparation, know-how and perseverance through several steps during a period of time. Aiming to transcribe a jazz solo of your favorite is no exception. Here are 5 tips that will help you transcribe your first jazz solo.
Tip # 1. Choose a jazz solo of your favorite artist that is uncomplicated. This is very important because if you choose a solo that contains many notes and complex rhythms, chances are that you will become frustrated and never finish it. In the event you skip or ignore this step, you will have a pile of unfinished solos on your shelf, just waiting to be completed.
Tip # 2. Determine the key center that the solo is written. Listen closely to the first or last measure of the tune. Sit at the piano and determine the root note (name) of the key be matching what you hear to the recording. The main reason why is that you simply must know the key that the solo was improvised in so that certain patterns and licks will be much easier to discover as the solo unfolds.
Tip # 3. Begin transcribing by listening to only one to two bars at a time. It is always wise to remember that unless you have the "ears" of Mozart, your brain will most likely only remember eight to ten notes at a time. Remember: that there is only one way to eat an elephant - one bite at a time. Transcribing a jazz solo works the same way.
Tip # 4. Fill in as much as you can on the first pass, then concentrate on parts that are more difficult to hear. Always keep in mind that you are putting together a puzzle of notes. Do not feel as if you have to fill in every note in succession before moving on to the next note. Some phrases will be much easier to hear than others. Some phrases will take listening to many, many times before you are able to transcribe them correctly.
Tip # 5. Go over the difficult measures by using software that will slow down the music if needed. Additionally, it is important to remember that even the most difficult jazz solo can be "figured out" eventually. Like everything else, the more transcribing you do, the better your ear becomes. There simply is no substitute for developing your ear by doing so in this manner.
Finally, be sure that you always write your solo down on paper so that you can return to it in the future to practice on your instrument. It is also suggested that you play the fully transcribed solo along with the recording to make certain you have notated everything correctly. Memorizing the solo with all its inflections is a great idea, and having a copy of the notes themselves will allow others as well to learn from your efforts.
Transcribing jazz solos is a great way to improve your ear, your jazz playing, and even your jazz arranging skills. When you complete your first transcribed solo, immediately begin another. You will be amazed at the improvements you will make over time.
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