Transcribing
As well as playing along with albums and imitating what you hear, it is important to work out solos and melodies you admire exactly and write them down. This is called transcribing.
By doing this, you can analyse the player’s note choices and rhythmic idiosyncrasies and find out exactly what makes them sound the way they do. By doing this, you will be able to analyze the lines to understand what it is you like about them and then incorporate them into your own playing. It is important to transcribe a variety of players from different eras rather than just imitating one favorite (who wants to be a clone?). You will learn something different from each player and will also open yourself up to new ideas and new sounds. All the great players have done lots of transcribing. Make it part of your daily practice routine. When you have memorized a new melody or solo, try playing it with a play along recording of the song it came from or one with a similar progression (e.g. a Blues, or Rhythm Changes). Once you can play the solo perfectly, use it as a basis for improvising and then use the ideas you come up with next time you play with other musicians. Make a habit of this and your playing will never stop developing.
For more books and recordings by Peter Gelling, visit: www.bentnotes.com
