When it comes to becoming a great jazz improviser, it’s all about learning jazz language. Learning jazz language can happen in a lot of different ways. Listening to jazz, learning solos by ear, or learning jazz standards.
But if you want some quick and helpful rewards for your time investment, learning licks is a great way to go.
Licks are short musical phrases, usually played over the context of a chord or chord progression. You can learn them by ear from one of your favorite jazz musicians, from teaching resources, or even create your own.
But if you’re not sure what chord progressions you should be learning licks over, look no further.
The 2-5-1 (or ii-V-I) chord progression is the most common in jazz repertoire.
Therefore would it be a great idea to learn licks over 2-5-1 chord progressions? You bet! The most important thing you can do is learn them, and then practice them the right way.
So in this lesson, I’m giving you 25 easy ii-V-I licks.
These are fantastic, simple ideas composed by former LJS contributor Camden Hughes, and he packed these full of fantastic lessons.
Before you start, though, be sure to sign up for my free mini course “Accelerate Your Jazz Skills.” Learning licks is great, but you need to go deeper than that. This mini-course will help.
Let’s take a look at them. Play through each one, and try to get the feel for them. If you find one you like in particular, hone in on that one.
Practice Tips:
- Pick one that stands out to you and learn it.
- Spend time analyzing it. What are the important notes in the line that help define each chord?
- Take that lick into all 12 keys, by choosing one or two to work on each practice session. Don’t do too many at a time! Less is more.
Hope you enjoy practicing these licks.
The more jazz language you learn the easier improvising in jazz gets. You become familiar with the sounds and the chord progressions, and before you know it, it will become second nature.
Again, licks are great to learn and very helpful. But jazz improvisation has so much more too it.
Be sure to sign up for my free mini-course Accelerate Your Jazz Skills and I’ll walk you through the other important elements you need to know to improve your jazz improv skills.
