Steve Giordano Instructional - The Goal of Improvisation

Philadelphia Jazz guitarist gives tips for improving your improvisational aptitude/attitude.

For more on Steve Giordano visit www.stevegiordano.com

Video shot, sliced, diced ,and produced by Mia Johnson

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Steve
• Giordano
• Jazz
• guitar
• instrumental
• improvisation
• improv
• solo
• concepts
• instructional
• lesson
• jazz

[SteveFeces]

why do you use a pick with a nylon string guitar

[jzguru1]

Lots of reasons. I like the sound for jazz. I also use my fingers (all 4) because I like the soft sound as opposed to letting my nails grow. The pick I use is very heavy and with that I use the round edge most of the time - again - for sound. It's a matter of taste.

[jazzvibe]

So guitar players don't have to breath. Can you swim far under water???

Just joking! Great Video!

[jzguru1]

yeah with cement shoes.

[JC10255]

Great videos Steve, thank you for posting these. I greatly appreciate the fact that you boldly speak of a topic that many jazz instructors shy away from - "the pressures of improvisation". For those of us that spend a majority of our lives playing (and thinking about) jazz, we know of these pressures well. Speaking "off the record", theres a good chance that this pressure increases with ones geographic relation to New York City:) - Jason Long

[jzguru1]

hehe you mean N n n n n New Y y y y y y ork C c c c city?

We're all head cases my friend..or in denial.

SG

[pickinstone]

Thank you. Giordana talks about pressures that become more apparent when you play at jam sessions, especially because everyone judges you by your playing. It's a good practice to develop a thicker skin, but it ain't music making. I refer to this jam session practice as "my___ is bigger than yours." Playing in an actual band forgoes a lot of this B. S. Listen to what all the older players said about the primacy of melody in their improvisations.

[ChristianManue]

Thanks alot. Your thoughts helped me alot. Until now I didn't realized that I was the type of improviser you are talking about in beginning. I reflected my style for a couple of days and on the next jam was the grooveist and most emotional I ever did. Thanks alot!

[ChristianManue]

Thanks alot. Your thoughts helped me alot. Until now I didn't realized that I was the type of improviser you are talking about in beginning. I reflected my style for a couple of days and on the next jam was the grooveist and most emotional I ever did. Thanks alot!

[abuyco]

I agree wholeheartedly (and with the remainder of my organs too) with this sentiment! I'm glad and amazed that there is someone on youtube who is actually explaining this! Unfortunately, it seems most people who are willing to shell out their $ don't seem to care about the melody anymore... Instead, they want to see the "Fast and Furious" break the speed limit in Las Vegas!

[oldpython]

Bravo!!!!! A melody!!!!!!!!!!!! Improvisation is a melody!!!!!!! Finally someone who is wiliing to stick their neck out and say it how it is. Wonderful Steve. RL

[Martinstephenson1]

What great teaching Steve

Wish you lived around the corner here up in North Scotlan, Id be booking in for a lesson

Really enjoyed that

Bless xm

[AlexZyka]

"The goal of improvisation is to come up with a theme." That's wise words over there. Even if you don't use that theme ever again.

[adamschmalenberger]

well said. you are a wonderful teacher

[JesseGuitar07]

wow.awesome:)

[joshuamichael]

Whoops, forgot the obligatory Smiley. :)

Sorry about that Steve, my bad.