Hi,
I hope this question does not lack too much context. I am comfortable enough playing basic 8th notey type solos that outline the changes. However some feedback I received on my playing was that it could use more rhythmic variety.
I can work in triplet 8th notes reasonably ok for basic linear ideas but one area I really struggle with is developing or playing 16th note lines. It is like I can't 'hear' that fast on a medium tempo tune.
Are their any lessons on the site which address introducing 16th note lines? I think I remember reading something somewhere on the old site but I can't find any specific material for this.
I was looking at George Coleman's solo on Chet Baker's version of Have you met miss jones. He plays some amazing 16th note lines there. I can't get them up to speed (yet) but I certainly can't improvising lines at that tempo!
Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.
Hi Marius,
I don’t have any lessons that specifically address 16th note lines but I can help you out. The key to getting double time playing together is to take a routine tune that you can play steady 8th notes to, and double the length. For instance on an F blues, play 8 measure of F7 instead of 4. Once you can consistently generate all of those lines it’s just a matter of playing them fast. That part just requires a metronome and a lot of hours and patience. Just remember to play them slowly with relaxed technique, the chops will come. It’s about repition and consistency. All of my tune based lessons have pages of 8th notes, you just need to weave them together. That’s how I did it and so can you! The lesson Cisco is great for this because it’s a 24 bar blues. Check it out and best of luck.
Barry