Dynamics, Space and Structure!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we continue our discussion on improvisation.  This week, we talk about those things that really allow your creativity to shine, IMO. They are dynamics, space and structure. IMO, these three aspects have been the hardest for students to grasp and apply. Too many times, players see this as a time to show off. Take every lick, riff and trick they can and shoehorn them into a solo or line as fast as they can. It ends up being what I call "Steven Hawking" bass...a bunch of notes with no "life".  So first "structure". This does not mean that improvisation needs to be pre-written. On the contrary, it allows for more spontaneity, IMO. Understanding that what you say is contingent on what you said just before and that will lead you to what you will say next ( i.e."motivic development "), is key to coherent,  creative, original music. It is a difficult, iterative and evolving skill that takes time and persistence.  Next, space. Sometimes we forget to shut up and give the listener, the band and ourselves a minute. Space can be an amazing tool to add emphasis,  tension and color. Listen to Miles' solo on Freddie Freeloader. His use of space is amazing. Last is dynamics. Understand, even the SIMPLEST line played with dynamics will make a huge impact on the music and the listener. It is as much a physical skill as a musical one. Ok, as usual, how? First of all, listen to other instruments, especially vocalists. It will take you out of your comfort zone and allow you to focus. See how they deal with dynamics, space and structure.  You can hear this in any genre, and not always in solos. Take a line, tune or chord progression you know. Play over it and record yourself. See where you are. Try to add what we discussed. Try to over emphasize them. Sometimes what you initially think is too much may be just right..u dig? Next time we will add another tool to our arsenal for giving life to our music. As always,  I invite your insights.  #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons