In the previous section we examined ways of improvising over basic and complex chord progressions. My advice is simple. When writing a piece of music, the fewer the chords, the easier it will be to improvise over them. Many compositions in todays music have improvisatory sections that contain only 2 or 3 chords.
Now we will discuss improvising without chord structures. This is the form of expression that allows the most freedom. When there is a Key Signature, you are bound by it. If there is a chord progression within the context of a Key or several Keys, you must adhere to certain principles created by this tonality. Where meter is created by a Time Signature, you have restriction created by note values. If none of the above exist, the rules do not apply.
Using a set of pre-determined pitches can offer you flexibility when improvising. Try picking several notes in different octave ranges and use them as the basis for freestyle improvisation. You can utilize any intervals between the notes in your set of pitches. [These are not to be confused with pitch sets that exist in atonal music. The structure of atonal music is a complex study that involves many apsects of integer and prime number relationships. For more information regarding atonal construction, read Allen Forte's book or consult Dr. Solomon's website. I will soon publish an article that deals with aleatory or "chance" music.] Development of several groups of pitches to be used in succession can be an exciting way to freely improvise.
Other methods can include choosing random intervals in conjunction with rhythms that mimic sounds you hear everyday i.e. nature, machines, even human speech. After all, most musical phrases are derived from text and lyrics. Try sitting at the piano and hold certain notes down while playing others around them. You'll be surprised by how many interesting sounds you can develop with this method. The sustain pedal can be used as a tool with which to make chords and tone clusters more colorful. If you play a chord and lift the pedal but not your hands from the piano and pedal again you can acheive a different color from the chord.
Experiment with prepared piano. Hold the sustain pedal down while gently pulling a crystal glass across the strings! You can use any number of objects placed on or between the strings of a piano to alter the effect of the notes you play. There have been pieces written for "prepared piano".
These are only a few suggestions concerning improvisation without regard to form or structure.
I sincerely hope that this tutorial will be of help to you. If you have suggestions or questions regarding this material, please e-mail me from the link on my home page.
Howard Richards copyright 2000.
