I have a basic ability on the piano but I would love to play some jazzy improv. Are there any books that teach this?

Check out Aebersolds stuff - tons of books that cover everything from basic improv to specific genres of tunes. Most books also come with play along CD's for practice.

http://www.aebersold.com/...rchant.mvc

Tunky said:

I've been practicing my pentatonic scales!

Most books I've seen on this issue are a SERIOUS let-down. Mostly they just list some scales and some chord voicings and that's it. I think the best approach would be to get in your hands some transcriptions and then work from there coupled with some theoretical aspects from the theory books. Can't you just check out the local library first?

This is however the best theory book I've seen on jazz piano improvisation, even though not even it succeeded making me a competent jazz piano improviser myself. But it's quite good, sensible and comprehensive - even though I don't play instruments that much anymore I'd like to have it on my bookshelf.

Brian Waite - Modern Jazz Piano


[Edited 2/3/06 9:10am]

Novabreaker said:

When you say transcriptions, you mean transcriptions of other people's improvising? Then you observe and play what they did?

Novabreaker started a good point that i want to expand on. Most books will give you the tools you need to improvise (chord scale relationships, arpeggios, substitutions), but you also have to have the ability to hear as well. Without the ear, all the theory and tools will be meaningless.

To that end, transcribing tunes, licks, riffs, phrases is a must. Pick some tunes you like, and when you hear a cool line or riff, pick it out - both chords and the melodic line.

Finally, one thing that really helped my ear was to sing the notes when i play, scat ala george benson (guitar is my main instrument). This more than anything has helped improve my ability to hear the note in my head before i play it.