Quick Tip #3: Repetition

This quick tip is about using repetition in your improvisation. There are two main benefits to using repetition in your solos.

The first benefit applies to the listener. This is because when you play a phrase, melody or rhythmic pattern the listener hears it, so far so good. But when you play it again the audience will pick up on that, either subconsciously or consciously, and enjoy it more because it’s familiar to them. You might call this cognitive ease. It’s a bit like how pop songs are all so popular, it’s because they’re played on TV, adverts and the radio all the time and they become very familiar (and comforting) to the audiences.

Luckily, we as musicians can utilise this to our benefit by using repetition in our playing.

The second benefit applies to you, the performer. How many times have you played something and you don’t know what you’re playing and you’re waffling - it’s not sounding great. Well, thinking about using repetition can focus your attention onto an idea. And this will help you to think more about what you’re playing. When you think about it, if you don’t know what you’re playing how can you repeat it. If you know what you’re playing - you can repeat it. It’s about being mindful of your playing.

So there you go, repetition. Have a go at using this simple technique in your jazz improvisation and in your practice. It will give you something different to work on and think about it.

And by the way it doesn’t have to be an exact repeat of the melody. You can alter it slightly to fit with chord changes, or it could be a rhythmic idea or even a single note. There’s lots to play around with, so I hope you enjoy it.