Learn to improvise with 4+5 method
The 4 + 5 improvisation method is based on modern theory of harmony, but scaled down to highlight the most important elements.
This improvisation method offers a good compromise for those who want to play good solos but have limited time to practice.
Practical examples for the application of the method
Solo example with the blues scale.
This is a solo played according to the 4+5 improvisation method for piece No. 2 from Volume 3.
The blues scale used for this solo consists of the following notes: G Bb C Db D F
The current chord is displayed below
Note: despite changing chords, the scale used remains the same
Solo example with the pentatonic scale.
This is a solo played according to the 4+5 improvisation method for piece No. 3 from Volume 3.
The pentatonic scale used for this solo consists of the following notes: E G A B D
The current chord is displayed below
Note: despite the chord change, the scale used remains the same
Solo example with the chord tones.
This is a solo played according to the 4+5 improvisation method for piece No. 5 from Volume 3.
For this solo, different chord tones are used for each chord change
Below this, the current chord and the chord tones currently used are displayed.
Books
Volume 1
With the 4 + 5 improvisation method used in practice in this book, you can learn to improvise easily. Working through this book, you’ll start with just two notes, and by the time you’ve worked through to the end, you’ll be capable of playing a solo over simple tunes.
Volume 2
Because of the often complex harmony, chords on all 12 notes are used in improvised music. Therefore it is necessary to know all 12 chords for each chord type. This takes a lot of perseverance, but when you have done that, new musical worlds are open to you: then you can not only play music, but also create it yourself spontaneously. That’s a really great perspective!
Volume 3
After you have worked through volumes 1 and 2 of you can now put your skills into practice. In order not to have to start from scratch with your own solos, this volume contains ready-made solos that you can then expand yourself. It is supplemented by preparatory exercises and step-by-step instructions.