Melodies are based on the same principles as all music — chords and scales and patterns
It is just that a melody is more than the sum of its parts.
You use those chords and scales and pattens to create new musical ideas.
Chords and scales and patterns are just a means to an end, with that end being a memorable melody.
Focusing on these techniques sometimes can get in the way of extemporaneous melodic creation.
it is actually easy to overthink things when you are improvising.
A melody is typically based on the key notes if a chord, and incorporates notes from a specific scale.
It is sometimes difficult to express a clear melodic idea just by concentrating on chord or scale tones.
You maybe able to hear a melody that you can’t quite get to via a chord or scale-based approach.
If you can’t always depend on chords and scales to lead you to great melodies, how should you approach your melodic improvisation?
Simple — by singing.
It doesn’t matter what instrument you play.
there is often a disconnect between what you hear in your head and what you play with your fingers, esp if you are a novice improviser.
Focus exclusive on themelody y ou hear in your head.
Put down your instrument and sing.
You hear a chord progresion.
There in your head, a melody fits perfectly.
when you sing that melody, you are not worrying about playing the right notes or even about what notes they are.
Your sole focus is singing that melody .
It is pure improvosation with nothing technical to get in your way.
first step in leaning melodic improvisation
–to sing the melody you hear in your head.
–next figure out how to get that melody into your instrument.