How to Solo

If you are a member of a jazz ensemble, you may be asked to or want to solo. In jazz, 9 out of 10 times that solo will be improvisation. Improvisation is a skill, like playing an instrument, although some are naturally better at it. Fortunately, there are a couple things you can do to help make your solo sound convincing.

Follow the Chords
If your director is considerate, they will provide you with either the chords, scales, or notes of the solo section. If not, they will be written in your part or you can ask the piano player- the chords will be in their part 99% of the time (I'm a pianist- I know). If you are unsure on how to read the chord notation, then just google it. Most chords will be there, and those that aren't are usually just minor alterations to other chords. Either way, once you know the notes and the chord changes, just use the notes of the chords, particularly the thirds and the sevenths.

Account for the Style
Different styles of jazz will have different solo styles. There are some that are perfectly fine resting or playing separated notes or long notes: in other words, limited motion. Other songs, most notably big band swing and Latin, require constant motion- trying using running eighth notes for those solos, and doing more with the articulation. In any event, make sure to listen to a recording of the chart to get a feel for the style, and maybe even transcribe a little of the solo.

Phrase the solo
In general, solos will be around 8-24 bars in length, with most being a multiple of 4. On occasion, you may be asked to do a solo the length of the entire song. For those, ask your private instructor/director. Otherwise, phrase your solo so the solo gradually builds as the solo advances, growing in complexity and volume, and even working your way up the scale.

Pick a Motif
The song you are soloing in will always, like any song, include a melody, or another motif, within the music. To make your solo sound like it belongs in the song, try using or manipulating one of these themes in your solo. Just make sure that your solo is not the exact same thing, or it won't be improvisation.

In conclusion, if you follow those tips and use your imagination, you should come up with a good solo. Remember, vary the solo each time and try to expand on it each time.