What else to play on a 12 bar blues?

[casivake718]

There's a song I take a solo for in school. (It's a simple Bb blues) My teacher has been liking them but I want to improve on what I play. Other than a Bb blues, what else can I use?

[kehaulani]

Mixolydian.

There are tons of blues tunes and approaches, so maybe it's best for you start with what is most familiar to you: the tune at hand.

You should also begin listening to solos on that tune, learning to sing along with them and, if possible, to transcribe them. Clark Terry summed it up nicely. "Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate".

p.s. play melodically not just running scales and chords.
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[dstdenis]

Here's one of my fav examples of improvising over 12-bar blues:


Link

Notice how some of the soloists insert rests between phrases. You don't have to keep playing nonstop—you can let it breathe. Also notice how some of them develop their solo so it isn't at the same intensity the whole time (granted they get several choruses to do this). Let it build, then taper as you hand it over at the end of your solo. I think these are ideas you could try in your improvisation.
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[Billy B]

https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?s=blues
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[robbo]

I'm a huge fan/advocate of the bebop scale. I really don't know how anyone could ignore it as an essential pattern for soloing. As I was telling a student the other day, it's hard to find a bebop solo from the greats without it in there somewhere. And... it's really not that difficult. Making it sound your own, however, happens over time, but get it in there first.

I've got a few weeks in my 'Lick Of The Week" covering this scale, as well as a few other patterns you could try.

http://pigletmusic.com/lick-week-archive/

Particularly look at weeks 3, 8 & 9.

And my biggest tip, take your time with your development! You should spend a few weeks on a simple lick, and using it in A FEW keys. (I know some will disagree with me on this next one, but I don't endorse learning licks in all 12 keys. Great if you're up to it and you've got the time, but not in the early stages)

Hope it helps,

Rob

Rob
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