I believe there is a general feeling that my new book, “A Modal Framework for Jazz Improvisation,” (Beyond Chord Melody: Volume II – The Banjo Snob) is only for “experts.” I want to try to dispel that rumor! Yes, jazz improv is a difficult prospect if you lack the “natural” gift for it. But, I firmly believe that it can be “learned!” How do you think experts become experts?
To begin with, as they say: “The hardest climb starts with the smallest step.” Beyond that cheerleading note, let me say this: the material in this book starts off quite easy! If you can pick single notes at all, you will benefit from Chapter 1. And if you can’t pick single notes (or think you can’t), here’s where you start! Learning single-string technique is one of the best ways to improve your chord strumming skills. You can’t lose!
After that, it does start to get harder, but still if you take it slowly, you will learn it. “Working it up to speed” may be a different thing, but you have to learn something to begin with before you can start that process. Isn’t that what practice is supposed to be for?
Is the ultimate goal the ability to improvise jazz? Sure! Why else would I have written it? But is that all there is to get out of it? Of course not! Real improvement on anything takes work and commitment! Do you really want to improve your banjo playing, or do you just want to learn to strum a few songs and join in the fun? Nothing wrong with fun for its own sake, but I think you will find that your fun will increase with your ability level!
Anyway, I have shared the book Foreword and Introduction here so you can do some “tire-kicking.” If this piques your curiosity, please email me for more information (banjoplayer1@yahoo.com).