Improvising in the studio

I could use some help with my in-studio playing practices (sorry if this thread would be better suited to the "Recording" forum :o ). I improvise a lot - I play a fair bit of jazz - and, unfortunately, this has become a habit that manifests itself even when I'm recording something. The fact that I'm always pretty nervous when I play something that other people will hear, coupled with the fact that I'm making half of it up as I go along, mean that the results are pretty terrible (as anyone who has looked at my soundclick page can attest :o ). I was wondering whether anybody had any advice as to how to kick the habit of improvising whilst recording, and maybe some pointers on planning a song beyond the key and chord progressions, as well (I usually just plan these, and improvise the strumming/picking patterns and lead guitar parts).

Thanks everybody (and sorry for the huge post).

Originally Posted by: jiujitsu_jesusI could use some help with my in-studio playing practices (sorry if this thread would be better suited to the "Recording" forum :o ). I improvise a lot - I play a fair bit of jazz - and, unfortunately, this has become a habit that manifests itself even when I'm recording something. The fact that I'm always pretty nervous when I play something that other people will hear, coupled with the fact that I'm making half of it up as I go along, mean that the results are pretty terrible (as anyone who has looked at my soundclick page can attest :o ). I was wondering whether anybody had any advice as to how to kick the habit of improvising whilst recording, and maybe some pointers on planning a song beyond the key and chord progressions, as well (I usually just plan these, and improvise the strumming/picking patterns and lead guitar parts).

Thanks everybody (and sorry for the huge post).

Try thinking of your solo as a vocal line the rest of your solo will work around that hook listen to the chords and just basicaly jam at home over backing tracks as much as u can the more u practice it the better and easier it will be..

First off, I KNOW improv! Pretty much anything I play is improvised. I never bother learning a song note for note. Except the main riff and chord fingerings. I just learn the key, scale and make something up that sounds like the song, or whatever. I too had that problem at first, but the advice I have is just, get comfortable, relax, never hesitate, and jam! emphasis on the hesitate part! Dont just half-@ss a note. if your going to play a note, than stick to that note and play it! Hope this helps!

hey Blues_man. Since when have you been Comfortably Numb :confused: :D

Originally Posted by: Rsam16hey Blues_man. Since when have you been Comfortably Numb :confused: :D

Since the last 5 minutes thank you very much! :D

Well, I could be sayin'-

she dont lie, she dont lie, COCAINE!

yes, I am one of the world's biggest clapton fans! I've seen him in concert...blues nirvana....

DIRTY COCAINE!

hahahhaaa. love it.