Dean Guitar lessons

Playing "outside" in jazz refers to improvising and soloing outside the traditional chord progressions and scales. Here are some tips to help you get started:

# Understanding Outside Playing
1. Familiarize yourself with jazz harmony and chord progressions.
2. Learn the basics of improvisation, such as scales, arpeggios, and melodic motifs.

# Techniques for Playing Outside
1. *Altered dominants*: Use altered scales (e.g., flat 3, flat 5, flat 9) over dominant chords to create tension.
2. *Modal interchange*: Borrow notes and scales from parallel modes or keys to add color and surprise.
3. *Chromaticism*: Incorporate chromatic passing tones to create dissonance and release.
4. *Free improvisation*: Abandon traditional chord progressions and scales, focusing on texture, rhythm, and emotional expression.
5. *Polytonality*: Use multiple keys or tonalities simultaneously to create complex, outside sounds.

# Practicing Outside Playing
1. *Listen to outside players*: Study the playing styles of jazz musicians known for their outside playing, such as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Cecil Taylor.
2. *Experiment with free improvisation*: Start with simple exercises like improvising over a drone or a static chord.
3. *Work on your ears*: Transcribe and learn outside solos to develop your ability to hear and replicate complex, dissonant lines.
4. *Collaborate with others*: Play with musicians who are also interested in exploring outside playing to push your boundaries and learn from others.

# Important Considerations
1. *Balance*: Outside playing can be challenging to listen to; balance dissonance with moments of resolution and coherence.
2. *Emotional authenticity*: Ensure that your outside playing is emotionally genuine and not just a technical exercise.
3. *Communication*: When playing with others, communicate your intentions and be open to feedback and adjustment.

Remember, playing outside in jazz is a continuous process of exploration and discovery. Be patient, persistent, and open-minded, and you'll find yourself pushing the boundaries of jazz improvisation.