One of the best ways to improve your improv skills. The Looper...!

Okay, so music theory is great to know and to practice over and over and over and over........

Now, what takes your playing to the next level?

Especially for us guitar players, we would ultimately love to show off our skills, taste, ideas, speed, etc.

It is not often that we get constructive criticism from fellow musicians due to logistical issues.  But, you can get rid of that problem as we speak.  How?  Invest about $150 roughly.  Get a looper!  This will become your best friend :)

The best investment in my gear has been by far the guitar looper/pedal (the Jamman Solo from Digidesign).

This is one of those things I know I will take with me to a dessert island some day.  I also hope I can take a couple of human beings as well.  Well, kidding aside, it acts as a true and honest companion.  It never lies.  You will always hear back an exact replication of what you played in the particular layer your recorded.

However, the best feature is just turning it on and simply playing for about 20 minutes over a complete set of II - V - I's in EVERY KEY following the circle of 5th's.

It means that you will record 4 measures worth of a II - V - I progression in the key of C major....followed by the same in the key of G major....D major.....A major, etc.  All part of one track.

Do not stop.  Play in time with the built in drum pattern.  After you have completed all the keys, then cut and print the loop.  Loop these 48 measures worth of 12 keys, and play over the whole thing over and over.

At first, you will see that the mistakes will stick out, and gradually become less and less.  The reason for this is that your EAR will start to get used to the harmonic changes.

Note:  try to record the chords in their rootless voicing.  This will surely fine tune your ear and solo improv skills.

No excuses not to jam.  All the reasons to improve!!!