If your improvisation feels flat or unexpressive, the problem usually isn’t your notes — it’s your rhythm.
In today’s Black Friday lesson, I show you the exact rhythmic concepts that instantly make your playing sound more confident, musical, and professional.
You’ll learn:
• The 3 rhythmic habits great players share
• How to create forward motion
• How to use space intentionally
• How to build rhythmic motifs
• How to shape a real swing feel
These concepts come directly from the Proficient Jazz Pianist system (Levels 5–6), and they’re foundational for real improvisation.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro
02:18 – Rhythmic Variety
03:41 – Triplets
06:22 – 16th Notes
11:48 – Phrases & Space (& You)
15:34 – Motivic Development
18:15 – JPS Black Friday
19:28 – Outro
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Licks are powerful — but only when you know where they fit.
A single lick can inspire you… but real progress happens when you understand how licks fit into a bigger system.
The Jazz Piano Roadmap shows you how jazz pianists actually progress — and where things like licks belong inside comping, solo piano, and improvisation.
If you want your practice to stop feeling random:
