How to Start Improvising with Bach’s Prelude BWV 999

In my recent FB Live, I introduced a fun and accessible way to start improvising using a well-known piece: Bach’s Prelude BWV 999. We took the first few bars of this prelude and explored different ways to build up improvisations.

Whether you’re a classical musician looking to expand your creativity or someone wanting to explore improvisation with structure, this is a great starting point!

Before diving into improvisation, it’s important to solidify the foundation by playing a few bars of the prelude and understanding the chord progression, playing solid chords.

Here’s the basic progression:

This progression stays on a C pedal, meaning the bass note remains on C while the harmonies change above it.

Once you’re familiar with the harmony, you can start experimenting with how you play the notes. Instead of playing them in a strict Bach-like broken chord pattern, you can try:

Rather than playing block chords, you can create a flowing arpeggio pattern. Experiment with moving up and down the keyboard in different octaves and speeds.

Using scales can help add movement and shape to your improvisation. Try:

By shaping scales and melodies as you go, you’ll naturally develop improvisation skills and maybe find nice melodies along the way.

If you find it tricky to keep the rhythm while improvising, try simplifying your left hand. Play just one note per beat rather than using fast eighth-note patterns. This helps maintain a steady pulse.

Want to completely change the feel of the piece? Try adding a samba rhythm! Even though Bach’s music is classical, applying a Latin groove to his harmonies can create a fresh, exciting sound.

This method isn’t limited to just this prelude. If you’ve studied classical music before, try taking small chord progressions from other pieces and playing around with:

Improvising doesn’t have to be complicated! Even with minimal theory, you can start shaping your ideas by ear.

Watch the full video here: https://www.facebook.com/josee.allard.963/videos/3666373286988031?idorvanity=959497991767744

---

If you’re excited about improvising but feel stuck on how to develop your skills, I’d love to help you! I’m inviting you to book a free call with me to discuss where you’re at in your improvisation journey and how you can take your playing to the next level.

In my program, we dive deeper into improvisation techniques, chord progressions, and creative approaches so that you can unlock your musical potential faster while being part of a supportive community.

Click the link to book your free call today, and let’s start making music in a more creative and expressive way!
https://link.meetyourva.co/widget/bookings/appeldecuriosite

Happy improvising! Let me know in the comments what you’d like me to cover next. 😊