That's All, Improvisation

Dr. Bob Lawrence
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Aug 23

Chord Tones, Approach Tones, Grace Notes.

Mel Torme sings That's All by Alan and Bob Haymes — Lee Morgan

Jazz Improvisation Study: Exploring That’s All

Welcome back to the Jazz Piano Skills Blog—the place where we discover, learn, and play jazz piano together! This week marks Week 3 of our monthly study, which means we’re diving into the art of jazz improvisation. Over the last two weeks, we’ve carefully examined the standard That’s All through both harmonic analysis and melodic analysis. Now, it’s time to put those insights to work and build improvisational skills.

From Harmony to Improvisation

As with every tune, our process begins with harmony:

Form and chord changes
Harmonic function and movement
Voicing options (block, shell, contemporary, two-handed structures)

Then, we shift into melody:

Lyrics and phrasing
Fingerings and target notes
Treatments in ballad, bossa, and swing

This layered approach—harmony, melody, improvisation—keeps us grounded in the seven musical facts that govern all music-making. These facts remind us that music is built from sound and silence, chords and scales, tension and release, and, of course, rhythm.

The Improvisation Path

Improvisation often feels overwhelming to students, but the truth is much simpler. It comes down to a three-step path:

Learn chords (all 60 of them) harmonically and melodically.
Develop rhythmic vocabulary to apply to chord tones and arpeggios.
Cultivate jazz articulation—the feel that makes the music swing.

Many students get stuck at step two: rhythm. If you know your chords but still feel “unmusical” when soloing, chances are your rhythmic vocabulary is underdeveloped. That’s why in this lesson, we focus on 11 essential rhythmic patterns built from quarter and eighth notes. Practicing these patterns—over and over, a million times if you must—transforms them into natural musical language.

Building a Solo for That’s All

The featured improvisation for this week’s episode is a complete solo written over the entire form of That’s All. It emphasizes:

Chord tones first (the backbone of improvisation)
Diatonic movement with a few tasteful approach notes
Repetition and space as creative devices
Grace notes (or “crush tones”) to make the piano sing more like a human voice

By alternating between playing the melody and the solo, you reinforce how closely improvisation should stay connected to the song itself. The more you internalize the melody, the more naturally it shapes your improvisation.

Practicing the Process

Here’s a suggested practice plan for you:

Break the form apart. Work section by section (A, A, B, A).
Alternate melody and solo. Play the melody, then the solo, then return to the melody.
Reassemble the tune. Play the full melody, take a solo, then restate the melody—just as you would on a gig.
Create your own lines. Use the provided solo as a model but begin sketching your own diatonic phrases, rhythms, and grace notes.

Remember, improvisation doesn’t mean abandoning structure. It means playing creatively within a framework that honors the tune.

Key Takeaways

Chord tones and diatonic movement should be your foundation.
Repetition and space are not weaknesses; they are powerful improvisational tools.
Grace notes help soften piano lines, making them more vocal and expressive.
Process is everything. Approach every tune with the same cycle: listening, harmony, melody, improvisation.

Continue the Journey

If you’re a Jazz Piano Skills member, don’t forget to:

Download the Podcast Packets (illustrations, lead sheets, and play-alongs).
Use the backing tracks for sectional and full-form practice.
Join the Thursday evening Masterclass where we’ll dive even deeper into this improvisation study.

And if you’re not yet a member, consider joining to gain full access to all of these resources, plus our online courses, community forums, and ongoing educational support.

🎹 So, whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or a seasoned pro, this week’s study of That’s All will strengthen your improvisational skills and give you the tools to sound more authentic and musical in your playing.

Until next time, remember, have fun as you discover, learn, and play jazz piano!

🎧 Listen Now: [Jazz Piano Skills Podcast: “That’s All” – Improvisation] 📝 Become a Member: JazzPianoSkills.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: Jazz Piano Skills