If you can't sing it, you can't play it

[Greg]

If you want to improve your improv skills, try singing some of the solos you love. It's a great way to train your ear and develop a sense of hearing that will allow you to play your own licks on your instrument more easily.

Ear-training is often forgotten, and we put all our faith into our voice or hands.

If it sounds boring, take a listen to songs like Moody's Mood (many great renditions include that of George Benson, Brian McKnight, and many more). This song was based off of Jame's Moody's solo on the standard "In the mood for love".

This is a great ear-training song, but if you want to get really difficult, try something like "Donna Lee".

[rockonronson]

Definitely true, I never quite got to the level where I thought I was a great improviser. I'll keep this in mind

[Johnguitars]

Sorry to disagree with the OP's sweeping statement but I can play lots of guitar pieces that are unsingable. A classical guitar has a three octave range and my voice probably about half of that. Part of the pleasure of creating instrumental music is to move beyond the restrictions of the human voice.

[musicfan]

Very true. I would think that if you can't imagine it, you can't play it. But, I'm immediately stunted with not even being able to imagine playing an instrument.

I do enjoy telling people how to play from a mechanical, and commercial point of view.