In an earlier post, I explained how to try improvisation using the 12-bar blues. The left hand plays open chords, following a prescribed pattern. Then the right hand can join in, copying the left hand notes. (See my first blog on the subject.)
From there:
1) Play hands together, but vary the rhythm of the right hand open chords.
2) Continue #1 and add thirds to all right hand chords. For example, CM would be played as C-E-G.
3) Continue #1 and 2 and add seconds to all right hand chords. For example, CM would be played as C-D-E-G.
4) Continue #1, 2, and 3 using these same notes, but play the right hand notes one at a time, as a melody.
And wait! There’s more. . . (to be continued).
Fats Waller, an early jazz pianist, was heavily influenced by the blues.