flugelgirl

Listening is always your most important tool, but another important one is analyzing! Don't just play those transcriptions, figure out where they're going melodicaly and harmonically! Once you get a little better at it, do it with your own solos, too - I had a teacher who would make me stop and write down licks that I played that I liked during a practice session and learn them in all 12 keys. that way, you have some patterns that come from YOUR head and not just anywhere! Good Luck - it takes years, but it's worth it to be able to express yourself this way - I can't think of anything better!