Do i need to learn theory in order to play jazz?

do i need to learn some theory or can i learn by listening to other improvisations and practice?

It'll be easier....

I think "ear training" is more important....you need to be able to hear the changes under you to know where to go w/your improv. :)

Good luck!

Nope, but it would sure make things easier and faster if you DID learn some theory!

I saw an interview on Parkinson with Lionel Richie once (ew, he creeps me out, but anyway) he once met Louis Armstrong, who can't read music. Lionel Richie asked him how he remembered a tune if he couldn't write it down, and you know what Armstrong said? "Can't you hum?"

THeory is good, and it would enhance your learning, but it might not be essential.

You don't need to know music theory to improvise. You do need a very good ear if you have NO music theory. Music theory is very important to understand what notes you should playing over chord progressions and what notes are weak.

If you can play a tune just by listening to it, then you don't need music theory. However if you don't have that talent, then I would invest some money in a good music instructor.

A major part of playing Jazz is being able to know the permutations and combinations of chords and you can't do that without learning theory...

Quick... tell me the notes in a C diminished chord... for that matter tell me the notes in a C Major chord.. now add a 4th oh... and NOW put the Kapo on the 4th fret and give me the fingering.

Still think you don't need theory?

Learning theory is by far the best because how else what you know what a D minor chord with a diminished 7th is? Just a random example, but I see that ALL the time on my improv pieces. Trust me, LEARN THEORY! If nothing else get a circle of fifths so you know how many sharps/flats a scale has. If you don't play the right chord, your solo won't sound good!

A knowledge of theory will allow you to communicate more effectively with other players and enable you to learn from them. It certainly will make the process of becoming a better player more efficient.

It might help you some, but in order to play jazz all you need is the ability to express your emotions thru the music, basically feel the music, and make the audience feel what you are feeling. Listen to as many soloists and jazz artists that you can get your hands on: pick a solo that you really like, try to write it down, then try to play it. You'll be surprised how much this helps!
Good Luck and God Bless

Like any music, jazz can be learned by ear, but i dont recommend it ... LOL. Jazz chordal structures tend to be much more complex and harder to "ear out" in the context of a song. Any theory you can add will only make you more educated and dangerous. This is coming from someone who learned by ear and can hear most songs on the radio once and be able to play most of the progressions by ear. With jazz it is 100 times more difficult.

So my answer I guess is to do both.

Ron in H-Town