1. Instrumentation: A typical big-band setup consists of four to five saxophones, four to five trombones, and four to five trumpets. These instruments are often divided into sections.
2. Rhythm Section: The rhythm section of a big band typically includes an acoustic or electric bass, electric guitar, drums, and sometimes a keyboard instrument.
3. Arranging: Big-band arrangements are typically complex and multi-layered, with multiple instrumental parts playing simultaneously. Arrangements often feature solo improvisations and call-and-response sections.
4. Harmonisation: Big band arrangements often make use of advanced harmonic concepts such as extended chords, chord substitutions, and chromatic modulations.
5. Dynamics: Big bands can produce a wide range of dynamic contrasts, from soft and delicate passages to loud, bombastic, or even chaotic sections.
6. Form and Structure: Big-band arrangements are often based on standard song forms such as verse-chorus-bridge or twelve-bar blues, but they can also employ more complex or unusual forms.
7. Improvisation: Solo improvisation is a key element of big-band jazz. Typically, one or more instruments will take turns playing improvised solos over the arrangement's chord changes.