In jazz terminology, what is meant by “inhead”?

The term “inhead” in jazz terminology refers to the beginning melody of a song, also known as the head. This is the main theme or the primary melodic material of a composition that is usually played at the start and often repeated throughout the performance. The head serves as a reference point for musicians, establishing the harmonic structure and thematic content of the piece. It is essential for guiding both the improvisation sections and the overall structure of the performance.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of music creation and performance. A digital music production technique relates to modern technology used in music creation, which does not align with the traditional definition of "inhead." A style of playing fast runs refers to a specific technique in executing rapid musical passages but does not represent the concept of the beginning melody. An improvisation technique, while relevant to jazz, is broader in scope and doesn't specifically address the defined and recognized phrase or theme that "inhead" represents. Therefore, understanding that "inhead" signifies the primary melodic line of a jazz piece is crucial for grasping the foundational elements of jazz performance.