The Basics
Learn the basic motor skills and harmonic concepts to play a 12 bar blues in the boogie woogie and blues piano styles.
The Left Hand is the boogie woogie piano player's most important asset. A rock solid left hand is the foundation upon which all of the harmonies, melodies and counter rhythms of the right hand are built. A great left hand can make dancers and listeners go crazy (in a good way)! Choose a simple pattern to start with and practice it by itself to get it under your fingers.
The recommended pattern for beginners is the SHUFFLE PATTERN (page 23, Track 6, measure 1).
Caution! Dynamics are an essential part of playing boogie woogie (or any groove). Start building dynamics into your left hand NOW by always practicing accenting beats 2 & 4 (the backbeat) as demonstrated in this video.
Step 1 - Choose a Left Hand Bass Pattern
For a more complete list of left hand patterns and explanations read pages 22-29 in the textbook.
Shuffle Pattern
This video demonstrates the shuffle pattern as played in the key of C (your 5th finger [pinky] is on C). On your own, transpose this pattern to the keys of F (IV chord) and G (V chord) so that you will be able to use it in a 12 bar blues in C.
The curriculum references page numbers in our text book. Purchase is recommended but not necessary to complete the course.
Steps:
4
Course Time: 1 week
Effort:
15-20 min / day
Skill Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Textbook
Got the book? Click here.