Lesson 4: How To Play Great Boogie Woogie Piano

TL;DR

Learn how to use trills in Boogie Woogie improvisation to add flavor and fill in gaps when you don't know what to play.

Transcript

welcome to Lesson Four of what does it take to become a great Boogie player and I think in this lesson we need to get down to the basics of the trill because the trill is a very very important aspect of Boogie Woogie improvisation and you can use it kind of when you can't think of a note to play which is often a problem for beginners What notes do ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎼 Trills in Boogie Woogie provide a solution for moments of musical uncertainty, allowing players to keep the music flowing.
• 🫱 Practicing trills regularly can improve technical skills and dexterity in the right hand.
• 🪜 Trills can be used in moderation to add flavor and interest to your improvisation but should be avoided from being overused.
• 👀 Watching tutorials and learning from experienced Boogie Woogie players can provide additional guidance in incorporating trills effectively.
• 👂 Expanding trills into chords can create a fuller sound and add complexity to your playing.
• 💙 Trills are commonly used in blues piano playing, emphasizing the fifth and flattened seventh.
• ❓ Trills can be a challenging technique to master, requiring dedicated practice and familiarization with different fingering options.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of using trills in Boogie Woogie improvisation?

Trills serve as a tool to fill in gaps and add interest when you're unsure of what notes to play next. They provide a "placeholder" for your mind to think and come up with the next musical idea.

Q: What are the different types of trills used in Boogie Woogie?

In Boogie Woogie, you can use trills on the third and fifth or the fifth and flattened seventh. The choice depends on the style you're playing, such as blues piano.

Q: How can I practice trills effectively?

Start by practicing a straight trill with any comfortable fingering. Once you've mastered the basic trill, try expanding it and incorporating it into your playing. Experiment with different chords and progressions to find creative ways to use trills.

Q: Are there any resources or tutorials available for improving trill skills?

Yes, you can find a detailed playlist on trills on the YouTube page of the instructor. Additionally, you can check out the Boogie Woogie tutorials by Terry Miles, the Boogie Woogie Emperor of Hackney, for more tips and tricks.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Trills are crucial in Boogie Woogie improvisation as they provide a go-to option when unsure of what notes to play.

• You can use trills on the third and fifth or the fifth and flattened seventh, depending on the style you're playing, such as blues piano.

• Practice trills with various fingerings and explore ways to expand and incorporate them into your playing.