#2: How To Play Blues Piano

TL;DR

Learn the pentatonic scale in C and G keys for blues improvisation, starting with trills and gradually experimenting with different notes and rhythms.

Transcript

hi guys Dr K here in the last lesson we had a little bit of an introduction to blu's improvisation and the common question always comes up is how do I improvise What notes do I play and the first answer to that is just start off with trilling if you don't know what notes to play just doing a a Trill over a riff makes you sound like you know what yo... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎵 Trilling is a useful technique to start improvising in blues music, even if you are unsure of the specific notes.
• 🤩 Learning the pentatonic scale in the keys of C and G is crucial for blues improvisation.
• 💙 Blues improvisation is not limited to playing up and down the scale but involves experimenting with different rhythms and techniques.
• 👂 It is beneficial to listen to other players and internalize their style to develop your improvisation skills.
• 💙 Simple building blocks, such as trills and the pentatonic scale, are essential for becoming a great blues player.
• 💙 Blues improvisation requires experimentation and spending time at the keyboard to develop a unique style.
• 🖐️ It is acceptable to play scales and trills with a chop in the left hand to build familiarity with blues improvisation.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the first step in blues improvisation if you don't know what notes to play?

The first step is to start with trills. Trilling over a riff can make you sound like you know what you're doing, even if you are unsure of the specific notes to play.

Q: How can I learn the pentatonic scale for blues improvisation?

You can learn the pentatonic scale by searching for tutorials on how to play it. Start by learning it in the keys of C and G, which are central for blues music.

Q: Can I only use the notes of the pentatonic scale during improvisation?

While the pentatonic scale provides the foundation for blues improvisation, you can also use other notes. However, it is recommended to start by playing around with the notes of the scale to develop a bluesy sound.

Q: How can I make my blues improvisations more interesting?

To make your improvisations more interesting, you can experiment with different rhythms, techniques, and chord progressions. Listen to other players, internalize their style, and spend time experimenting at the keyboard.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The first step in improvisation is to start with trills, which can make you sound confident even if you don't know what notes to play.

• The pentatonic scale, also known as the blues scale, is essential for blues improvisation. Learn it in the keys of C and G to get started.

• While improvising, you can play around with the notes of the scale, experimenting with different rhythms and techniques.