Lesson 9: How To Play Great Boogie Woogie Piano | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to incorporate a fifth note into octaves to achieve the classic Chicago Boogie sound.

Key Insights

• 👂 Adding a fifth note to octaves is a technique that creates the classic Chicago Boogie sound.
• 🇸🇧 Albert Ammons is known for popularizing this technique in his Boogie Woogie solos.
• 🤾 Practicing this technique improves hand coordination and enhances overall piano playing skills.
• 🎵 Incorporating the fifth note into octaves can be applied in various musical styles, adding versatility to your playing.
• 🐎 It is essential to practice slowly at first and gradually increase the speed to master this technique.
• 👂 The technique adds depth and character to the sound, making it more distinct and recognizable.
• 🫱 The left hand should also incorporate a chop rhythm to complement the technique in the right hand.

Transcript

hi guys welcome to lesson nine of what does it take to become a great Boogie player and I hope you're going through all the lessons a few times so that you're really absorbing the material because as the Russians say repetition is the mother of knowledge and in this lesson I want to focus on something that I think is really really important camera ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is adding a fifth note to octaves important in creating the classic Chicago Boogie sound?

The addition of the fifth note adds depth and character to the octave, making it more distinct and recognizable in the Boogie genre. It is a technique commonly used by Albert Ammons and other Boogie Woogie pianists to achieve that specific sound.

Q: How can I practice incorporating the fifth note into octaves?

Start by placing your finger on the first note of the octave and then add the fifth note in the middle before reaching the octave. Practice slowly at first, focusing on hand coordination and maintaining a steady rhythm. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Q: Can the incorporation of a fifth note be used in other musical styles apart from Boogie?

While the technique is commonly associated with Boogie Woogie, it can certainly be applied in other genres. Experimenting with incorporating the fifth note into octaves can add an interesting twist to your playing and can be adapted to suit different musical styles.

Q: What other benefits does practicing the technique of adding a fifth note to octaves offer?

In addition to enhancing the classic Boogie sound, practicing this technique strengthens your hand coordination and improves your ability to play with both hands together. It serves as a valuable exercise for developing technique and precision in your piano playing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lesson nine focuses on the technique of adding a fifth note to octaves, which creates the classic Chicago Boogie sound.

• By playing an octave with the fifth note in the middle, the sound becomes more distinctive and reminiscent of Albert Ammons' style.

• This technique is commonly used in Boogie Woogie solos and serves as a great exercise for improving hand coordination.