Blues on the Piano: My Approach as Classical Pianist
As a classical pianist, I have been fascinated by and with the Blues for several years now. I never thought that I would have so much fun with a different style of playing the piano, but blues music has truly captivated me.
I am used to playing structured pieces with clear sheet music. But with blues, I found a new form of expression, where I could let my emotions flow through my fingers and create music on the spot. The 12-bar progression in blues provides a framework to work within, but it also allows for a lot of creativity and improvisation.
I would like to share my journey with blues piano and share some tips and exercises for those who would like to learn how to play blues on the piano or keyboard. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate player, I believe that everyone can learn to play blues and have fun with it.
Starting from the Basics: Understanding Chords and Scales
The first step in learning how to play blues on the piano is to understand the basic chords and scales used in blues music. The most commonly used blues scale is the minor pentatonic scale including an additional #4 (or in major terms speaking, a major pentatonic scale with a b3 added), which consists of six notes. You can start by playing the scale up and down the keyboard and then practice playing the scale with both hands.
Next, you can learn the basic chords used in blues music, such as the dominant seventh chord, which is the most important chord in blues music. You can practice playing the chords in different inversions and then move on to playing chord progressions.
Exercises for Improvising and Playing Slow Blues
One of the most exciting aspects of playing blues on the piano is the ability to improvise. To get started with improvising, you can practice playing slow blues, which is a blues form that is played at a slower tempo. You can start by playing the chords in a repetitive pattern and then add in some improvisation by playing the pentatonic scale over the chords.
Another exercise you can try is to play a simple progression and then improvise a melody over it. This will help you get comfortable with the chords and scales and start to develop your own style.
For those who are more advanced, you can try playing more complex progressions and experimenting with different chords and scales. This will help you to further develop your skills and play blues in your own unique style.
Do you feel lost or are not quite sure what all the terms mean? Consider checking out my book “Nahre Sol’s Elements of Music”, in which I try to give you a playful, intuitive insight into how music works so that you have the tools to make music your own.
Improvisation and Mastering Different Styles
Blues is all about improvisation, and the more you practice, the better you will get at it. Improvising is not just about playing the right notes, but also about feeling the music and letting your emotions flow through your playing.
Another important aspect of blues piano is mastering different styles, such as boogie-woogie, ragtime, and stride piano. I didn’t get to that yet in my own journey, but I can’t wait and will probably make other videos out of it. Each style has its own unique feel and rhythm, and by mastering these styles, you can bring a new level of depth and expression to your playing.
Taking a Course or Finding Sheet Music
If you are serious about learning how to play blues on the piano, taking a course or finding sheet music are great steps to get started. There are many courses available online that are specifically designed for beginners and intermediate players. If you need to master the basic musical foundation first, I would like to point you towards my book “Elements of Music” in which I give you the tools to grasp music on a level so that you can tackle new styles yourself.
Additionally, there are also many sheet music books available that provide lessons and exercises for playing blues on the piano. These books can be a great resource for those who want to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their own home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blues
What are some of the best blues piano songs to learn?
If you’re looking for some classic blues songs to learn on the piano, here are a few you should consider:
1. “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King
2. “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters
3. “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
4. “Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson
5. “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
6. “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy
7. “Hadacol Boogie” by Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
8. “Hoochie Coochie Man” by Willie Dixon
9. “Rollin' and Tumblin'" by Big Bill Broonzy
10. “I Can't Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon
How can I create my own blues piano solos?
If you’re looking to create your own blues piano solos, the most important thing is to start by listening to music in the genre. Listening to the masters of blues piano will help you develop a better understanding of the sound and the appropriate techniques.
When it comes to creating your own solos, it’s important to break down the basics. Try understanding the structure of a blues song and learn some of the standard chords used in the genre. Once you have the basics down, start experimenting with the chords and adding in notes of your own.
Finally, it’s important to practice improvisation and develop your own unique style. Playing along to recordings and jamming with other musicians is a great way to build up your skills and learn how to create a powerful blues piano solo.
How can I learn to play the blues on the piano?
Learning to play the blues on piano can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To get started, it's important to familiarize yourself with the basics of blues music. Start by listening to blues songs and focusing on the blues scales, chords and rhythmic patterns. You should then practice playing blues licks and riffs, learning to incorporate them into your playing. Once you have a handle on the basics, practice improvising with a variety of blues progressions. With some practice and dedication, you'll be able to develop a unique blues style and technique on the piano.
How do I add blues licks to my piano playing?
Adding blues licks to your piano playing can help you add an extra dimension to your music. To begin, you should start by learning the blue scale, which is a scale based on the pentatonic scale, but with an added augmented fourth degree (from a minor perspective). You can then use the same scale patterns on different notes to create licks. Additionally, you can experiment with chords, trills, and bends to create various blues licks. Once you’ve learned the basics, try to replicate different blues licks from your favorite songs or improvised solos. This will help you to understand how blues licks are used in a musical context. Finally, practice as much as possible to develop your own unique licks.
What are the different blues styles found on the piano?
The piano has a deep and varied range of blues music styles to explore. From the soulful sounds of Barrelhouse and Boogie-Woogie to the gospel-infused sounds of Gospel Blues, you can find a wide range of blues styles on the piano. Other styles include Ragtime and New Orleans Blues, Delta Blues, and Chicago Blues. For something with a bit more bite, there's West Coast Blues, Piedmont Blues, and Rock and Roll Boogie-Woogie. No matter which style of blues you decide to explore, the piano serves as a great instrument to express the emotion and feeling of the blues.