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Author: paul abrahams
Easy steps to learn jazz piano episode 6
The 3 extensions In these easy steps to learn jazz piano we have reached the three extensions and ways to use them. These three extensions are 9, 11 and 13. You can think of them as 2, 4 and 6 of the Mixolydian mode. You can get the same result by using the major scale,… Read more »
Easy steps to learning jazz piano part 5
Here is the fifth episode in this series of easy steps to learning jazz piano In episode 1 we looked at the relationship between two notes: the 5 (dominant) and the 1 (tonic). The second step in episode 2 was to convert these two notes into chords: the dominant 7 chord leading to the tonic… Read more »
Easy steps to learning jazz piano episode 4
Here is episode 4 of easy steps to learning jazz piano. In episode 1 our first step was to find the notes V that lead to I, dominant leading to tonic, tension to release. This interval, up a perfect 4th or down a perfect 5th is the backbone of most Western music. The graphic below… Read more »
Easy steps to learn jazz piano episode 3
Here is episode 3 of easy steps to learn jazz piano. In episode 1 our first step was to find the notes V that lead to I, dominant leading to tonic, tension to release. This interval, up a perfect 4th or down a perfect 5th is the backbone of most Western music. The graphic below… Read more »
The second easy step to learn jazz piano
The second easy step to learn jazz piano is turning the notes into chords. We began with 2 notes, the V leading to the 1. Our second step is to turn these 2 notes into chords. Here is a short video to explain this second easy step to learn jazz piano. Our first chord will… Read more »
The first easy step to learn jazz piano
Step 1: identify the notes V and I. Here are some easy steps to learn jazz piano. For those of you who follow my online jazz piano video course or come to me as private students you will know that I’m always emphasising the importance of V (5) moving to I – the dominant moving… Read more »
How can I start learning blues piano
Part 1 Whenever I have a potential piano student wishing to start learning blues piano I will always tell them that although there are some separate rules, structures and approaches, I prefer to think of blues and jazz to be interchangeable. There are some great jazz players very influenced by the blues such as Wynton… Read more »
How to learn jazz piano, part 2
In part 2 of how to learn jazz piano I am reflecting on how I started to learn and continue to learn to play and have an understanding of jazz piano. In part 1 I looked at the path that I took and how it helped me. Here’s a quick recap. Learn to read music,… Read more »
The jazz turnaround, part 3.
The jazz turnaround is a sequence of 4 chords and appears in many guises. In part 2 of the the jazz turnaround we looked at a ‘I-VI-II-V’ chord sequence in the key of F major. We then exchanged the VI minor chord (Dmin7) for a dominant 7 (D7). This has now created a second V… Read more »
How can I learn jazz piano?
Part 1 My immediate response to this question after a 50 year pro career as a keyboard player and teacher is “I’m still learning”.And if Sonny Rollins, at the age of 80 said that he was still working it, then us lesser mortals can take note. You may wish to skip the following biographical details.… Read more »