Learning to play the blues on the piano can be one of the most rewarding endeavors for any aspiring musician. Rooted in the deep tradition of African American music, blues piano offers a rich tapestry of emotional expression and technical skill.
As a beginner, you’ll be happy to know that blues piano is characterized by its repetitive patterns and structures which make it an accessible style to start learning.
Fundamental Blues Piano Songs
When starting your journey in blues piano, it’s essential to grasp the techniques of the masters like Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans, as well as to understand the foundation laid by classics.
Oscar Peterson’s Techniques
Oscar Peterson’s virtuosic playing is a treasure trove for any beginner. Focus on his deft touch and swinging style—pay special attention to his use of blues scales and the rhythmic stride in his left hand. Take his rendition of “C Jam Blues“ as a starting point for its straightforward melody and his articulate improvisation.
Bill Evans’ Style Explained
Bill Evans brought a sense of lyrical sophistication to blues with his nuanced chords and introspective improvisations. Study how he plays with tension and release in tunes like “Blue in Green.” Notice how his use of inner voices and modal exploration paves the way for a more reflective blues experience.
Classics: ‘St Louis Blues’ and ‘All Blues’
- ‘St Louis Blues’: This W.C. Handy standard is the bedrock of the blues genre. Begin with the famous walking bass line and the major-to-minor tonality shift, key features that capture the song’s timeless essence.
- ‘All Blues’: Miles Davis’s masterpiece invites you into the world of modal blues. As a pianist, you’ll learn to groove in 6/8 time and explore improvisation within the modal framework laid out by Davis, which offers a different flavor from traditional blues progressions.
Gospel Influences: ‘Amazing Grace’
The spiritual melody of ‘Amazing Grace‘ adapts well to the blues piano style. By incorporating bluesy thirds and sevenths around the melody, you transform this hymn into a soulful blues rendition that resonates with its gospel roots.
Upbeat Rhythms: ‘Route 66’ and ‘4-on-the-floor Blues’
- ‘Route 66’: Get your groove on with this classic upbeat number. Its shuffle rhythm and catchy melody make it a fun and accessible song for those new to blues piano.
- ‘4-on-the-floor Blues’: Pay attention to the steady, driving bass pattern known as ‘4-on-the-floor.’ This energetic style will enhance your timing and instill a strong sense of blues rhythm.
Essential Skills for Beginners
To start playing blues on the piano, you’ll need to focus on some foundational skills that’ll give you control and confidence at the keys.
Learning Correct Fingering
Fingering is critical in playing blues piano with ease. Familiarize yourself with the numbering system for your fingers:
- 1 (thumb)
- 2 (index)
- 3 (middle)
- 4 (ring)
- 5 (pinky)
Start by practicing scales with proper fingering to build muscle memory. In blues, you’ll often use the blues scale which includes notes like C, Eb, F, F#, G, and Bb. Using the right fingers for these notes helps you transition smoothly between them.
Mastering Left-Hand Patterns
Your left hand will typically lay down the rhythm and bassline. A fundamental pattern to master is the 12-bar blues progression, which uses the I-IV-V chord structure. Here’s a simple version using C as the root note:
| C7 | F7 | C7 | C7 |
| F7 | F7 | C7 | C7 |
| G7 | F7 | C7 | G7 |
Work on maintaining a steady rhythm while playing these chords in various inversions to add interest and facilitate smooth transitions.
Developing Right-Hand Techniques
Your right hand often handles the melody and improvisation. A good start is learning the major and minor triads and seventh chords.
For blues improvisation, you’ll rely on bending notes and adding blue notes (like the flattened third or fifth) to create that distinctive blues sound.
Practice playing melodies and riffs with an emphasis on expression and rhythm.
Introduction to Improvisation
Improvisation is a cornerstone of blues music. You’ll be improvising melodies using the blues scale and injecting your own personal style.
Begin with simple solos, using short phrases built around the root, third, and fifth of the scale, and work your way up to longer phrases.
Listen to classic blues musicians to understand how they construct their solos, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Techniques for Expressive Playing
When playing blues piano, the real magic happens when you’re able to express emotion through your technique.
Mastering the Blues Improvisation Challenge
Improvisation is at the heart of blues piano—it’s like conversing musically without a script.
To master it, start by learning the 12-bar blues progression, which is your blueprint. Then, get comfortable with the blues scale; it’s your go-to for crafting spontaneous melodies.
Practice is crucial. Start by improvising over a recorded 12-bar blues backing track—this will help develop your timing and creativity.
Utilizing Licks and Riffs
Licks and riffs are the building blocks of the blues sound—they’re the phrases that catch your ear and make you nod along. Think of them as your vocabulary.
Familiarize yourself with the “bible of blues riffs,” a collection or resource of classic phrases that great blues players often use. Use these phrases to embellish your playing.
Try out different licks in different positions on the scale:
- Turnarounds: Essential for signaling the end of a blues progression.
- Shuffles: Sets the groove and feel of the blues song.
Applying Slides, Triplets, and Other Articulations
Your touch on the keys can transform a simple note into a wailing cry or a whisper. Work on your slides—gliding from one note to the next to add a vocal-like quality.
Triplets—three notes played in the space of two—create a sense of urgency and flow. Other articulations to incorporate include staccato for punch and legato for smoothness.
Remember, these techniques are your tools for expression, so use them to shape your playing with feeling and dynamics.
Advancing Your Blues Piano Skills
As you get comfortable with the basics, it’s time to step up your blues piano game.
Complex Chord Progressions and Inversions
Progress beyond the standard 12-bar blues by incorporating complex chord progressions and inversions into your playing. Start by adding sevenths, ninths, and diminished chords to your repertory.
- Sevenths: Add depth by turning major and minor chords into dominant 7th chords. For example: C becomes C7, F becomes F7.
- Ninths: For a jazzy feel, add ninths to your chords. C7 with an added ninth would be C E G Bb D.
- Diminished Chords: These can be used for transitions or to add tension. A common diminished chord is Cdim: C E♭ G♭ A.
Chord inversions offer a way to smoothly transition between chords. Practice moving from one inversion to another to keep your bass line steady and your melodies interesting.
Jazzy Blues and Comping Techniques
Jazzy blues comping is all about rhythm and groove. Focus on your left hand creating a solid and swinging foundation, while your right hand embellishes with chords and riffs.
- Left Hand Patterns: Start with the classic shuffle rhythm or walking bass lines.
- Right Hand Techniques: Use chord stabs and syncopation to add flair.
To comp effectively, listen to how drums, bass, and guitar interact in a band setting. Imitate these interactions on the piano by playing chords on the off-beats and accenting those rhythms that push the groove forward.
Slow Gospel Blues and Summertime Ballads
Slow gospel blues and ballads like “Summertime” allow you to explore the emotional depth of blues music. To master these:
- Focus on dynamics: Play with the volume of your notes for expressive phrasing.
- Practice soulful bends and slides with your pitch: these are key to capturing the vocal quality inherent in blues music.
- Use sustained chords to let the harmonic richness resonate, and don’t rush—let the song breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s the answers to some common questions to help you dive into the world of blues piano as a beginner.
What are some good blues piano songs for a beginner to learn?
Start with blues classics that have simple structures, like “C Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington or “Every Day I Have The Blues” by Memphis Slim. These tunes typically feature repetitive blues patterns that are ideal for novices.
Where can I find easy blues piano sheet music for free?
You can find free blues piano sheet music on websites like 8notes.com or imslp.org. These sites offer various pieces ranked by difficulty, making it easier to select beginner-friendly options.
Are there simplified jazz blues piano songs that are easy for novices to pick up?
Yes, there are simplified versions of jazz blues songs suitable for beginners. Look for arrangements of “All Blues” by Miles Davis or “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk. These often have easier left-hand patterns while preserving the essence of the blues.
