How Do You Learn To Play Jazz Piano

Posted: Jan 24, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

In the early years of the 20th century playing jazz piano got its start. Jazz music was actually a combination of European music with a African melody which when put together become a very exhilarating form of music. It is actually a very challenging form of music to play because of the constant improvisation. Although this may be true by learning to play jazz piano will leave you with a very gratifying sense of accomplishment because of the degree of skills required. All that it takes is to learn the basics of piano playing and you can be on your way to becoming a great jazz piano player.

Note that many of today's finest jazz pianists began their career by first learning how to play classical piano. It is very important to learn the scales and understand harmony. It is also crucial to know all the 12 major and 12 natural minor scales. In addition, you must know the 12 major and minor triads. Also, you should have an understanding of music theories as well as being able to read music because this can greatly help in learning to play the piano.

Recognizing chord symbols and chord progressions is important which is why investing in a good jazz chord book such as the ones by John Mehegan is a good idea. One can also opt to go online to study and check on websites that have lead sheets on its sites. Continue to practice until it becomes second nature doing all 12 keys. Pay close attention to the chord structures as well as the use of the seventh chords.

Continue to use the common chord progressions that you hear in most jazz music (2-5-1). Begin performing this in the key of C followed by all the other keys. With the use of your left hand, perform the 2-5-1 chords while the right hand plays the scale. Reverse the process after.

To keep your music lively you must really get into the rhythm. This is the reason why it is important to learn about jazz rhythm which can be done by reading music and vocalizing. It is also important to keep the beat of the music by either doing foot tapping or using a metronome to gain an insight on one's rhythm.

With all you have learned take your skills and perform your own jazz tune. Begin by knowing the melody followed by the base and then eventually, fuse it all together.

Develop your listening skills so that you can tell the difference in melodies and rhythms. Make it a point to listen to a variety of jazz forms as well as great jazz pianists such as Keith Jarret. Begin to perform the jazz tunes that you hear; whether this is jazz radio stations, going to live performances, or listening to jazz recordings.

Constant practice is required in order to be good in playing jazz piano. Learning this skill can be done in an entertaining way by incorporating the game "follow the leader."This can be a fun exercise that will begin with a master player who starts with some bars and everyone tries to copy them. Since improvisation is a huge part of jazz, try to conform to this type of technique by utilizing your emotions while playing the piano. While doing this just forget music reading.

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