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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Tips for playing jazz piano

It is frequently said that music plays a crucial role in creating a human experience. Jazz is famous for the evocative impression it leaves universally. Jazz had its origins in Blues music, though it also carries an influence from other genres. To be a perfect jazz player, you have to follow its elementary rules. If you are an amateur, you need to focus on the basics and the early Swing Era.

As a jazz piano student, you need to explore the best of some of the recordings. The most important step is to analyze jazz piano with close observation given to the early works. Some renowned, jazz piano works - like the Art Tatum, Count Basie, Thelonius Monk and so on - are a great help for beginners. As a serious student, you observe Jazz by closely following the works of the veterans. Regular practice can and will turn you into a master pianist.

Start with a systematic approach. Learning the basic theory of all 12 major scales is mandatory for each step. As a beginner, you should master these scales, read music, and play the basics even if they are not exactly Jazz. This keeps you right in tune. It is suggested that you purchase a songbook to accompany your studies.

Understanding the symbols and tabs of chords and guitars is pivotal. This understanding will help you catch on to the basics very easily. As a learner, you should be aware of the major, minor, dominant, half diminished, and diminished chords of every key. Once these scales are mastered, you are completely ready to move on.

You will notice that after regular practice you are playing a song without actually reading any music. Now is the time for some introspection. You can check your shortcomings, make the distinctions between the original tune and yours, and modify from there.

Understand that learning piano is possible only by actually playing it, not by reading a book. It certainly requires total dedication and zeal.
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