Blues Piano Practice Tips

Blues Practice Tips

Once you can play the Blues in one key, try these tips:

1. Start working on a new key. Start with an easy key first. So, if you originally learned the Blues in C, try a key like F or G next.
2. Don’t forget the guitar keys! E, A and B are popular keys that guitar players learn the Blues in.
3. Change the tempo. Try playing it slow and fast.
4. Make a play-a-long track for yourself. Or, play-a-long with a Blues recording.
5. Try creating a Blues “head”. A head is the melody of the song. Start by playing the same lick over the I and IV chords. When you get to the V chord, change it slightly. Repetition is important!
6. Listen to great Blues pianists like Professor Long Hair, Jimmy Smith (Organ) and Johnnie Johnson.

Willie President

Willie Myette is a pianist, serial entrepreneur and author of over a dozen books on piano and music education. He received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and graduated in under 4 years. Willie is the creator and president of online piano instruction sites Jazzedge® Academy, Jazz Piano Lessons and HomeSchool Piano.

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