Form of tune
Lesson time: (1min 56sec)
Paddy Milner breaks down the form of 'Somebody Changed the Lock' - not a 12-bar but a jazz-influenced 8-bar built on the I, vi, ii and IV chords.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic New Orleans Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Music Lesson: Chord Progressions and Structure
Introduction
So, somebody changed the lock. This lesson explores a piece that integrates a few more chords, based on a jazz harmonic idea.
Chord Progressions
Verse Structure
- Chords Used: 1, 6, 2, and 5
- B Section Chords: 3, 6, 2, 5
In the verse, we utilize the following sequence:
- 2 Bars on B flat or B7 (13)
- 2 Bars on G or G7
- 1 Bar on C
- 1 Bar on F
- Returns to B for 2 Bars (considered as the turnaround)
This results in a simple 8-bar sequence.
Middle Section
The middle eight, or second section, transitions as follows:
- Starts on D for 2 Bars
- Moves to G for 2 Bars
- C for 2 Bars (instead of 1 bar in the A section)
- F for 2 Bars
- Returns back into the A section after that.
Overall, we have a relatively simple 8-bar form with an 8-bar B section.
Left Hand Technique
Let's look at some of the left-hand techniques I was implementing in that tune.
Feel free to ask any questions or request further explanations on specific parts!
About the instructor
Paddy Milner is recognised as one of the leading blues piano players in the world - he is currently keyboard player of choice for Sir Tom Jones, following several years with the late, great Jack Bruce - but he is also a superb original songwriter and a distinctive singer. Just read the praise from the likes of Dave Brubeck below! His playing was featured on the soundtrack for the hit 2019 film 'Rocketman'. He has twice won the award for Best Keyboard Player in the British Blues Awards, and he holds a long-standing residency as a founder member of the Ronnie Scott's Blues Explosion at the world-renowned Ronnie Scott's club. His current group LONDONOLA plays homegrown British music with a strong dose of New Orleans spirit, and his collaborative group JAWBONE goes from strength to strength following the release of their self-titled debut album. "I love it... there's a guy who can really play the piano" - Dave Brubeck "I highly recommend it. Somehow things start to feel much better!" - Jack Bruce "The best blues piano player in Europe..." - Blues Access, USA "Impressive & original" - The Times "Dazzling" - The Independent Across his courses, Paddy breaks down authentic blues shuffle, slow blues, boogie-woogie, rock 'n' roll and New Orleans piano - right down to three classic boogie-woogie songs - so you can learn these styles from one of the very best in the business. read more