Left Hand - The Engine

Understanding the Left Hand

So, let's look at that left hand. This is, you know, the most important thing in this tune, and it's a tough one.

The Feel of the Tune

• The whole tune is kind of played with a dotted feel.
• Milux Lewis plays everything pretty accurate; he really nails the riffs he's doing.
• It's all very purposeful and intentional, creating that big sound.

Listening Tips

If you really listen to the recording and slow it down, something I recommend doing when transcribing difficult sections, you'll notice that he doesn't always play those notes together. There are points where he alternates, creating a dynamic feel.

• Main Feel: It has that constant driving sort of eighths.
• Variations: There are different weights to how he's playing it, making it good to aim for throughout the piece. However, as you'll find out, that is really tough.

Chord Structure

These are the notes anyway:

1. On the Chord 1, we're in the key of G, which is slightly unconventional.

   • It's going between the tonic and the dominant (the 1 and the 5).
   • It also has the fifth at the bottom of the voicing, which is quite unusual since most boogies generally have the root at the bottom.

2. When you go to the Four Chord (C), remember we're still in the key of G.

   • It also has that fifth at the bottom.

3. The only one that's different is the Chord 5, which is kind of in root position.

Practicing the Left Hand

This left hand is difficult mainly because of the stamina you need to get through the whole tune.

• Practice Strategy: Start at a slower tempo, practicing through the entire 12-bar sequence until it feels comfortable under your fingers.
• Duration: Keep going around it for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or even half an hour, until your muscle memory is solid.

Maintaining Flexibility

• Try and keep your wrist as flexible as possible.
• Avoid using your whole arm and back, as this can make it tough to maintain momentum.

Good luck with that left hand; you're going to need it!