Second chorus - 3 2 Polyrythm
Lesson time: (1min 54sec)
Paddy Milner breaks down the second chorus of 'Honky Tonk Train Blues', built on a three-against-two polyrhythm that adds tension and grit to the piano part.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Learn Three Classic Boogie-Woogie Songs
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Next Chorus
Yeah. So let's move on to the next chorus.
This one kicks off with:
- The Idea: You can hear that idea in there again.
- Comfort: So, find the comfortable way, the most comfortable way for you to play that.
Rhythm
It's a kind of cross rhythm. It's a polyrhythm playing triplets against:
- Three Against Two: It's got that brilliant sharp nine against the third in the bass.
Musical Fundamentals
Again, this is something fundamental to:
- Blues
- Boogie
- Gospel
- All Kinds of American Music
It provides and creates that tension in the music.
Emotional Impact
It's kind of got a dark nastiness to it, and I love it.
Repetition
And then, the repeated phrase at the end is the same as in the first chorus and most of the choruses.
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