Fourth chorus - Repeated triplets
Lesson time: (2min 56sec)
Paddy Milner teaches the fourth chorus of 'Honky Tonk Train Blues': keeping those right-hand repeated triplets solid and even through the 12-bar sequence.
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 Overview
Right, let's look at this next chorus.
Challenges Ahead
Now, this one is a pretty tough one on the right hand, and maybe that left hand at this point in the tune is just starting to kick in.
- You can feel that lactic acid building up in your forearm, but you still have a long way to go.
- It's a long journey ahead.
Right Hand Technique
But still, this one is quite tough on the right hand.
- Keep those triplets going throughout the whole section.
- Specifically, the first eight bars of the 12-bar sequence.
Make sure to keep them really solid and defined.
"Like, you hear Meadlux Lewis, he's really hammering them, and they're just all nice and neat."
Finger Coordination
This can get a little bit fiddly because of the movement between the third and fourth fingers.
- They need to be really strong to keep that going.
- You might want to try using a hand position that allows you to switch between the two, which can be quite useful.
Alternating Techniques
Switching between the two fingers gives them a rest, alternately with the thumb as well. This can be a good solution for that section.
Practice Tips
- Start practicing this section at a slow tempo before progressing to a higher tempo.
- Again, use the metronome to get those triplets nice and solid and in time.
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