Next section
Lesson time: (3min 8sec)
Paddy Milner teaches the next section of Pinetop's Boogie Woogie, working through the wide stretches and the triplet fingering that makes the riff sit naturally.
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:
Music Lesson: Boogie Woogie Section
So after that first break, where the tempo has relaxed, we're kind of a little bit out of time. Then he brings it back in.
Introduction to Boogie Woogie
Now, Boogie Woogie. This section is built on the same material as the introduction chorus, but with an inversion.
- Positioning: We're up here, so it's quite a big reach.
- Fingering: That little triplet on the second phrase, this is the fingering that feels natural for me to play.
Playing the Riff
That riff can be played in many ways. It's often used by going back to the same note at the bottom. However, there is something nice in this Pinetops original with that moving leading into the next section.
- Technique: Nice little roll.
- Articulation: On that riff, just try to make every note count.
Practice Tips
- Practice it slowly.
- Be very definite about those notes.
- Really articulate each one, ensuring that no notes are fluffed or played with half intention.
That's something I would say about learning tunes: really make every note count.
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