We use cookies to personalise content, serve ads, and analyse traffic.
Lesson time: (7min 12sec)
Let's dig a bit further into the crushed notes that Jerry uses in the end of the solo
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Rock 'n' Roll Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Cool! So let's look at these crush notes that Jerry Lee uses at the end of the solo. He employs this technique a lot, and there are so many things we can do with that idea.
For example, why not start the solo with those crush notes, but this time on the chord of C? You can do that kind of thing, it's quite a nice idea.
How about doing a little melodic idea?
How about a variation that goes down, using that as a basis? That's quite a nice thing to do.
And then change where you play it. You don't necessarily need to play the third on the top; you could just do it in that kind of way.
You can also play it at quite quick tempos as well. That's a very Jerry Lee Lewis thing!
So, have fun with both those crush notes and the kind of broken version of them.
Just briefly on that, you might want to change from triplets to something even quicker, break it down into sixteenths. Here's a little idea:
After all, it would be boring if we all sounded the same! So, don't be afraid to try your unique ideas.
We've looked at loads of ideas in "A Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On" and some creative ways to utilize those concepts. Now, let's explore some different ideas from various Jerry Lee Lewis tunes.

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