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Lesson time: (6min 16sec)
Paddy Milner takes Jerry Lee Lewis's ideas from "Whole Lot of Shakin'" and shows how to vary them with sixths, inversions and ninth chords in your own playing.
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 some things we can do with the ideas that Jerry Lee plays in "Whole Lot of Shakin'." As you know, while it's cool to sound like Jerry Lee Lewis and replicate his style, it's also nice to be creative and use these ideas in your own improvisation.
Introducing the Sixth:
Why not introduce some slightly different variations of the chord?
Using Inversions:
Try using inversions for those chords. While this works well, it might sound slightly odd on chord V and even chord IV.
C6 to C Minor Six:
Instead of adding the sixth on chord IV, consider turning the C6 into a C minor six.
This results in a warm sound on chord IV, since you're not moving far from chord I to what would be the seventh on chord IV.
Does this work on chord V and IV?
So, there are many different chordal variations to explore:
You might come up with combinations that others haven't thought of, helping you to develop your unique sound.
Now, let's look at some of the right-hand techniques he employs in the solo and see what we can do with all that material!
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
