How to play the solo

Jerry Lee's Solo on "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On"

Cool! So let's dive into Jerry Lee's solo on "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On." This is where he takes his attitude to a new level. It's a very cool solo that has some different ideas in it.

Overview of the Solo

I'll play you pretty much what Jerry Lee plays on the record, and then we'll break it down.

• Starting Point: Taking it from chord 5 of the previous 12 bars and then going into the solo.

"Here we go. We're faking. There's a whole lot of going on!"

As you can hear, there are quite a lot of ideas that he uses in that solo. It's full of that classic rock and roll attitude.

Left Hand Technique

Changing Dynamics

Let's start by looking at the left hand:

• He changes the left hand from the verses, increasing the intensity by doubling up.
• Instead of playing quarter notes (crotchets), he's playing eighth notes (quavers).

This change introduces a different figuration. It has that major-minor thing, a characteristic of a lot of American music. It's heavier and grittier, which really lifts the music when he hits that solo.

Playing Style

• He plays heavy for the first six bars, leading up to chord 4.
• Then he does something unexpected that I hadn't really noticed as a kid.

"He does this kind of very unexpected left hand."

It's subtle but jumps up to the 10th. I'm not sure those are the exact notes, but it's pretty wild from those simple left hand parts.

• This style might be more likely attributed to New Orleans music, like Jelly Roll Morton or other New Orleans players.

Moving Between Chords

Let's focus on how he transitions:

• Going from chord 4, you really need to get that rhythm down.
• If not, it may lose momentum.

"It stops this very kind of driving left hand to play something a little more melodic."

Unique Influence

That melodic choice is so hip! I haven't heard anyone else in the rock and roll world do something quite like that. In fact, I haven't really heard anyone pick out that left hand in this song.

One Take Wonder

While we're at it, remember this was just one take of "Whole Lot of Shakin'." Jerry Lee plays it differently every time.

• If you listen to various live recordings over the years, you'll find he never plays these songs the same.

This is just a glimpse of one moment in time. In fact, I've heard they only had one take to record this song. Legend has it they had a little bit of tape left on the machine at Sun Studios and decided to go for it.

Drumming Choices

• This single take may explain the slightly strange drum feel at the start of the piano solo.
• Typically, a drum fill leads into the start of a section, not begins at the actual start.

"It almost sounds unexpected because your ear tunes into that drum fill as normally starting the section."

This adds excitement to the performance!

Conclusion

So, that's a little aside regarding Jerry Lee's approach to "Whole Lot of Shakin'." It's a fascinating blend of techniques and styles that showcases his unique musical voice.