Albert Ammons' Octave Riff
Lesson time: (3min 30sec)
Paddy Milner teaches a favourite Albert Ammons boogie-woogie riff - an octave with the fifth added - and shows how to play it across the 12-bar form.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Boogie-Woogie Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Right Hand Language in Boogie Woogie
Let's dive into some more right-hand language used in Boogie Woogie. Here's a little riff that's quite popular, Albert Ammons uses it frequently.
Octave and Fifth Riff
- Description: It essentially consists of an octave, but he adds the fifth.
- Sound: It creates a massive, full sound.
In context, getting it down at tempo can be challenging. However, let's explore how you can use it musically.
Musical Application
- You can play this riff over the whole 12-bar structure.
- There's a nice little melody that he incorporates, which sounds like this:
"Three. One, two, three, four."
Slide Option
You can choose to do the slide or not. This highlights the A minor tonality over the C, something Ammons utilizes quite frequently.
Chord Progression
When it transitions to the V chord, rather than going to the A, he hits the D. This choice is an integral part of the G7 chord, and then it returns back.
Intensity Build-Up
What I particularly enjoy is taking it up to the next version that works in the key of C. It actually starts on G and outlines the C7, incorporating the F.
As you heard in that example, this alteration increases the intensity and serves as a strong conclusion to a tune, especially since it's played at the top of the piano, creating a pretty intense sound.
Practice Tips
So, yes, try to get that down! Focus on making those tremolos nice and straight and strong, utilizing lots of wrist movement.
- It shouldn't hurt!
- If you experience any pain while practicing, stop and take a break.
That's one little riff idea to consider! Now, let's explore some more.
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