Pinetop Smith Riff - Creative Variations
Plenty of creative ways to play around with a classic Pinetop Smith riff, ideas that can be applied to any of your playing
What's in the course
24 lessons (2h 1m) · 2 free
01. Introducing Basses & Practice Tips
1:06
02. Building Boogie Basses
Free lesson6:22
03. Developing Basses Further
10:17
04. Minor Basses
3:02
05. Walking Basses
7:05
06. Getting Creative With 8-To-The-Bar Basses
5:33
07. Jimmy Yancey Style Latin Basses
2:07
08. Developing Your Own Basses - Rhythmic Ideas
6:04
09. Developing Your Own Basses - Harmonic Ideas & Suitcase Blues Study
8:08
Lesson transcript
Variation on the Pinetop Boogie Woogie Riff
Here's another little riff idea that I use quite a lot, which is a variation of the original Pinetop Boogie Woogie riff.
Basic Concept
In a boogie, I might start playing the riff like this:
- Introduce some triplets.
- Experiment with a more technically involved variation that's a bit quicker.
This variation is built on just the first bit of the original riff, and it fits nicely under the fingers.
Practice Tips
- Start Slowly: Begin at a comfortable tempo.
- Increase the Tempo: Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
It's all about playing triplets over the progression. You could also link it with other ideas from that riff. So, that's just another little riff for you to look at!
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
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.
