Rolling Chords in Piano

Let's look at just some rolling chords.

Concept Overview:

• Can be very useful.
• This is a Jimmy Yancey style thing: very simple, just outlining the C6 chord.

Technique:

• Sliding off the D# (E flat), going via the D.
• When it goes to the F7, slide off the D again.

This rolling technique can be used with:

• Thirds
• Sixths

Example

For example, you could do something like:

• There's the rolling thing.
• There's the thirds with a couple.
• There's an octave thrown in as a linking note.

You could go down to those thirds.

Minor Tonality

Playing with that minor tonality fits with the F7.

• Those sixths to the thirds.

Rhythmic Variations

How about exploring the rhythms?

• You could play around with phrasing like that.
• Or you could play around with where that actual pattern is placed.

Alternative Approach

Let me try another 12-bar exercise to demonstrate different sounds.

• I'm adding loads of other little ideas from thirds and sixths, incorporating extra ideas.
• This helps mitigate that slightly strange syncopation when it starts on, like, the fourth beat.

Roll and Rhythm

Let's analyze that roll further.

• It doesn't always have to start on beat one or three of the bar.

For instance:

• The first time could start on beats one and four rather than just at the beginning.

Creating Tension and Release

By manipulating the phrasing rhythm, you can create tension and release, which adds excitement to the music.

Contextual Rolling Ideas

Let's look at some rolling ideas in different contexts.

• I often use the rolling idea or break a chord down into an arpeggio over various harmonies.

Harmonic Progression Example:

• C to D minor
• D# diminished to E7
• F to A
• G minor to G# diminished
• F7

Cascading Effect

Something fun I do is to come down from the five:

• This can be based on sixths moving all the way down, creating a cascading, waterfall-like effect.

You can also play this as a simpler arrangement.

Practical Application

Now, how might you use this:

• Use the rolling idea at the end of a chorus.
• For example, you might come down, then go back up.

Linking Ideas

In context, coming down from the V chord into the next chorus, listen for how I link those two riff ideas together using thirds, sixths, and a few linking notes.

Technique for Rolling Piano Parts

Let's look at the technique behind those rolls.

• It may seem involved, but at the base of it, there's nothing crazy going on.

Basic Practice Suggestions:

1. Practice at the fastest tempo you're comfortable with.
2. Stay in one hand position to build comfort.
3. Use a metronome for guidance.
4. Gradually increase the tempo until comfortable, and then change the hand position.

I'm confident that before long, you will be able to execute these rolls at faster tempos!