Blues Piano Lesson: Playing Over the 5 and 4 Chord

Welcome back! In this video, we're going to look at the material I was playing over the 5 and the 4 chord in bars 9 to 10 of the 12-bar sequence. The goal is to get you playing some archetypal blues piano techniques.

Demonstration

I'll play around that a couple of times, refresh your memory, and then explain what I'm doing. So, coming up to bar nine... here we go!

Demonstrates the sound
I think that sounds pretty authentic!

The V Chord

On the V chord, you'll see me often outline the D to D7.
Notice I'm playing that E and adding a few grace notes. This outlines the D7 and includes some elements based on the blues scale at the end.

Example Technique:

• Sliding up from the thumb to the second finger and then to the third.
• You could also replicate that sliding motion.

Refreshing the Concept

Let's refresh that:
Plays again
Rolling down is like playing a D6 but with a 7.

Influence of Guitar

This style may originate from piano imitation of the guitar, definitely something you might hear Muddy Waters do. But it works great on the piano too!

The Turnaround

We're approaching the territory of the turnaround, which I'll cover in another video.

Key Patterns

Now, here's one thing you can play over the D to C and back to G, which sounds pretty cool:

• Muddy Waters Influence:
  Another common move is outlining the D7...
  • Then play the C in octaves.
  • This is a real signature move you'll hear Muddy Waters performing on the guitar, and we can adapt it for piano.

Adds a little ornament there.
You could also do this on the D, going up a C chord, it fits nicely under the fingers.

Creative Variations

Get that under your fingers! These are a couple of nice things you can play over the transition from the 5 to the 4 and then back to the 1.

Consider varying the riffs. You could play:

• Example Riff 1:
  Going back to the riff based on the 9th.

• Example Riff 2:
  Or try something like this...

Rhythmic Play

You might also experiment with the feel and time. Instead of playing:

• A straight rhythm, try a shuffle-like groove.

*Demonstrates the context with bars *
Adds rhythmic interest.

Band Interaction

In a band setting, once you start playing that rhythm, one of the other instruments might nod to that idea and join you, which is always fun. After all, it's got to be great fun!

Practical Application

Putting that into context, I'll demonstrate a couple of bars leading up to it with a shuffle, then switch to a more straight groove in the right hand.

Plays demonstration

Additional Techniques

You can add the third, going from the major third to the minor third sounds pretty hip! Other ideas for the 5 to 4 transition could include:

• Example Move:
  Playing descending thirds.

Listening and Learning

Remember to listen closely to what piano players are doing on classic records. Think about what the harmonica and guitars are doing too, and try to work out versions of those for the piano.

Final Thoughts

As always, let your creativity be your guide and come up with your own weird and wonderful ideas. Happy playing!