Memphis Slim Style Riff
Lesson time: (3min 28sec)
Paddy Milner breaks down a Memphis Slim-style slow blues riff, harmonised in thirds and sixths with passing notes and slides you can vary.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Slow Blues Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Lesson Overview: Memphis Slim Inspired Lick
In this lesson, we will explore a musical lick inspired by Memphis Slim. While I'm not entirely sure if these are the exact notes he plays, it's clear that variations of this lick reflect his style.
Context of the Lick
- "So in context, there's those nights."
- This lick captures the essence of Memphis Slim's music.
Understanding the Harmony
- Harmonic Structure:
- The harmony is essentially doing the same thing in thirds and then sixths.
- I'm incorporating a couple of passing notes and a little pickup beforehand.
- Technique:
- Sliding off those two notes and sliding off those others.
Exploring Variations
There are various ways to approach this lick:
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Rhythm Changes:
- For example, changing up the rhythm can give it a different feel.
- Consider a nearly double-time rhythm.
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Alternating Notes:
- You might start on the sixth and then shift to the thirds.
Adding Depth
As I was playing, I found myself adding extra notes:
- Additional Layers:
- Adding a G at the top to create more weight.
- In one variation, when I started with the sixth, I included that G again for emphasis.
Conclusion
This lick is a cool little riff that encapsulates Memphis Slim's distinctive piano playing style. Experiment with different rhythms and notes to make it your own!
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