Rock School: "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

Hello everyone! I'm James and welcome to Rock School. Today, we're diving into a really nice piece: "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. This beautiful ballad showcases Bruno's sensitive and soft side, contrasting with his well-known funky 80s style.

Overview of the Piece

• Piano Friendly Tune: This is a perfect choice for piano.
• Consistent Structure: Most of the piece remains the same throughout, which is common in pop piano music.
• Role of Piano: The piano acts as the foundation of the piece while the drums and bass change around it.

The Riff

The main riff is consistent throughout the song and provides a great backdrop.

• At bar 17, the left hand drops down an octave, adding depth and fullness to the sound.
• This slight change is crucial for building and developing the piece.

Playing Tip

As you practice, pay attention to this section to avoid getting lost in repetition. Embrace the vibe and enjoy the music with the band!

Left Hand Fingering

For the left hand, let's focus on the fingering:

• Triad Shape: Use a B-flat shape.
• Fingering:
  • Thumb on F
  • Third finger on D
  • Fifth finger on B-flat
• This positioning allows your hand to remain still while playing.

Transition in Bar 17

• When reaching bar 17, drop the left hand down an octave as indicated in the score.
• Use your thumb and fifth finger to play the notes.
• The left hand will anchor the sound, especially during this second section.

Use of the Pedal

This tune benefits greatly from the use of the pedal:

• Smooth Sound: Using the pedal blends the notes together, creating a lovely atmosphere.
• Choppy vs. Smooth: I'll demonstrate playing with and without the pedal. Notice how without the pedal, it can sound quite staccato. We want to achieve a smooth, delicate piano sound.

Dynamics

While this piece doesn't have specific dynamics written in, incorporating them is essential:

• Start off softly, then gradually increase the volume as the piece progresses.
• For example, begin with a quiet dynamic and when the bass comes in at bar 17, raise the volume to enhance the impact.

Summary

To recap:

• Check out the original: Listen to Bruno's version of "Just The Way You Are" for inspiration.
• Left Hand Fingering: Remember the B-flat shape with the 1, 3, 5 fingers.
• Dynamics: Gradually build your dynamics as the piece progresses for a beautiful finish.

Have fun practicing, and I'll see you next time!