Music Lesson: Exploring a Classic Boogie Break

Introduction

So let's look at this first break.

• It's a killer break. It's really cool.
• Pretty tough to play at speed, so definitely practice at a lower tempo.

The Break

So, we're going into it. Here we go!

Then we're on into the 12-bar section.

• This is a classic boogie break, very Pete Johnson with those octaves into a basic C harmony.
• It transitions to a C diminished harmony and then essentially a C7, but just with some of the notes missing.

Now, that's what I could make out from the recording. It might be that he's voicing it with slightly fuller voicings, it's difficult to tell. Although I don't hear that seventh in that first chord.

• Maybe there's a tonic in it.
• Ultimately, it doesn't really matter the exact voicing.

Variations on Harmony

There are all sorts of variations on this harmony. You might want to go for:

• That kind of thing, or
• You know, to that kind of thing.

In this recording, it's just between those variations.

Chord Four Transition

Now we're into chord four, and we've got that idea again that he used on the previous chorus. It includes:

• Those nice single note lines in there.

So, it's all about getting the hand position right.

Little Ideas for Variation

There's another variation of that. This is a really nice little idea that you can use to play around. You can:

• Start it on different accents
• Or different points in the bar to create a disorienting feel with the line and then bring it back.

So let's have a go with those kind of things.

Conclusion

Have a play around with that. It can sound really cool. Give that a go!