Music Lesson: Exploring the G9 Riff

Cool! In this lesson, we're going to look at that little riff which is built around a G9 chord, or around a ninth chord. We'll explore various ways we can vary that and the things it can lead to.

Introduction to the Riff

It's something that Johnny Johnson uses a lot. If you listen to the start of "Wee Wee Hours," a Chuck Berry recording, you'll hear Johnny Johnson's incredible piano work.

Riff Breakdown

• Starts off simply.
• In sixths:
  • From B to G
  • A to F

This essentially comes from the G9 chord. The ninth is the ninth note if you're going up the major scale.

Playing Techniques

You can incorporate:

• Little crush notes
• Sliding up both the A and the B flat
• Adding a roll (e.g., three, four)

All these little rolls and embellishments make it feel almost like a vocal line.

"Imagine a kind of wail... a little vocal fall-off, that's kind of what the piano is imitating."

Variations on the Riff

Passing Chords

• Vary the ninth:
  • Put a passing chord in there.
  • Reference: "Reconsider Baby" by Lowell Fulson.

It can shift to a different inversion of that same idea, still incorporating the ninth, but in a different position.

Extended Usage

There are all sorts of things you can do with this riff. It can extend into more gospel contexts:

• Recommended Artist: Donny Hathaway
• Technique: Extending the riff with a passing note.

"James Booker uses that a lot, especially in 'Black Knight,' a great slow blues."

Practical Exercises

• Practice in Different Keys:
  • Try going around a cycle of fifths (C to F to B flat, etc.).
  • Explore how these riffs behave in different keys; remember that hand position can affect what works.

"Different keys have different character, which helps define various styles."

Creative Expression

You can perform this riff:

• In time or out of time
• Experiment with different rhythms

Feel free to be expressive:

• Use it quite aggressively.

"Make a noise; you don't have to be polite all the time."

Conclusion

In terms of practice, focus on:

• Going around the cycle of fifths
• Playing in different keys and rhythms

I'll try to include more in the PDF for you to practice this concept further.

So, let's move on to the next lesson!