Exploring Rolling Techniques in Music

Cool. In this video, we're going to be looking at the rolling technique that I demonstrated in that first tune I played for you. This concept is based on the material I used, and I extended it throughout the entire 12-bar progression.

Refreshing Your Memory

Let me refresh your memory with what I played, which went something like this:

• A three, four and up to the four, etc.

As you play, focus on accelerating the pace of those notes towards the end, moving from:

• Minims down to triplets.

Understanding the Harmony

Now, let's look at the harmony. Here are the chords:

• The G is constant.
• I'm playing the octave at the same time.
• On the first one, I'm hitting the B flat as a passing note.

Dissonance and Context

Here's how it sounds when we focus on it:

• On the third time, we're carrying on.
• It may sound a bit dissonant if you slow it down, but in the context of the 12-bar speed, you won't really notice that dissonance, it adds to the tension.

Going up to the four:

• Actually, I think on the recording, the tune I did went back down to that sixth.

Then the second time went back or...

And this is where I sped up.

• Just moving up and down those harmonies, I think I added a little E flat at one point.

Then we're back onto some other riffs or musical ideas.

Exploring Variations

So there you go! That's one way of exploring this technique.

Alternate Approaches

Of course, there are all sorts of ways you could take that. You don't have to always go up. For example:

• You could do something like this, using different variations.

So it's the same kind of idea, playing the octave.

The Importance of Melody

In a way, the importance lies in the octave and the melody that it creates, depending on the line you choose. You can create all kinds of lines, and this is a great opportunity for you to explore using that technique and hand position to discover your own melodies.

Encouragement to Experiment

Maybe start on the third.

• Go crazy with your ideas!
• Try different things.

Using the Technique

You could do something based on that idea using the octave concept or adding a passing note.

I hope this gives you a few ideas for using that technique.

Practice in Different Keys

Also, try it in different keys, like B flat, for example.

• Playing in different keys is crucial as a musician, especially once you start playing with other people.

Cycle of Fifths

You could even try going around the cycle of fifths. Here's a quick idea (a couple of little fluff notes there, but you get the general idea):

• Try to get as much under your fingers as possible.

Yeah, I think that's enough on that. Let's go and have a look at something else!