Music Lesson: Exploring Introductions and Turnarounds

In this lesson, we're going to look at different ways to start off a song. The introduction I played might not be exactly what I intended, but we can explore a variety of approaches.

Understanding the Chord Progression

• The vibe here transitions from:
  • Chord I to Chord V
  • Chord IV
  • Followed by the turnaround

Essentially, this is similar to the last four bars of a 12-bar blues. Here's one idea for an intro:

• Starting on Chord IV, it begins with Chord I, possibly with a V in the bass.
• It's built on a kind of riff with a D at the top, creating an authentic intro sound.

If we break it down further, the harmony basically follows:

• D7 to C7, adding a few interesting elements. Some fourths thrown in can sound a bit odd on their own, but work well in context.

Let's play that whole intro:

This leads us to a typical blues sound when playing on the V chord, outlining that D7 chord. Adding the sharp five to it is a common practice.

Adjusting Chords

On the C chord, you might find that the B sounds a bit too dissonant. In this case, you might want to play it as a Bb. However, just a Bb alone might sound too clean.

• It might be necessary to play the Bb a bit more strongly than the B to maintain a flavor of both without going full.

Exploring Alternative Turnarounds

Let's look at some alternate turnarounds instead of sticking to the same pattern:

• For example, you could try playing:

  • D7: A well-known idea used in blues tunes.

Here's another intro you could try:

• Incorporate an E note. One technique I frequently use involves moving between notes, essentially in thirds but inverted into sixths.

When I play, I'm not focused on inversions; ideally, with time and practice, it should become instinctive.

Improvisational Techniques

On the turnaround, I often play ideas that suggest the D7 chord, which may also hint at a 2.2 chord with a flat 9.

Utilizing these sixths and thirds is prevalent in my improvisation:

• This kind of playing should come naturally over time.

Recap of the Introduction

To summarize the introduction:

• Move from V to turnaround.
• In the left hand, I keep it simple, possibly adding a run.

Practice Suggestions

When it comes to practicing, consider trying:

• Licks based on the blues scale. For example, something like:

  • (Your example here, ensuring it's based on the blues scale.)

This allows you to explore various options as long as the basic harmony is outlined.

Final Thoughts

The exercise demonstrates a slightly extreme example, but I hope it inspires some ideas for intros you can implement into your own playing!