Uploaded December 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
My book: billspianopages.com/billsbook
Previous tutorial: youtu.be/C2DKnBJO6Lk
Next tutorial: youtu.be/mH1J_hRgq8Y
Playlist link: goo.gl/FGcyI4
+++ Other piano tutorials mentioned in this one +++
All the basic piano chords in one epic tutorial: youtu.be/C1i-cFx7__M
How to work out the chords to a song on the piano: youtu.be/ilcfgQ3lZus
RowVid, YouTube slow motion tool: rowvid.com
In the fourth tutorial in my Jazz Piano for Beginners series we're starting to look at improvising over a chord progression - one of the fundamental skills of jazz piano. In this lesson we're looking at a simple, looped chord sequence in the key of C major which, importantly, includes a ii V I progression.
As well as covering some basic chord theory, I incorporate a number of different scales into the improvisation, including major, major pentatonic, blues and a little bit of Phrygian mode.
I also talk a little bit about piano licks or riffs. Licks are really useful and important in improvisation - they're distinctive little snippets of playing that fill a fixed bit of time or a defined harmony, and which you can drop into a jazz solo to create particular effects, get from one place on the piano keyboard to another, or just to give yourself time to think about what to do next.
My book: billspianopages.com/billsbook
Previous tutorial: youtu.be/C2DKnBJO6Lk
Next tutorial: youtu.be/mH1J_hRgq8Y
Playlist link: goo.gl/FGcyI4
+++ Other piano tutorials mentioned in this one +++
All the basic piano chords in one epic tutorial: youtu.be/C1i-cFx7__M
How to work out the chords to a song on the piano: youtu.be/ilcfgQ3lZus
RowVid, YouTube slow motion tool: rowvid.com
In the fourth tutorial in my Jazz Piano for Beginners series we're starting to look at improvising over a chord progression - one of the fundamental skills of jazz piano. In this lesson we're looking at a simple, looped chord sequence in the key of C major which, importantly, includes a ii V I progression.
As well as covering some basic chord theory, I incorporate a number of different scales into the improvisation, including major, major pentatonic, blues and a little bit of Phrygian mode.
I also talk a little bit about piano licks or riffs. Licks are really useful and important in improvisation - they're distinctive little snippets of playing that fill a fixed bit of time or a defined harmony, and which you can drop into a jazz solo to create particular effects, get from one place on the piano keyboard to another, or just to give yourself time to think about what to do next.
