Learn Jazz Piano Online from the Pros

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• History of Jazz Piano

• Different Styles of Jazz Piano

• Equipment Needed for Jazz Piano

• FAQ

Jazz piano is a genre of music that originated in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its improvisational nature, syncopated rhythms, and use of blue notes. Jazz piano has been played by some of the most iconic musicians in history, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans.

History of Jazz Piano

Jazz piano is a relatively new instrument, with its roots in the early 20th century. It developed out of ragtime and blues and quickly became a popular instrument in jazz ensembles. Some of the earliest jazz pianists include Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller.

In the 1930s and 1940s, jazz piano began to develop into more sophisticated styles, such as swing and bebop. Pianists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk were instrumental in this development.

In the 1950s and 1960s, jazz piano continued to evolve, with the emergence of new styles such as cool jazz and free jazz. Pianists such as Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner were at the forefront of these developments.

Today, jazz piano is a thriving genre, with a wide variety of styles and approaches. There are many great jazz pianists active today, including Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau.

Different Styles of Jazz Piano

There are many different styles of jazz piano, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular styles include * Stride piano: Stride piano is a style of jazz piano that originated in the early 20th century. It is characterized by a driving rhythm and a syncopated melody. Stride pianists often use a lot of hand-crossing and percussive techniques. * Bebop piano: Bebop piano is a style of jazz piano that developed in the 1940s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, complex harmonies, and angular melodies. Bebop pianists often use a lot of chromaticism and dissonance. * Hard bop piano: Hard bop piano is a style of jazz piano that developed in the 1950s. It is characterized by its strong swing feel, bluesy melodies, and aggressive rhythms. Hard-bop pianists often use a lot of pedaling and comping. * Soul jazz piano: Soul jazz piano is a style of jazz piano that developed in the 1960s. It is characterized by its relaxed feel, gospel-inspired melodies, and funky rhythms. Soul jazz pianists often use a lot of block chords and call-and-response interplay. * Latin jazz piano: Latin jazz piano is a style of jazz piano that incorporates elements of Latin music. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, Latin-inspired melodies, and use of percussion instruments. Latin jazz pianists often use a lot of improvisation and rhythmic interplay. These are just a few of the many different styles of jazz piano. There are many other styles, each with its own unique sound and feel. Experimenting with different styles of jazz piano is a great way to find the one that you enjoy the most.

Equipment Needed for Jazz Piano

The following are the essential pieces of equipment you will need to get started playing jazz piano:

• A piano
• A bench
• A music stand
• A set of jazz piano chords
• A metronome
• A recording device

You may also want to invest in some additional equipment, such as a sustain pedal, a looper pedal, or a recording interface.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each piece of equipment:

• A piano: The most important piece of equipment you will need is a piano. You can either buy a used piano or rent one from a music store. If you are just starting out, it is best to get a used piano that is in good condition.
• A bench: A bench is essential for providing you with a comfortable place to sit while you play the piano. You can either buy a piano bench or use a regular chair.
• A music stand: A music stand is used to hold your sheet music while you play the piano. You can either buy a music stand that is specifically designed for the piano or use a regular music stand.
• A set of jazz piano chords: A set of jazz piano chords will help you learn the basic chords that are used in jazz music. You can either buy a book of jazz piano chords or find free chord charts online.
• A metronome: A metronome is used to help you keep time while you play the piano. This is an essential tool for learning to play jazz piano, as it will help you develop your sense of rhythm.
• A recording device: A recording device is used to record your playing so that you can listen back to it and improve your technique. You can either buy a dedicated recording device or use your phone or computer.

By investing in the right equipment, you will be well-equipped to start your journey of learning to play the jazz piano.

Basic Jazz Piano Chords

Jazz piano chords are the foundation of jazz piano playing. They are used to create the harmony and rhythm of a jazz piece. There are many different types of jazz chords, but the most basic chords are the major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords.

Major chords are chords that are built on the first, third, and fifth notes of a major scale. Minor chords are chords that are built on the first, third, and fifth notes of a minor scale. Diminished chords are chords that are built on the first, third, and fifth notes of a diminished scale. Augmented chords are chords that are built on the first, third, and fifth notes of an augmented scale.

Jazz pianists use a variety of techniques to play jazz chords. These techniques include:

• Chord voicing
• Chord extensions
• Chord substitutions
• Chord inversions

Chord voicing refers to the way that the notes of a chord are arranged. Chord extensions are additional notes that are added to a chord. Chord substitutions are chords that are used in place of other chords. Chord inversions are chords that are played with the root note in a different position.

Jazz pianists use these techniques to create a variety of different sounds and textures. They can use chords to create smooth, flowing melodies or they can use chords to create more dissonant and angular sounds. The choice of chords and the way that they are played can have a significant impact on the overall sound of a jazz piece.

Scales and Arpeggios for Jazz Piano

Jazz piano scales and arpeggios are an essential part of learning how to play jazz. Scales are used to build chords, and arpeggios are used to embellish chords. In this section, we will learn about the basic jazz piano scales and arpeggios.

The major scale is the most important scale in jazz. It is used to build major chords, and it is also the basis for many other scales and arpeggios. The major scale is played in the following order:

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C

The major arpeggio is a broken chord that is built on the notes of the major scale. The major arpeggio is played in the following order:

C, E, G, C

The minor scale is another important scale in jazz. It is used to build minor chords, and it is also the basis for many other scales and arpeggios. The minor scale is played in the following order:

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

The minor arpeggio is a broken chord that is built on the notes of the minor scale. The minor arpeggio is played in the following order:

A, C, E, A

In addition to the major and minor scales, there are many other scales and arpeggios that are used in jazz. Some of the most common scales and arpeggios include the diminished scale, the augmented scale, the pentatonic scale, and the blues scale.

Learning the basic jazz piano scales and arpeggios is an important part of learning how to play jazz. By practicing these scales and arpeggios, you will develop the skills you need to improvise and play jazz solos.

Jazz Piano Improvisation

Jazz piano improvisation is the art of creating new melodies and harmonies on the spot, in real time. It is a challenging but rewarding skill that can take years to master.

There are a few different things that you need to know in order to improvise on the piano. First, you need to have a good understanding of the basic chords and scales. Second, you need to be able to listen to the other musicians in the band and respond to what they are playing. Third, you need to be able to create your own melodies and harmonies that are both interesting and coherent.

If you are new to jazz piano improvisation, it is a good idea to start by learning some basic jazz standards. This will give you a foundation in the style and help you to develop your own voice. You can also find many resources online and in music stores that can teach you more about jazz piano improvisation.

With practice, you will be able to develop your own unique style of jazz piano improvisation. This is a skill that can take you far in the world of jazz music.

Practice Tips for Jazz Piano

Practicing jazz piano can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your practice time:

• Set realistic goals for yourself. Don't try to learn everything at once. Focus on one or two things at a time and gradually build your skills.
• Break your practice sessions into smaller chunks. It's better to practice for 30 minutes a day than to try to cram in a two-hour practice session all at once.
• Find a practice partner or teacher. Having someone to play with or to help you learn new techniques can be very helpful.
• Listen to a lot of jazz piano music. The more you listen to jazz piano, the more you'll learn about the different styles and techniques.
• Record yourself playing and listen back to your recordings. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of learning. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

With practice, you'll eventually be able to play jazz piano like a pro. So don't give up! Just keep practicing and you'll eventually reach your goals.

Resources for Learning Jazz Piano

There are many resources available for learning jazz piano, including books, DVDs, online courses, and private lessons.

Some of the best books for learning jazz piano include:

• Jazz Piano: The Complete Method by Hal Leonard
• Jazz Piano Improvisation: A Comprehensive Method by Hal Leonard
• Jazz Piano Harmony, Scales, and Arpeggios by Hal Leonard

Some of the best DVDs for learning jazz piano include:

• Jazz Piano Masterclass with Kenny G
• Jazz Piano Improvisation with Herbie Hancock
• Jazz Piano Essentials with David Burke

Some of the best online courses for learning jazz piano include:

• Jazz Piano Specialization from Coursera
• Jazz Piano 1 from MITx
• Jazz Piano 1 from Udacity

Some of the best private teachers for learning jazz piano include:

• Find a Jazz Piano Teacher
• Lessonface: Jazz Piano Lessons
• TakeLessons: Jazz Piano Lessons

FAQ

1. What is jazz piano?

Jazz piano is a genre of music that originated in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its improvisational nature, syncopated rhythms, and use of blue notes.

2. Who are some famous jazz pianists?

Some famous jazz pianists include Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans.

3. What are some different styles of jazz piano?

Some different styles of jazz piano include stride piano, bebop piano, hard bop piano, soul jazz piano, and Latin jazz piano.

4. What equipment is needed for jazz piano?

The basic equipment needed for jazz piano is a piano, a bench, and a music stand.

5. Where can I learn how to play jazz piano?

There are many places where you can learn how to play jazz piano, including private lessons, music schools, and online courses.