7 Tips for Learning the Blues!

Interested in learning the blues?

Here are a couple of tips to start learning the blues in the key of C (technically C minor)!

1. Use the blues scales. For example, the C minor blues scale includes:

C--Eb-F-F#-G-Bb-C. The blues scale is different for each key, and there is the idea of major and minor blues!

I would use the fingering in the right hand (1-2-3-4-1-2-3) for the C minor blues scale!

2. Incorporate the use of 5ths and 6ths in the left hand

3. Use 3rds in the right hand!

4. Swing the 8th notes (when applicable)

5. Employ the use of syncopation

6. Incorporate the use of 6ths in the right hand (moving chromatically)!

7. You can possibly swing the intervals of 5ths and 6ths!

Here is an example of using the blues in an original piece, "Boogie Blues!" Hope you enjoy this piece! Feel free to download and use (free copy)!

Boogie Blues 2

.pdf

Download PDF • 177KB

"Boogie Blues" starts off in the key of C and includes the intervals of 5ths and 6ths in the left hand! This is a great way to give the blues feel to a song! Also, on the first page (3rd and 4th lines) include another blues or jazz type of bass as well! The piece then moves to G major, and you can then experience blues for G major! Also, the use of 3rds are helpful in creating this type of sound! This piece does not use the traditional minor blues scale.

Here are other books for learning jazz and blues!

Other book for learning jazz!

"Time for Jazz Piano" (www.kathrynleecarpenter.com/timejazzpiano)!

https://amzn.to/3qcQkCx

Another great book (I love this book), and it includes more advanced theory, "Jazzology!" https://amzn.to/3qiLELa

For more songs: www.kathrynleecarpenter.com/jazz

For free sheet music: www.kathrynleecarpenter.com/freesheetmusicandmore