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Jazz Piano Techniques

jazz playing tipsTo properly play jazz music, you will need to master a set of jazz piano techniques. Correct fingering, hand positioning and posture are necessary in order to successfully play any style of music.

You will also need a set of general piano skills to continue learning new techniques and styles. Every genre will have list of skills and techniques necessary to fully accomplish specific sounds and effects.

Jazz music is no exception. To correctly understand and represent jazz music you must understand arpeggios and improvisation techniques.

These are only two from a manageable list of skills. By beginning with these two skills, you will be able to develop popular jazz sounds.

Arpeggios are notes from a chord that are played independently rather than all together. Some people refer to this process by breaking chords. This makes a process that is similar to a scale by using the notes from a chord.

For example, if you need arpeggios for the 7th chords of C major scale, you would play C, E, G and B. Each note would be played subsequently, creating a small collection of notes. If you are still confused by arpeggios, revisiting the chord section in your beginner lesson will be necessary.

When you are practicing your arpeggios, it is very important to practice them going forward and backwards. Therefore, practice the 7th chord of the C major scale by flipping the order, creating B, G, E, and C.

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learning arpeggiosYou should never underestimate the importance and power of learning arpeggios. They will increase your knowledge and understanding of chords while increasing finger dexterity and independence.

Another great skill to have when playing jazz piano music will be your ability to improvise. Here are some common tips to help you achieve success. Begin with small constructions. Proper improvisation takes years to master, therefore biting off more than you can chew will prove to be a big mistake.

Use a few notes with spaces in between them, this will help you to create a foundation for improvisation. Furthermore, the less notes you use and the more spacing you create creating a swinging effect to your music.

Always remember to breath and take your time. You should never force improvisation at first and rather letting it happen at its own pace and progression. Allowing music to drive you, rather than you driving music will prove to be a successful session.

Always remember to listen and keep your place, if you do not have a general direction for your improve piece, you will not succeed in creating an interesting musical construction.

There are many jazz piano techniques to master. If you are interested in learning jazz music, your local library or bookstore will have instructional handbooks and sheets of music specifically aimed towards jazz.

Leaning a new genre is an exciting adventure, however you must remember to take your time while learning. Absorbing and appreciating every second will greatly benefit you in the long run. Once you have mastered any required skills, you will find the process of learning new genres an easy adventure.

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Hanon Piano Exercises - Piano Techniques Lessons

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