Progressive Blues Piano Method uses an innovative approach to Blues piano playing, introducing the student to the wealth of great sounds available in the Blues. The emphasis is on making music immediately.
The exercises sound great as well as teach the necessary notes and techniques. Although the book starts with the basics, it will be useful to have some knowledge of elementary piano playing before tackling the exercises in this book. Progressive Keyboard Technique recommended as a primer to this book.
Starting with major chords and Blues notes, this book moves through a variety of sounds, rhythms and techniques in a progressive manner. Each new topic is consolidated with at least one 12 Bar Blues solo before moving on to the next subject. The book covers Blues scales, 7th chords, inversions and transposing and playing in different keys, as well as rhythms such as the shuffle and New Orleans styles.
Music theory is also used to explain each topic in clear and simple terms. Other important features are lessons on combining single note runs and chords, improvisation and classic left hand patterns. Anyone who completes this book will be well on the way to being an excellent Blues player.
To improve your skills even further it is recommended that you use a metronome or drum machine with all the examples in the book. If you are serious about music, a good teacher can often help you progress much quicker than you can on your own.
Peter Gelling.
