It's official

[T-Block]

Ya boi T-Block has officially stepped into the jazz world.  I'm taking a beginner jazz piano course in college this semester, so I will definitely be frequenting this forum more.  So far, I'm very excited to be taking on another musical genre.  As I learn more, I may do some posts in here (although my man Wolfram probably got it covered already).

[Mrandrew]

Congrats and in anticipation of you posting here, it's gonna be hott.

[chevonee]

Yeeeeeah baby!!!! I can't wait to see what you share with us Mr. Block!!!

[4hisglory]

Have you learned any songs yet?

[T-Block]

Have you learned any songs yet?

Nope, the only thing I'm really focused on now is progressions, LOL. Jazz is heavy on progressions, so I gotta learn how to recognize them on a lead sheet and play them correctly using LH chording.

I probably won't get to songs til next semester, LOL.

[4hisglory]

How are the lessons going?

[T-Block]

How are the lessons going?

Man, I'm struggling wit it.  This style goes against my entire style of playing.  Hopefully, it will get a little easier cuz right now I DON'T like it.

[4hisglory]

Man, I'm struggling wit it.  This style goes against my entire style of playing.  Hopefully, it will get a little easier cuz right now I DON'T like it.

What don't you like about it?

I've started to take private jazz lessons from this guy and its MUCH harder for me to make music with that left hand chord right hand melody style.

[T-Block]

What don't you like about it?

I've started to take private jazz lessons from this guy and its MUCH harder for me to make music with that left hand chord right hand melody style.

U just answered my question.  My LH sucks, unless it's running a bass line or playing octaves.

[rayjohnson83]

What don't you like about it?

I've started to take private jazz lessons from this guy and its MUCH harder for me to make music with that left hand chord right hand melody style.

Oh man, you've been holding out......Ive been looking for a jazz teacher.

[DaNatiMaestro]

T-Block.. you can do it... unfortunately the majority of jazz is playing those LH chords but look at it this way.. it will strengthen your organ playing and will make you a better band keyboard player because you know what to do with your left hand besides running bass (which is what the bass player would be doing.)  If you ever find yourself playing in a full band situation...

Don't give up!!

[T-Block]

Thanks D, I'm gonna stick wit it.  I thought about quitting, but I know it's only gonna make me a better musician in the long run.

[4hisglory]

I'm convinced that it will take  years to truly develop that left hand chording right hand melody thing.

[sjonathan02]

I'm convinced that it will take  years to truly develop that left hand chording right hand melody thing.

As am I. 

[csedwards2]

doesnt discount the worth of such an effort

[4hisglory]

If you go to a teacher, they will typically teach you this left hand chord, right hand melody first which I think is a mistake, since it takes so long to actually 'make music'

[KurzLand]

Same here T-block.
It sucks to learn it at first. I also wanted to quit but kept at it.
I got a lot better now playing chords with my LH, at first it hurt because you are not used to it, but then your hand gets used to it.


I couldn't play this 2 days ago with my LH. Now play it like nothing.

BASS/LH
D    F-A-C-E
F    F-Ab-B-D
G    F-A-Bb-D

D    F-A-C-E
C    E-A-Bb-D
Bb   D-F-A-C

Guess where I got the idea for these chords. At 1:35. It doesn't sound the same but you get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHK9BcQWUwk

Just wait till you have to play 4 note chords with LH and octaves, fourths, and triads with the RH. Totally opposite from octaves with LH and chords with RH.

Jazz chords sound weird sometimes because they are rootless. You'll be playing rootless voicing too. I sure you knew this already. Once you learn to play a little, you'll love it. I love it.

Try this now:
LH/RH
G-B-C-E/A-E-A
F#-B-C-E/C-E-A

Heard those chords before? I am sure you have.