How Do You Play Boogie Woogie Piano?
Boogie woogie piano sound originated in Texas or Louisiana around 1900. Professor Longhair and Pinetop Smith were the first well-known musicians in the genre. Boogie woogie piano is based on twelve bar blues, and is often written in 4/4 time signature. The left hand plays the chords, while the right hand plays trills and embellishments. Listen to boogie woogie piano by greats like Peter Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis and Jimmy Yancey. Listen to newer boogie woogie artists like Colin Davey and Axel Zwingenberger. Study boogie woogie style piano with a qualified teacher. Most instructors who specialize in rock ‘n’ roll styles will be able to teach you basic boogie woogie piano songs like “Pinetop Boogie” and “Boogie-Woogie Stomp.” Practice boogie woogie basslines and two-bar figures. Other boogie woogie methods are the “pickup-putdown” and turnaround. Combine all these methods and you have a boogie woogie song. Conquer eight-bar blues style until you’re able to segue from one steam-roller tigh
