How to Get Started with Blues Piano

The blues is one of the most soulful and expressive genres of music, and its rich tradition is deeply rooted in American history.

Originating in the deep south of the USA in the late 19th century, the blues has since influenced countless musical styles, from jazz to rock to modern pop.

The piano plays a significant role in the blues, offering a dynamic range that can capture the genre’s emotional depth, as well as imitating the styles of other blues instruments such as the guitar.

If you’re looking to get started with blues piano, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey that allows you to play very personal music that you can put your own signature on! Here’s how to begin.

Learning Basic Blues Scales

To start playing blues piano, you need to familiarise yourself with the blues scale.

The most common blues scale is the pentatonic minor scale with an added flat fifth, also known as the “blue note.” In the key of C, the blues scale is C, E♭, F, F♯, G, B♭, and C.

Practising this scale will help you get comfortable with the notes that define the blues sound.

Begin by playing the scale up and down the keyboard slowly, focusing on evenness and accuracy.

As you become more comfortable, try improvising simple melodies using the scale.

This will not only help you internalise the blues sound but also develop your improvisational skills, which are central to blues music.

Even at this early stage you can explore your own ideas and make your own melodies out of the blues scale.

Mastering the 12-Bar Blues Progression

The 12-bar blues progression is the backbone of blues music, and mastering it is essential for any aspiring blues pianist.

Start by practising the progression in its most basic form.

In the key of C, this would be C (I) for four bars, F (IV) for two bars, C (I) for two bars, G (V) for one bar, F (IV) for one bar, C (I) for two bars.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic chords, experiment with different rhythmic patterns and left-hand accompaniments.

The left hand often plays a repeating bass line or “boogie-woogie” pattern, which adds rhythm and drive to the music.

Practise combining the bass line with the right-hand chords, aiming for a smooth and cohesive sound.

Remember the only thing that truly defines a 12-bar blues is the form, so give yourself the proper foundation before trying to be too creative.

Exploring Blues Rhythms and Grooves

Blues piano isn’t just about the notes you play—it’s about how you play them.

Rhythm is a crucial component of the blues, and getting a feel for the genre’s grooves will bring your playing to life.

One of the most common rhythms in blues is the shuffle, a swung rhythm that gives the music its laid-back, “in-the-pocket” feel.

Practise playing simple shuffle patterns with your left hand while improvising melodies with your right.

Another important rhythm is the triplet swing feel, where each beat is divided into three equal parts.

This rhythm is often used in slow blues songs and can add a deep, emotional quality to your playing.

Experiment with both shuffle and triplet rhythms to develop a versatile blues style.

Once you master these rhythms, try to experiment with a more laid-back right-hand rhythm.

Listen and Imitate the Masters

Learning to play blues piano is as much about listening as it is about playing.

The blues is an aural tradition passed down through listening and imitation.

Spend time listening to classic blues pianists like Ray Charles, Otis Spann, and Dr. John.

Pay attention to their phrasing, dynamics, and how they use the blues scale and the language each of them has on the keyboard.

Try to imitate their playing, starting with simple licks and gradually building up to more complex solos.

Transcribing solos by ear is a valuable exercise that can help you internalise the language of the blues.

Start with short, simple phrases and work your way up to longer sections.

This will not only improve your ear but also give you a deeper understanding of blues phrasing and expression, and allow you to make blues language of your own.

Experimenting with Improvisation

Improvisation is at the heart of blues music.

Once you’re comfortable with the blues scale and 12-bar progression, start experimenting with your own improvisation.

Don’t worry about being perfect—blues is all about expressing emotion, and sometimes the best solos come from happy accidents.

Start by improvising simple melodies using the blues scale, then gradually add more complexity by incorporating different rhythms, chord tones, and blue notes.

As you gain confidence, try improvising over different blues progressions and keys.

This will challenge you to think creatively and develop your own unique voice as a blues pianist.

The most important thing is to not cram too many notes in! It’s all too easy to flap your fingers, but the real beauty in the blues lies in nuanced phrasing.

Practising with Others

Blues is a social music, and playing with others is one of the best ways to improve.

Find other musicians who share your interest in the blues and jam together.

This could be in a formal setting, like a band or music class, or informally with friends.

Playing with others will help you develop your timing, listening skills, and ability to respond to different musical ideas in real-time.

If you don’t have access to other musicians, consider playing along with backing tracks.

There are many online resources that offer blues backing tracks in different keys and tempos.

These can be a great way to simulate the experience of playing with a band and help you practise your improvisation skills in a more realistic context.

There are also blues jams that take place in every city weekly, so find your local jam and check it out!

Conclusion

Learning the blues is something every pianist should do. It opens up a huge range of potential on the instrument, and frees up the musician in doing so.

By understanding the basics of the blues, practising scales and progressions, exploring rhythms, and listening to the masters, you’ll begin to develop the skills needed to play this soulful music.

Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process—blues is as much about feeling as it is about technique.

With time and dedication, you’ll be able to express your own voice through the keys and share in the rich tradition of blues piano.

Related article:

• Feeling Blue(s)