Learn How to play Rock Piano with style. Learn the rhythmic and harmonic concepts to be able to play in this style of music.
How to play Rock Piano?…
Do you envy those rock guitarists running around on the stage?…
Running around may not be that easy if you are on the keyboards… but you can definitely play Rock Piano!
Normally you will find a lot of guitarists playing in this style! In fact, the moment you talk about Rock Music, it is the picture of a guitarist that comes to ones mind.
But there have been lot of pianists as well who have managed to successfully use the piano in this style of music. Don’t get disheartened if you do not see a lot of people around playing in this style, just pick up some of the tips mentioned here and you will know how to play Rock Piano.
How to play Rock Piano? You Need lots of Energy
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the earliest players who introduced the classic rock piano sound.
This style of music needs lots of energy as you have to repeatedly play fast chords or intervals. Maintaining the beat while playing the fast chords could be a challenge initially.
If it is getting difficult, you may want to learn the song at a slower tempo at first, and when you are comfortable, you can increase the tempo.
Characteristics of Rock Music
Here are some of the skills that you will need, if you want to know how to play Rock Piano. Some of them should be fun to learn, especially the glissandos!
Glissandos – Slide your fingers across the keyboard. This may look easy but be cautious as you may hurt your fingers.
Fast chords – Play the chords very fast, usually two per beat.
Bouncy Intervals – Learn about music intervals! You can use them instead of chords, especially the fifths.
Energy – You will need plenty of energy to be able to play just one song! Keep an ear on the beat. Maintaining the correct beat at a high tempo will be a challenge initially.
Here are a few beginner level things that you should practice on a regular basis.
- Major, minor and pentatonic scales (preferably in all keys). Classic rock uses pentatonics, punk usually sticks to major. Useful to improvise and to create solos and licks.
- All major and minor chords in various positions and inversions. Learn about Chord extensions and substitutions.
- Chord progressions in various keys.Here is an example given for the key of C:
Key C: I ii iii IV V vi (bVII), which means you play the chords C Dm Em F G Am (Bb)
Rock Keyboard – The Complete Guide (Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series)
The Rock Keyboard book & CD pack in the Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series is full of authentic rock keyboard parts! This book is also available with online audio.
This may not be the book for you if you’re an absolute beginner but if you have been learning for a few months or a year, you may want this to improve your technique.
And if you’re really interested in rock music, this is something that you shouldn’t ignore.
With this book, you can learn to comp or play solo in any of your favorite rock styles. Styles covered include: classic rock, pop/rock, blues rock, Southern rock, hard rock, progressive rock, alternative rock and heavy metal.
Want to make some real difference in your piano playing, this book will help you improve your piano skills. Master the exercises and you should be able to make the transition from beginner to an intermediate player.
Listen to the 99-track CD to hear your parts fit in with the total groove of the band. Media Softcover with CD, 56 Pages.
This book is full of rock keyboard parts that you can learn to comp or to play solo in any of your favorite rock styles. Styles covered include: classic rock, pop/rock, blues rock, Southern rock, hard rock, progressive rock, alternative rock and heavy metal.
Recommended Books!
Rock Keyboard – The Complete Guide with CD!: – Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series (Hal Leonard Keyboard Style) (Paperback)
Pop/Rock Piano Hits for Dummies: A Reference for the Rest of Us: by Hal Leonard Corp – Great collection of Songs… All in one book
The Best of Rock ‘n’ Roll Piano – A Step-by-Step Breakdown of Keyboard Styles and Techniques (Paperback) by David Bennett Cohen
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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