JAZZ MASTERCLASS: Step-by-Step – Learning Boogie Woogie

This Boogie Woogie course presents 14 steps to master. Take each step and completely master it before going to the next step.

This course covers basic knowledge of the blues form, boogie boogie accompaniments, soloing and groove.

You will need some basic piano skills and a fundamental knowledge of theory. Most importantly . . . you will need a disciplined desire to master each step. It is also recommended that you extensively listen to boogie boogie pianists and be very familiar with the style. Below are the steps covered in this course:

Learning Boogie Woogie

by Martan Mann

Step-by-Step

Step #1: Explanation of the 12-Bar Blues.

The Basic 12-bar Blues is in three groups or sections of four-bars.

I Section: I I I I

IV Section: IV IV I I

V Section: IV V I V

Step #2: Boogie Woogie Accompaniment.

This is a basic Boogie Woogie Accompaniment. Learn this accompaniment thorougly so that you can play it freely and easily.

Step #3: Boogie Woogie Groove.

Work hard to develop a good groove playing the Boogie Woogie. Remember: a good groove pushes the beat of the metronome.

Step #4: Boogie Woogie with the Left Hand.

Now we are dropping the Right Hand and playing the BW in the Left Hand.

Step #5: Boogie Woogie Rhythmic Patterns.

A good idea before soloing . . . is to play rhythmic patterns.

Step #6: Boogie Woogie w/Mixolydian Mode.

Here we are using the Mixolydian Mode to create melodies.

Step #7: Boogie Woogie w/Mixolydian Mode with Chords.

We are playing the Mixolydian Mode with chords.

Step #8: Boogie Woogie Creating Melodies.

Here are three sample BW licks. Notice that they are all based on “pick ups” . . . which move forward to the next chord.

Step #9: Boogie Woogie Scales.

I offer two choices of scales: the Blues Scale and the Mixolydian Plus Scale (Mixolydian Mode plus a flatted 3 and 5).

Step #10: Continuous Melody Exercise.

This is a great way to learn how to solo (in all styles). Play continuously in Quarter Notes, Quarter-Note Triplets, Eighth Notes and Eighth-Note Triplets.

Step #11: Rhythmic Melody Exercise.

After you master the Continuous Melody Exercise, practice playing specific melodic rhythms through the 12-Bar Blues form.

Step #12: Boogie Woogie Ostinato Patterns.

Any Ostinato is a repeating pattern, usually in the bass. Study lots of Boogie Woogie Ostinato Patterns.

Step #13: Boogie Woogie Eight-Bar Blues.

The BW 8-Bar Blues leaves out the IV Section of the 12-Bar Blues Form.

I I I I V IV I V

Step #14: Boogie Woogie Endings.

Here are some sample BW endings and licks.

I want to encourage you to contact me through Udemy. I’m always happy to help with questions, feedback and suggestions.

Best to you –

–Martan 🙂

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Frequently Asked Questions

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