I have two GREAT OFFERS running right now: the first is a deal on my PDF/video Piano Packs - get all six for £16.95! More info here: www.billspianopages.com/pianopacks - then there's the bundle deal on the digital editions of my three current books, available here: www.billspianopages.com/bundle
Hands down, I’ve playing soft melancholy for years, took an interest into jazz after attending a symposium and straight away looked for some sort of intro in jazz. Ready for lesson two. If it’s perfect I’ll be adding his book to the collection. Absolute godsent so far.
I'm 13, also been playing for around 5 years and I play sooo much Elton John, rock, classical and I play gigs in bars and even for parties but until today I never took an interest in jazz so this comment really helps, thanks
me too, its like the complete opposite lmao.. Classical you strictly have to play the right dynamics and notes on the piece of paper written for you while jazz literally some measures itll just say "piano fill" making you make it up yourself. Blew my mind first time
I would agree - it’s almost like a different instrument: certainly I seem to view the keyboard differently when I’m playing any kind of improvisational style as opposed to reading from a score, classical or otherwise. Keep plugging away though, and let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with!
As someone that literally just started piano with a specific interest in blues/jazz piano these videos are a godsent! Thank you for all of your hard work.
Kevin Schellevis I play different styles but blues and jazz appeals to a wide. audience.. Classical is a narrow field.. it does appeal to many but.. I've not had anybody say play so and so song. So I think your own the right track learning jazz and blues.
Learn chords and scales, if someone told me that in the beginning I would have gotten way further, and NEVER give up cause it can be hard, especially since jazz and blues have timing that aren't the same
@@DrunkieCat You too, chords and scales will get you far in music weather it's piano, sax, violin or even guitar. Anything you play, learn chords and scales
@@joshidk8914 Im learning it, It’s hard. I get the hang of those 7th chords a little. Still forget sometimes tho. Meanwhile, scales is way harder for me and I still suck at it. It does take years to master both
Thank you. I was trained classically, so even though I can play somewhat advanced Chopin works, I was completely mute when it came to improv. I now feel more confident my abilities.
You're welcome! Interestingly, you're exactly the kind of player I had in mind when I first started doing all this, a decade ago: classically trained piano player, wants to learn improvisation. Things have got a bit broader since, audience-wise, but I'm always glad to hear that my stuff helps the people I originally set out to help!
I relate to that. 12 years of classic training, I like to improvise in classic and romantic styles a lot but it lacks diversity so much when it comes to jazz. I just can't wrap my head around all these strange harmonic progressions and stuff :)
Grazie, Joseph! Apropos of that, on one visit to Rome several years ago I stayed in a particular hotel for two weeks, and every morning the same waiter would come to my table and intone the words "café latte?" without moving A SINGLE MUSCLE. If you said "si" he would pour it with the absolute minimum of movement, more by bodily leaning over than via any movement of his arm. Everyone else in the entire city waved their arms about constantly, of course, but he's the chap who has stuck in memory as the least stereotypical national of any country I've ever met.
When I was starting guitar I was learning theory, and easier genres first because everybody told me "jazz is too hard/complicated for beginner". I am now starting my journey with Piano and am not gonna make the same mistake. This time I'm jumping straight into jazz! :D
As always, listening to one of your videos is a combination of "that's brilliant" and "that's so simple I can't believe I never thought of it". Great work.
I'd recommend everybody to read "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music" by Victor Wooten. The way you (Bill) talk about music and how to play in this video is so in sync with how the book understands music. We often focus only on Music Theory, knowing the notes or finding the scale, but that's only one of the many -and equal- aspects that form music, and we tend to forget things like you mentioned; Groove, Feeling, Expression... great video! Will put this on practice right now :)
Just watched this eating lunch and think this could be the start of something special. Having not played the piano for a few years now this is really exciting
omg thank you this is so good. and makes so much sense, too. no overcomplicated music theory coming from classically trained musicians. just fun and straight to the point.
I dont know if it sounds good for real or I just THINK it sounds good BUT i had so much fun playing those ACDEG notes only, with closed eyes and smile on my face. Felt AMAZING. Thanks
I have been a jazz double bass player for years. Now I really want to get back to the roots and learn theory, eartraining and piano along with it. In comes Bill with his youtube videos, passionate and precise. Thank you, Bill, I'm hooked!
@@BillHilton Yeah I noticed! I am actually a little ahead of schedule as a had some very little training during side class at the conservatory - though I am trying to go to the very beginning to get it solid. I noticed I have a more clear conception about what walking bass lines actually work through the piano! On bass it's just: Let's try that :-D
When I was a kid my parents bought me a 2000 euro Yamaha clavinova for my lessons, good for concert. I made good use of that, and I loved it. Full size, weighted keys, the works. We later had to sell that to fund my studies in computers. Now I'm sitting in my flat, with a shitty 20 pound 2-octave midi controller I got from Mao's Poundland, practicing my scales. Because of you, Bill. Thanks for the video
That’s good to hear, Rath - give me a shout if you have any specific questions or need any guidance on this stuff. It sometimes takes me a while to reply (I get a lot of comments 😂) but I always do in the end! Btw when you want to upgrade from that keyboard you can pick up very playable digitals for a lot less than two grand these days, especially if you spend some time digging around on eBay. Let me know if you ever need recommendations.
This is amazing, thank you!!! Starting on a single chord with a simple bass line makes all the difference. I literally just sat and improvised a bunch of stuff after watching one video, thank you!!!
This is a great break down of how to start improvising for a beginner. Thanks! I also like to start improvising with pentatonic scales. Pentatonic scales give an interesting and open sound that can be acheived right from the beginning.
Thanks! That was kind of the aim - I think it's quite easy for beginners to get bogged down in scales and modes and suchlike from the start, which encourages a kind of left-brain, rules-based mindset ("I'm playing this chord therefore I must play x, y or z scale over it..."). I think it's far better for people to have the sort of freedom the pentatonic gives them and use it to develop their confidence (from quick-ish, decent-sounding results) and their ears, which at the start at least is far more important that knowing whether what you're playing is Ab lydian b9 or whatever.
Hi Bill - I’m so grateful for this, my 8year old just plays from the sheet, he is loving this tutorial and I can hear him ‘playing’ with sounds, discovering what works, what sounds good... he’s into it !!! Thank you ! ( I’ve got your book too). Btw : I’m learning too
Thanks very much - glad to hear it's working for him! Given his age, if you can also get him in front of a real, live teacher at some point you'll find that makes a big difference. And good luck with your own learning!
this is FANTASTIC and I can't believe you've got such great resources out here for free!! I had a break from playing classical piano that I'd been learning for a few years, and I'm slowly getting back into it, and finally finally picking up jazz that I've wanted to do for sooo long. Definitely working my way through all your videos, thank you for the amazing efforts!! Though your teaching style is just so bubbly and effortless :)
Fantastic! I really hope you enjoy the rest of the series - just stick a comment in thread under any of the tutorials if you have any questions or need guidance!
I've always wanted to learn piano and even took a course in college. But it was never fun. You emphasizing PLAY and teaching this made the creative so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to learning the rest of the series. Thanks Bill!
I haven't played the piano for quite some time and your video inspired me to start again. Never plaeyed jazz before, but I really want to. Thank you for your hard work!
I went for years without learning how to improvise. I learned all my scales and things but I only ever saw them within an exam context and never really questioned or saw their practical application. I know that sounds silly because it should be obvious what scales are for. I think because I started young I just accepted that they were part of the exam. It wasn’t until I started enjoying my piano lessons less and less that my teacher gave me the blues scale to improvise in. I quit after that, but it really was a lightbulb moment. I started enjoying piano and figuring out music theory for myself. I can read sheet music, that’s great, but I never had the desire to understand the work behind it or what made it tick before she sent me away with the blues scale. I feel like not being able to improvise is like being half a pianist. I really want to start my lessons again, but my parents want me to focus on school. I feel like I’ve learned as much as I can just noodling by myself and I need a proper teacher again. Anyway, thank you for these videos! I don’t know if what I said is entirely relevant but I’m just really excited to learn :)
Thanks for this. I'm not a "complete" beginner but it never occurred to me that improv practice can begin from just one note. In my mind the minimum requirement was at least knowledge of major 7ths and minor 7ths, but you've made a good point.
I'd like to see the book because I want to see the beat on the score. I know rhythms are not so important as written on the book but still would help to write it down and understand. Thank you for the tutorial. I already understand the basic chords and the scales so this was great to build up a bit :)
You make it look so easy 😅 My left hand is not so great. Too slow. 😓 Not so smooth & fast as you. Hope it gets better with practice. I got my keyboard a week ago. I learnt few songs from tutorials. But was searching for proper piano lessons & came across your video. You explained it so wonderfully. I can't wait to practice tomorrow also. Hope I improve soon. 😅
Keep practising consistently - little and often is the key - and you'll definitely make progress, though it might seem slow at first. Good luck, and post a comment if you have any questions!
keyboards are my 3rd instrument, I took lessons when I was much younger as I was studying percussion at university, and the piano teacher was so awful i learned absolutely nothing and went back to my inelegant synth patches to cover up my poor technique. I have taken around 6 online lessons from ppl who make ridiculous claims & have gimmicky ways to learn a few songs in C. how long can that stay interesting ? I wanted to know how Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel & Elton John got such beautiful voicings out of the piano that I just couldn't wrap my head around. the best predictor of how well students learn, imo, has a hell of alot to do with the teacher, and you are as good as I've come across. I'm looking forward to your book & more great tutorials. thanks very much for imparting your knowledge and taking time to create tutorials that target the fundamentals that you must learn to really know the instrument. thx again.
Thanks very much indeed for the kind words, Earl. I share your annoyance at those guys who make ridiculous claims for how easy and quickly they can teach the piano, and I always have them a little in my sights when I'm working on stuff like this. I really hope you continue to enjoy my stuff and learn from it - feel free to comment or question whenever (though apologies in advance if I'm sometimes a bit slow to reply... I get a backlog..!)
Bill Hilton I have thousands of hours on multiple instruments and I still study probably 15 hours a week , but it's a little unrealistic that people can learn to play without going though a process..reading music..ect. many genres of music with different time periods. The amount of knowledge that a jazz pianist has to know is incredible. . I think that people can learn the basics and enjoy it.. but often this is very limited in scope.
Yep yep that’s it! Get the cheapest used midi keyboard you can find and play around with garage band! The sounds that come for free with your iPhone/iPad/MacBook are great, not just for beginners. Besides the classical piano, the organ and the different types of e-piano are great, too. If you add the virtual drummer you can jam out on every instrument you like. Playing guitar and bass through garage bands amps and effects is another whole world of fun! 15 years ago you would have paid thousands of dollars for this quality of amp, effect and instrument simulation.
Ro Lux.....no thats not the way to learn piano! Too many distractions. Just get A PIANO otherwise you will end up messing ariund for YEARS like I did. You will get hooked on composing, recording, production, beat making and other instruments rather than playing piano!!!
Thank you for the videos! I have to say though, I'm struggling with this, it feels much harder than classical piano. There's just something really difficult about playing swing rhythm in improvisation for me--normally I have to rely on knowing how the song's supposed to sound like to be able to play on offbeat consistently.
You are a legend!! I spend hours looking for where to start a piano jazz lesson from zero and your channel is the best, easy to understand. Great job, Bill.
I just found your tutorials on reddit. After learning how to read music these have by far been the most helpful and productive tutorials I have found literary or otherwise. I've purchased both of your books, just let me know how/if I can help fund the continued production of these videos.
Hi Christopher: sorry it's taken a little while to get back to you! I'm glad to hear you're finding my stuff useful, and thanks very much indeed for buying the books. If you want to keep supporting the channel that would be marvellous, and there are various ways of doing it (e.g., via www.patreon.com/billhilton ) - but please don't feel in any way obliged: I'm hugely grateful for what you've done so far. I hope you continue to enjoy my stuff!
Thanks a million for these tutorials! As someone who was classically trained some years back, doing improvisations seems to use a completely different part of my brain. I hope to begin incorporating these techniques in my own music some day!
You're very welcome! You’re exactly the kind of musician I had in mind when I first started making these things a decade ago, so I’m really glad you like them. “Different part of the brain” is EXACTLY it. In some ways I still still the piano keyboard differently when I’m improvising compared to when I’m playing from score, especially classical material.
@@BillHilton That's really interesting! It's so great that you've been able to help broaden the horizons of so many musicians. Best wishes for the new year. Cheers
thanks, that might help me with my left hand... my right hand kinda works... strange thing that as a guitar player it´s still not that easy to use both hands :)
RSProduxx I play guitar and the jazz riiffs and jazz licks ect work the fingers. When I was 13 my teacher showed me how to use a table to move my fingers faster.. As the chords on guitar are played different on guitar..different people use different finger positions, you will find that you will carry this over to piano..As you slowly sound better and better you will develop different styles and piano fingering may not be orthodox Don't stress if you use different positions than others... Finger Independence will come...I helped somebody with hand Independence and it helped them finally get finger Independence..reply if you want a unique way to learn hand Independence..
Good to hear! Let me know how you get on. Your experience on bass will come in very handy, especially (obviously enough...) when it comes to constructing left hand parts.
Hi Bill. Another great tutorial. I’m about a year in to playing the piano and got a bit bogged down with trying to learn too many different pieces. This is a great video that I’ve spent hours messing around with. The only jazz I knew was “jazz club - Nice” from the fast show. I bought your book as well and might invest in the cocktail piano book next year.
Niiiiiiiice! Glad to hear it's working well for you Liam - shout if you ever have any questions. The final tutorial before Christmas should really suit you (that was entirely unconscious, btw, but now I'm going to be quoting the Fast Show all morning) because it's going to cover some jazz comping with (hopefully) a playalong track...
No problem at all - really glad you like it! Re: the book, I know from experience that shipping physical copies to Ukraine can run into problems, so your best option might be the PDF version. Drop me an email on billhiltonmedia at gmail dot com if you want to know any more :)
well, i will do it this tutorial since i’m really new with keyboard and without any lessons and i only watch this tutorial to improve myself. hope it works!😆❤️
Bill the best thing is...you make us listen to thepiece,after you show us slowy,and then you play it slowly...no need to talk...i can tell you no need to talk!
Terrific! These tips to get us over the first hurdles are so appreciated. Many videos give all the needed theory and then say "Now........ * Improvise! *" If I could do that I wouldn't be here 😆 Thanks!
You're welcome, Bethany! I think the problem is that so many very natural improvisers find it so difficult to imagine what it's like not to be able to improvise, they can't really explain the process. I'm definitely NOT a natural improviser 😂- so because I had to work it all out the hard way I find it a bit easier to break down and explain...!
I have two GREAT OFFERS running right now: the first is a deal on my PDF/video Piano Packs - get all six for £16.95! More info here: www.billspianopages.com/pianopacks - then there's the bundle deal on the digital editions of my three current books, available here: www.billspianopages.com/bundle
"If u know chords, That's cool but, this is Jazz".
very, well said.
Anything is a chord is your trying hard enough 😂
Jazz not jig jag
For someone who’s entire music cognizance is around chord analysis, Jazz sometimes disturbs me..
I'm new to jazz, explain
I've been playing for 5 years now and have watched hundreds of different piano tutorials, mostly on jazz piano. Bill is the best I have found.
Thanks very much for saying so - really glad to have helped!
Hands down, I’ve playing soft melancholy for years, took an interest into jazz after attending a symposium and straight away looked for some sort of intro in jazz. Ready for lesson two. If it’s perfect I’ll be adding his book to the collection. Absolute godsent so far.
I'm 13, also been playing for around 5 years and I play sooo much Elton John, rock, classical and I play gigs in bars and even for parties but until today I never took an interest in jazz so this comment really helps, thanks
I was trained solely in classical piano, and learning jazz is so much more difficult than originally learning classical
With you! It's really really hard
me too, its like the complete opposite lmao.. Classical you strictly have to play the right dynamics and notes on the piece of paper written for you while jazz literally some measures itll just say "piano fill" making you make it up yourself. Blew my mind first time
Same here, I play classical piano and I’m desperately trying to learn but it’s so difficult even with the knowledge
I would agree - it’s almost like a different instrument: certainly I seem to view the keyboard differently when I’m playing any kind of improvisational style as opposed to reading from a score, classical or otherwise. Keep plugging away though, and let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with!
As someone that literally just started piano with a specific interest in blues/jazz piano these videos are a godsent! Thank you for all of your hard work.
Kevin Schellevis I play different styles but blues and jazz appeals to a wide. audience.. Classical is a narrow field.. it does appeal to many but.. I've not had anybody say play so and so song. So I think your own the right track learning jazz and blues.
Dude... are my clone or something. This is so accurate for me. I also love jazz but have zero knowledge in musical instrument.
Learn chords and scales, if someone told me that in the beginning I would have gotten way further, and NEVER give up cause it can be hard, especially since jazz and blues have timing that aren't the same
@@DrunkieCat You too, chords and scales will get you far in music weather it's piano, sax, violin or even guitar. Anything you play, learn chords and scales
@@joshidk8914 Im learning it, It’s hard. I get the hang of those 7th chords a little. Still forget sometimes tho. Meanwhile, scales is way harder for me and I still suck at it. It does take years to master both
Thank you. I was trained classically, so even though I can play somewhat advanced Chopin works, I was completely mute when it came to improv. I now feel more confident my abilities.
You're welcome! Interestingly, you're exactly the kind of player I had in mind when I first started doing all this, a decade ago: classically trained piano player, wants to learn improvisation. Things have got a bit broader since, audience-wise, but I'm always glad to hear that my stuff helps the people I originally set out to help!
I relate to that. 12 years of classic training, I like to improvise in classic and romantic styles a lot but it lacks diversity so much when it comes to jazz. I just can't wrap my head around all these strange harmonic progressions and stuff :)
@@BillHilton That's exactly me as well! I'm quite proficient classically, but I have absolutely no bearing in improvisation.
As an Italian, I really appreciate your hands moving as if they’re on cocaine while you’re talking.
Grazie, Joseph! Apropos of that, on one visit to Rome several years ago I stayed in a particular hotel for two weeks, and every morning the same waiter would come to my table and intone the words "café latte?" without moving A SINGLE MUSCLE. If you said "si" he would pour it with the absolute minimum of movement, more by bodily leaning over than via any movement of his arm. Everyone else in the entire city waved their arms about constantly, of course, but he's the chap who has stuck in memory as the least stereotypical national of any country I've ever met.
Usually that means he’s a really good waiter, for they have to be as elegant as possible, but that’s a bit too much.
AHAHA I CANT STOP LAUGHING READING THIS
Right? Those fingers are mesmerizing to watch. Great vid btw
His hands have too much independence
When I was starting guitar I was learning theory, and easier genres first because everybody told me "jazz is too hard/complicated for beginner". I am now starting my journey with Piano and am not gonna make the same mistake. This time I'm jumping straight into jazz! :D
Nice one, Danilo - let me know how you get on!
Nice pfp, it gives me flashbacks
What is better than a great teacher? NOTHING. Thank you for sharing.
As always, listening to one of your videos is a combination of "that's brilliant" and "that's so simple I can't believe I never thought of it". Great work.
I'd recommend everybody to read "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music" by Victor Wooten. The way you (Bill) talk about music and how to play in this video is so in sync with how the book understands music. We often focus only on Music Theory, knowing the notes or finding the scale, but that's only one of the many -and equal- aspects that form music, and we tend to forget things like you mentioned; Groove, Feeling, Expression...
great video! Will put this on practice right now :)
Just watched this eating lunch and think this could be the start of something special. Having not played the piano for a few years now this is really exciting
Glad to hear you've got some inspiration from it, Noah - let me know how you get on!
Thank you Bill. Always fun getting your new uploads.
Thanks Charmian - glad you like them!
omg thank you this is so good. and makes so much sense, too. no overcomplicated music theory coming from classically trained musicians. just fun and straight to the point.
I dont know if it sounds good for real or I just THINK it sounds good BUT i had so much fun playing those ACDEG notes only, with closed eyes and smile on my face. Felt AMAZING. Thanks
You’re welcome Mik - hope you keep enjoying it!
I have been a jazz double bass player for years. Now I really want to get back to the roots and learn theory, eartraining and piano along with it. In comes Bill with his youtube videos, passionate and precise. Thank you, Bill, I'm hooked!
Thanks Björn - glad you like it! You'll probably find that the insights you have from bass playing are a big help! :)
@@BillHilton Yeah I noticed! I am actually a little ahead of schedule as a had some very little training during side class at the conservatory - though I am trying to go to the very beginning to get it solid. I noticed I have a more clear conception about what walking bass lines actually work through the piano! On bass it's just: Let's try that :-D
I love this man's 'yeah?'
Yeah!
British teacher's enthusiasm!
When I was a kid my parents bought me a 2000 euro Yamaha clavinova for my lessons, good for concert. I made good use of that, and I loved it. Full size, weighted keys, the works. We later had to sell that to fund my studies in computers. Now I'm sitting in my flat, with a shitty 20 pound 2-octave midi controller I got from Mao's Poundland, practicing my scales. Because of you, Bill. Thanks for the video
That’s good to hear, Rath - give me a shout if you have any specific questions or need any guidance on this stuff. It sometimes takes me a while to reply (I get a lot of comments 😂) but I always do in the end! Btw when you want to upgrade from that keyboard you can pick up very playable digitals for a lot less than two grand these days, especially if you spend some time digging around on eBay. Let me know if you ever need recommendations.
This is amazing, thank you!!! Starting on a single chord with a simple bass line makes all the difference. I literally just sat and improvised a bunch of stuff after watching one video, thank you!!!
No problem Reb - glad it was useful!
This is a great break down of how to start improvising for a beginner. Thanks! I also like to start improvising with pentatonic scales. Pentatonic scales give an interesting and open sound that can be acheived right from the beginning.
Thanks! That was kind of the aim - I think it's quite easy for beginners to get bogged down in scales and modes and suchlike from the start, which encourages a kind of left-brain, rules-based mindset ("I'm playing this chord therefore I must play x, y or z scale over it..."). I think it's far better for people to have the sort of freedom the pentatonic gives them and use it to develop their confidence (from quick-ish, decent-sounding results) and their ears, which at the start at least is far more important that knowing whether what you're playing is Ab lydian b9 or whatever.
Thank God for this blessed guy! Massive respect from India❤❤❤
I really love how you teach . You remind us to have fun and just play around .
Thank you - glad you like it!
Wow! Out of all the youtube rabble this is by far the best tutorial! This improvisation/just play technique makes me WANT to learn!
Marvellous - thanks very much. Good luck with your playing, and give me a yell if you get stuck!
Hi Bill - I’m so grateful for this, my 8year old just plays from the sheet, he is loving this tutorial and I can hear him ‘playing’ with sounds, discovering what works, what sounds good... he’s into it !!! Thank you ! ( I’ve got your book too).
Btw : I’m learning too
Thanks very much - glad to hear it's working for him! Given his age, if you can also get him in front of a real, live teacher at some point you'll find that makes a big difference. And good luck with your own learning!
this is FANTASTIC and I can't believe you've got such great resources out here for free!! I had a break from playing classical piano that I'd been learning for a few years, and I'm slowly getting back into it, and finally finally picking up jazz that I've wanted to do for sooo long. Definitely working my way through all your videos, thank you for the amazing efforts!! Though your teaching style is just so bubbly and effortless :)
Thanks for the kind words - it's always great to hear when someone has found my stuff useful!
Fantastic! I never had piano lessons but just after this one video, I feel like I can bust out some nice melodies.
Thanks!
You're welcome, Lorz!
Exactly what I was looking for! Love the balance between theory and the "feel". Thank you
You're welcome Adèle - glad it helped!
subbed yesterday. got this video inboxed and it's great. channel owner is a real passionist.
This is huge! Thank you so much Bill! I tried it on my piano and I’m feeling like I’m playing music for the first time!
Fantastic! I really hope you enjoy the rest of the series - just stick a comment in thread under any of the tutorials if you have any questions or need guidance!
I've always wanted to learn piano and even took a course in college. But it was never fun.
You emphasizing PLAY and teaching this made the creative so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to learning the rest of the series. Thanks Bill!
No problem - I hope you enjoy the rest of it, and shout if you have any questions!
Hello, Bill! Your teaching style really works for me. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity you've put into this curriculum. Thanks!
No problem Jared - glad it helps!
2:53 seconds in and im subscribed im excited to follow along with this series. Thanks bill !
Thanks to Bill . I start loving jazz .
man i wish all piano teachers/tutors were like you!
Thank you so much!!! With this tutorial I was able to enjoy playin jazz. Epic!
Glad it helped!
All my neighbors love you mate. I'm playing my keys at full blast after your lesson. Cheers.
Remember, Marcello - if they start banging on the walls, that means you're practising right. Keep it up!
This tutorial is great !! Playing without Sustain on my keyboard really enables me to bring out the similar JAZZ effect.. thanks a ton !!
Thankyou for keeping it simple and easy to understand and play... this first step was very helpful.
No problem Susan - happy to have helped :)
Quick and easy. Straight to the point. Very efficient!
Thanks Jo Jo!
Just found this channel. I think you're incredibly good at teaching by explaining things in the simplest way even beginners can understand.
Thanks very much indeed - I hope you get a lot out of it, and don't hesitate to shout if you have any questions :)
I haven't played the piano for quite some time and your video inspired me to start again. Never plaeyed jazz before, but I really want to. Thank you for your hard work!
It's much better from others tutorial video in RUclips..... Thank you
Glad it helped, and thanks for the kind words!
I went for years without learning how to improvise. I learned all my scales and things but I only ever saw them within an exam context and never really questioned or saw their practical application. I know that sounds silly because it should be obvious what scales are for. I think because I started young I just accepted that they were part of the exam. It wasn’t until I started enjoying my piano lessons less and less that my teacher gave me the blues scale to improvise in. I quit after that, but it really was a lightbulb moment. I started enjoying piano and figuring out music theory for myself. I can read sheet music, that’s great, but I never had the desire to understand the work behind it or what made it tick before she sent me away with the blues scale. I feel like not being able to improvise is like being half a pianist. I really want to start my lessons again, but my parents want me to focus on school. I feel like I’ve learned as much as I can just noodling by myself and I need a proper teacher again.
Anyway, thank you for these videos! I don’t know if what I said is entirely relevant but I’m just really excited to learn :)
I speak as a long time pianist and teacher--you are great!!!
Thanks Elizabeth - that's very meaningful feedback, and I'm really glad you like my stuff!
Thanks for this. I'm not a "complete" beginner but it never occurred to me that improv practice can begin from just one note. In my mind the minimum requirement was at least knowledge of major 7ths and minor 7ths, but you've made a good point.
I like how it's for ppl who play the piano and know the notes already. Thank you!
These vids are a godsend for beginners jazz beginners!
Thank you!
this is a clear and down to the point tutorial, great stuff. I subbed to your channel.
Excellent job. Thank you from California.
You're welcome, John!
I'm a bass player and this actually really helped with certain things,good vid!
Glad to hear it, Ethan - give me a shout if you any questions!
Best jazz tutorial I've ever see on yt
Thanks very much indeed - let me know if you have any questions :)
I'd like to see the book because I want to see the beat on the score. I know rhythms are not so important as written on the book but still would help to write it down and understand. Thank you for the tutorial. I already understand the basic chords and the scales so this was great to build up a bit :)
Your presentation is easy to understand and follow. Thank you very much.
You're welcome!
You make it look so easy 😅 My left hand is not so great. Too slow. 😓 Not so smooth & fast as you. Hope it gets better with practice. I got my keyboard a week ago. I learnt few songs from tutorials. But was searching for proper piano lessons & came across your video. You explained it so wonderfully. I can't wait to practice tomorrow also. Hope I improve soon. 😅
Keep practising consistently - little and often is the key - and you'll definitely make progress, though it might seem slow at first. Good luck, and post a comment if you have any questions!
keyboards are my 3rd instrument, I took lessons when I was much younger as I was studying percussion at university, and the piano teacher was so awful i learned absolutely nothing and went back to my inelegant synth patches to cover up my poor technique. I have taken around 6 online lessons from ppl who make ridiculous claims & have gimmicky ways to learn a few songs in C. how long can that stay interesting ? I wanted to know how Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel & Elton John got such beautiful voicings out of the piano that I just couldn't wrap my head around. the best predictor of how well students learn, imo, has a hell of alot to do with the teacher, and you are as good as I've come across. I'm looking forward to your book & more great tutorials. thanks very much for imparting your knowledge and taking time to create tutorials that target the fundamentals that you must learn to really know the instrument. thx again.
Thanks very much indeed for the kind words, Earl. I share your annoyance at those guys who make ridiculous claims for how easy and quickly they can teach the piano, and I always have them a little in my sights when I'm working on stuff like this. I really hope you continue to enjoy my stuff and learn from it - feel free to comment or question whenever (though apologies in advance if I'm sometimes a bit slow to reply... I get a backlog..!)
Bill Hilton I have thousands of hours on multiple instruments and I still study probably 15 hours a week , but it's a little unrealistic that people can learn to play without going though a process..reading music..ect. many genres of music with different time periods. The amount of knowledge that a jazz pianist has to know is incredible. . I think that people can learn the basics and enjoy it.. but often this is very limited in scope.
Bill Hilton lol
Just practice ull get it i can play the turkish march and others
Amazing video, mind blowing for a beginner!
Good job, I usaually play classical music and pop music but you learned me to play jazz :)
Cool - glad it was useful!
This is soooo helpful and usefull! Thanks, looking forward for another uploads.
Thank you Bill for giving me and introduction to jazz
Thanks a lot. Your video is what all I need for my piano skills now
Thankyou so much for these basic exercises, they are wonderful for us beginners. You are helping us so much. 💜🌝♥️🌼🙂😊❤️🌻
No problem Heather! Glad to have helped!
Looks easy...now I just need a piano😫
Looks easy...now I just need some talent
i bought one it isnt easy
getting a piano is a lot easy than playing one :)
Yep yep that’s it!
Get the cheapest used midi keyboard you can find and play around with garage band!
The sounds that come for free with your iPhone/iPad/MacBook are great, not just for beginners.
Besides the classical piano, the organ and the different types of e-piano are great, too.
If you add the virtual drummer you can jam out on every instrument you like. Playing guitar and bass through garage bands amps and effects is another whole world of fun!
15 years ago you would have paid thousands of dollars for this quality of amp, effect and instrument simulation.
Ro Lux.....no thats not the way to learn piano! Too many distractions. Just get A PIANO otherwise you will end up messing ariund for YEARS like I did. You will get hooked on composing, recording, production, beat making and other instruments rather than playing piano!!!
Hi Bill
Just dropping in to comment on what great information you are providing, just fantastic. All the very best singem. Keep well.
Many thanks, Singem - glad you find my stuff useful!
@@BillHilton No problem Bill, credit where credit's due. Keep well my friend.
Thank you for the videos! I have to say though, I'm struggling with this, it feels much harder than classical piano. There's just something really difficult about playing swing rhythm in improvisation for me--normally I have to rely on knowing how the song's supposed to sound like to be able to play on offbeat consistently.
You are amazing. So meticulous with your lessons.
Thanks very much - really glad you like them!
Excellent! This recording id right up my alley
You're welcome, Bruce!
You are a legend!! I spend hours looking for where to start a piano jazz lesson from zero and your channel is the best, easy to understand. Great job, Bill.
Thanks very much indeed - really glad you like it!
THIS IS AN AMAZING TUTORIAL!
I just found your tutorials on reddit. After learning how to read music these have by far been the most helpful and productive tutorials I have found literary or otherwise. I've purchased both of your books, just let me know how/if I can help fund the continued production of these videos.
Hi Christopher: sorry it's taken a little while to get back to you! I'm glad to hear you're finding my stuff useful, and thanks very much indeed for buying the books. If you want to keep supporting the channel that would be marvellous, and there are various ways of doing it (e.g., via www.patreon.com/billhilton ) - but please don't feel in any way obliged: I'm hugely grateful for what you've done so far. I hope you continue to enjoy my stuff!
Christopher Shepherd
Ou yen gy
GREAT method of teaching!
Incredible video. Just what I needed, especially inspiring. Thank you
No problem at all, Khosrovadukht - you're welcome!
Fabulous! Thank you for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
thank you so much. this was so helpful! I didn't know where to start. i love it! it's so fun! thank you very much again
Great video! Been playing the piano classically for 10 years and dabbling in improv, what keyboard are you using in this video?
Thanks Grayson! This is a Nord NP88 :)
Thanks a million for these tutorials! As someone who was classically trained some years back, doing improvisations seems to use a completely different part of my brain. I hope to begin incorporating these techniques in my own music some day!
You're very welcome! You’re exactly the kind of musician I had in mind when I first started making these things a decade ago, so I’m really glad you like them. “Different part of the brain” is EXACTLY it. In some ways I still still the piano keyboard differently when I’m improvising compared to when I’m playing from score, especially classical material.
@@BillHilton That's really interesting! It's so great that you've been able to help broaden the horizons of so many musicians. Best wishes for the new year. Cheers
Thanks from Brazil, great class!
You're welcome, Leo!
I love that you have the same nord 2 that i have
AMAZING!!!! Easy to understand. Its hard for me to find a video to understand u teach nice and slow
Thanks very much - really glad you like it!
You made me feel the music better, cheers
Excellent !!! explanation as always you do.
Thanks for sharing. This is so fun! You make want to play more and more.
Thanks for this. It’s really helpful and I can’t wait to practice on this!
You're welcome!
Love this video, thanks Bill! Super clear and easy to follow
Thanks for the kind words - I'm glad it helped!
Piano is beautiful. 💕
Honestly im glad I have found Your chanel. Good job Sir.
Thank you very much! :)
thanks, that might help me with my left hand... my right hand kinda works... strange thing that as a guitar player it´s still not that easy to use both hands :)
RSProduxx I play guitar and the jazz riiffs
and jazz licks ect work the fingers. When I was 13 my teacher showed me how to use a table to move my fingers faster.. As the chords on guitar are played different on guitar..different people use different finger positions, you will find that you will carry this over to piano..As you slowly sound better and better you will develop different styles and piano fingering may not be orthodox Don't stress if you use different positions than others... Finger Independence will come...I helped somebody with hand Independence and it helped them finally get finger Independence..reply if you want a unique way to learn hand Independence..
PIANOSTYLE100 I want to learn
🤯💥😯 I see the light! Thank you!!!
🙌
I'm a bassist, trying to decide if i should play jazz guitar vs jazz piano next. your lessons are making me want to choose piano, hehe.
Good to hear! Let me know how you get on. Your experience on bass will come in very handy, especially (obviously enough...) when it comes to constructing left hand parts.
Good man Billy!
Hi Bill. Another great tutorial. I’m about a year in to playing the piano and got a bit bogged down with trying to learn too many different pieces. This is a great video that I’ve spent hours messing around with. The only jazz I knew was “jazz club - Nice” from the fast show. I bought your book as well and might invest in the cocktail piano book next year.
Niiiiiiiice! Glad to hear it's working well for you Liam - shout if you ever have any questions. The final tutorial before Christmas should really suit you (that was entirely unconscious, btw, but now I'm going to be quoting the Fast Show all morning) because it's going to cover some jazz comping with (hopefully) a playalong track...
Thanks Bill
Dude, this is a gift whose value is impossible to measure. Thanks. Trying to figure out how to get your book to Ukraine.
No problem at all - really glad you like it! Re: the book, I know from experience that shipping physical copies to Ukraine can run into problems, so your best option might be the PDF version. Drop me an email on billhiltonmedia at gmail dot com if you want to know any more :)
well, i will do it this tutorial since i’m really new with keyboard and without any lessons and i only watch this tutorial to improve myself. hope it works!😆❤️
Really love the way you teach! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with the rest of us!
Very nice and helpful for practice
Strongest accent ever, best tutorial ever.
Thanks on both counts, Gabriela!
Thank you VERY much
Bill the best thing is...you make us listen to thepiece,after you show us slowy,and then you play it slowly...no need to talk...i can tell you no need to talk!
can't wait for the rest of these!
Hello Bill, you have a new customer for your book. It´s me.
Thanks Andreas - I hope you like it!
Andreas Wieland lmao
@@mayorofsimpleton5674 lmao
@@CrateCrasher lmao
@@Josh-dx3jw lmao
Terrific! These tips to get us over the first hurdles are so appreciated. Many videos give all the needed theory and then say "Now........ * Improvise! *" If I could do that I wouldn't be here 😆 Thanks!
You're welcome, Bethany! I think the problem is that so many very natural improvisers find it so difficult to imagine what it's like not to be able to improvise, they can't really explain the process. I'm definitely NOT a natural improviser 😂- so because I had to work it all out the hard way I find it a bit easier to break down and explain...!