Jonny, you deserve more subscribers and followers. You are the best piano player I have ever known on RUclips . Keep up the great work, the breakthrough is just around corner 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.
Very confusing when sheet music and what you say you play has nothing to do with what you are actually playing WHY make a bad video when you clearly seem to know what you are doing?????
Nice, thx Jonny. As a true beginner, i looked how to create the backing track into ireal pro, with rootless chords. Since I found ntg on the web, i share it here: Dm9, G13, CM9, A7#9#5, with selecting "1 hand chords" as a kb option. Then just select the appropriate inversion and job done, able to work on it on the e-piano, with ireal connected :-)
I've played improvised piano my whole life, but jazz has always been a mystery to me. Yesterday I got the idea to see if there are beginner lessons for jazz on RUclips. Holy cow your lessons are amazing. You've totally demystified jazz piano for me and I can't get enough. I just want to play all day now.
R. Eric Bowers My story too. I was caught up (but used, and played out professionally) using Maj, Minor, 7ths, etc as shown on 'Popular" music chord charts. This video is a breakthrough for me too, though I'm just getting started with this jazz mindset. I see a real lack of the "root note" in the written out chords he shows. (I believe this is part of the jazzy sound and mystery; and why a jazz pianist can use a "bass player"). I notice Jonny hits these bass notes when he improvs... My son, who studied guitar at the Hart Music school once casually said to me "the bass note is the least important note in the chord". Now I get it; I feel the bass note is implied...
Totally feel you, especially if you've been formally trained. Jazz is something that you've kinda gotta feel, despite playing a jazz score. So glad you get to experience this music for the first time, it's very fun
I decided to binge learn jazz during covid-19 instead of binge watching Netflix and boy am I grateful for this channel. You're a wonderful teacher sir, You have a great demeanor certainly appreciate it. I do not feel overwhelmed after watching one of your videos.
I started learning piano in April of last year with this channel. But I didn't have a choice- I don't own a TV set. There is a bright side to this crazy world.
I never played an instrument and started on guitar plying as covid started and it appeared to be Long term. So glad I did this. Now I am learning piano too and music is my main hobby that I indulge for hours every day.
Wrong. Correct answer is to do what I did. Form a passion for music as a child, practice regularly, study the jazz masters that contribute to the art form. Audition for and go to college for Jazz piano performance (student loans at this point would be a plus, looking at around $80-$100K). Get totally eviscerated by more talented and experienced colleagues, work your way back up from rock bottom. Then graduate and take $50 gigs that all went away during Covid. Now THAT is how you play Cocktail Piano.
This is the correct answer here. You can learn the notes, but to really feel the cocktail jazz, you have to embrace the bitterness and sadness. Some major alcoholism and covid-related job loss is where it's at.
Great insight! I've only started playing jazz piano a year and a half ago, but I believe that the singular, most broad and effective path of being a progressing musician is to listen CLOSELY to as much music as you possibly can and seeing how much you can incorporate into your practice/playing. Try to listen for small ideas that interest you and make you motivated to try to figure out how they were, done. Everything that you hear a great jazz musician play in a recording was once deliberately learned in the same way that you as a young child had to deliberately learn words like "dog" or "cat". The real thing that I see most young musicians overlook is the skill of sustainable engagement. Any person off the street can force themselves into a practice room for a few hours on a given day and puke out some scale that they've already learned years ago. You want to constantly be figuring out new things, and the key to doing that is to only make yourself practice for 5 minutes a day. Don't HOLD yourself to more than 15. The key is LONG-TERM consistent every day practice over many years. It doesn't have to be hours at a time. As a final tip to any other musicians from a young relatively inexperienced jazz pianist, lock on to whatever feeling you get/have gotten from music, and let it pull you to where you want to progress towards. For example, I remember watching an episode of Tom and Jerry when I was probably 6 or 7, and I remember feeling a sense of admiration and awe towards one of the cats who was playing jazz piano. I just realized about a year ago that I can move myself in that direction. Pushing yourself to where you want to be is not sustainable, so let yourself be pulled by whatever inspires and emotionally moves you there naturally. Have fun with it and let yourself enjoy the simple process of learning one new concept concretely every day. The more you can let yourself enjoy it, the more you'll enjoy it! Cheers all! George Higgins
I went to music school also, but managed to avoid debt. I wasn't a pianist, though I now make my living playing piano - easier than making a living as a cellist. I actually got a lot of work through the pandemic at outdoor venues and hotels which could separate me from the crowds enough to feel safe. I had never played solo piano before Covid, so it was a learning curve to be sure. I never had to play a $50 gig - mostly at least $150+ - do people really play for $50?
I discounted this style of music for decades, but every time in a bar with piano, I somehow forgot and felt great. 2 weeks ago in a classy place on my wife's birthday, the only bar seats were next to the baby grand, me briefly talking with the player between songs while he performed in this style. Magic.
Wow! You're a terrific teacher! I've been playing classical piano for 50 yrs, classical cello for 33 years. I've played with symphony orchestras, taught orchestra, directed choirs, etc. This is a nice change of pace. The way you teach cocktail piano makes it very, very easy to learn. I'm looking forward to more tutorials. I was almost ready to give away my grand piano until I found your tutorial. Thank you for coming into my life! You're a godsend!
Wow. I just read Englebert's comment. I learnt piano decades ago to a beginner intermediate level, but after just 10 minutes of your video I can completely see how I can play what you have shown so far. Beautiful.
Hey man, I am a medical doctor in Vienna, Austria and fairly good in classical piano, You Sir are the first one who gave me an instant feeling of being able to master some jazz piano as well. I always loved Jazz piano sometimes more than all the classical music.....but I could never get ANYWHERE, despite of good knowledge in music theory, well trained fingers , etc... Your videos are so extremely well done - step by step - it gives that great joy and hope of being able master something new ! plus there is Your positive and joyful personality that adds to Your skills as a teacher. I am MASSIVLY grateful to You!
This is a great starting point, especially for a piano player who wants to become proficient in jazz and blues. Once mastered in C, the next step for someone who wants to be a journeyman piano player is to learn the same material in the 11 other starting points. Most piano players will work with singers, and each singer ALWAYS calls the key they prefer. The ability is to play a chosen number in any key is the hallmark of a professional.
honestly after 14 years of playing piano this made me really understand how cocktail piano is built up! For me its really easy to play every step you make, but the chords and watching you do your more "advanced" moves like the intro and the improv really help me!
I was thinking I'm pulling this off. Then find my right hand is now my left. And my right is off on its holidays. Disengage brain and let's see if l can pull it off.
Fantastic! I'd always thought jazz was impossible to understand, because I'd ask someone to explain and they'd start talking circle of thirds the Dorian, Mixolydian, etc., but you explain it in a way that I understand. I love that you say, "Does that make sense?" I'm a teacher, and I ask my student that question several times each lesson! You are a great teacher! I now feel that I could take on jazz.
Been playing piano (self taught) for 30+ years and have always wanted to branch out from my comfort zone. This is perfect. Such a different style than I'm used to playing, but your videos make it easy to follow along. I play by ear, but know all the notes and chords and can follow along visually pretty well. Kudos! Keep up the great work.
this is amazing. im 2 months into self taught piano and it is so fun and rewarding to learn all these techniques on youtube and see yourself get better and more able to express yourself, and this channel has been one of my go-to's all this time. once again, your videos are amazing and helpful, much love!
I'm 62 years old and for some reason I decided to attempt to lean how to play the piano, so I purchase a Yamaha Keyboard, and I have been pecking away on the keys for about 6 months. I'm not good at all at reading music (notes) so I watch a ton of RUclips Video's on how to lessons. I came across yours and holy moly, what a difference you are. Kudo's 2 U. I'm still horrible, but I'm not wanting to throw my keyboard out the window YET.. Thank U so much...
This tutorial is fantastic. I've spent 60 years enjoying jazz and being mystified by it - I assumed I lacked the jazz gene. You've shown me where to find it. THANK YOU.
Fantastic video. I'm a classically trained composer who writes musical theater songs. Even so, a lot of this video was a revelation to me. A simple thing I would add to your instruction here is for your listeners to pick up on how you accent some of the notes in your right hand runs. It's those accents that really help give a sense of swing and are a true characteristic of the cocktail piano style.
I started paying by ear at age 4. Studied classical piano for YEARS & YEARS but this is what I always wanted to play. You are an excellent teacher and I am so grateful for having found you today! NEW FOLLOWER!!!!!! ❤️
Ohmygosh, I found this today. I want to learn how to play Jazz piano again. I learned it in the 70's but haven't played since. I will visit this tutorial often. Thank you.
Jonny I am so happy I found you! You’re an incredible teacher and make what has previously been quite heavy theory matter so approachable and understandable. I’ve watched 3 of your videos this morning and feel like I have increased tenfold as a pianist already without even touching the keys! Best of RUclips, I’m incredibly grateful, thank you sir!
I have played in piano bars a lot of my life but mainly to back songs. Never cottoned onto jazz but have wanted to. So thanks again for some inspiration.
I'm a guitarist just looking to learn a few things about music from other sources but I really appreciated this lesson. Really well put together, nice tasty playing too.
Jonny, I lost my right index finger in an accident a few years back...I grew up playing classical for 9 years, then started loving jazz and went to drums...thought my passion for jazz piano was gone forever after switching to drums all my life. I just retired and am in studio and found this video. I ran over to the piano (weeping) and sat for a couple of hours jamming! You are simply a God send, since I was at a dead stop with piano!🥰🥰💥💥
A7 is usually A C# E G The chord you have as "A7" is A G C Db F which is apparently A7#5(#9). Sounds great. Juicy dissonance brings that cocktail room feeling. 2 minor, 5 dominant, 1 major, 6 ~~something~~ is always a good start =)
Great lesson. I had not played for years. After four days of working through this lesson, I was improvising over the four chords. i don't sound like Johnny, but I am playing. I am going to try to work in his professional classes.
Ok, so I'm at my desk and only 6 minutes in I'm already thinking how great a video this is and can't wait to get to my keys and play. Very nice sir, thank you much. Ok, back to the video....
I started the playing ivories a few years ago. Someone threw out an old keyboard which I bought home. Boogie Woogie looked like fun and easy, so I started watching videos by Brendon Kavanagh. It was a great start. Then I found your videos, not only have they given me a big interest in jazz piano, but your videos simplified jazz and helped me understand a lot more about music. You're a great teacher Jonny, thanks for all your help!
6:22 perfectly sums up every experience I've ever had of people trying to teach me to improvise. This is a great video, super accessible and easy to play along with but actually results in you being able to play something that sounds good at the end.
I'm learning the keyboard now, and playing anything resembling what jonny does while improving those simple lines is totally my goal. Thank you for the amazing lessons.
Natural talents alone shine when you have a great teacher. Having ADHD and having had a stroke, it is very difficult to sit and practice. However, with lessons like this one, every note is interesting! I can't wait to have this committed to motor memory and play like this at my sister's house. She will think I'm so good. LOL But, really, its a great teacher. Since my sisters are teachers, mad respect. Subscribed and liked out the gate! Looking forward to more excellent piano knowledge! Also, this video is as fresh as it was 2 years ago. Thanks!
Thank you man! I've been learning classic piano for almost 2 years from scarp. It's been a great journey but sometimes boring. My goal is to know how to improvise and this lesson is just perfect for me. THANK YOU!
Jonny’s lessons are great. I’ll listen to him play a piece to introduce the lesson and think no way on earth can I ever play that or even get close. But after his beautifully structured courses I actually can play the piece. Not as well as him but for me do what initially seemed impossible.
I'm a singer/ guitarist, self taught piano- John Lennon style,,,LH bass note, RH chords and melodic riffs. This video may just get me to play LH chords 😂 Love it! Thank you!
Hi Jonny I would like to thank you for making this kinds of videos, you are doing very great, this kinds of video will help everyone and also me to improve on my piano skills.. I'll give you 5 stars for this! God bless you!
I guess from the overwhelming responses it goes without saying, you have enlightened us all with your logical approach to understanding cocktail, and Jazz piano. We should be all inspired to improve our playing skills, isn't that what good teacher's do, thank you from Perth WA much appreciated.
Finally! This is fabulous. Thanks so much for posting this. I love to play La La La music and I have wanted to venture out .... Thanks to this video I now understand how to play jazzy La La La music. Thanks from Texas
Great lesson, I noticed sometimes you were also comping lower bass notes, maybe to round out the rootless chords, sounded great, definitely going to play with this. ;-)
Excellent tutorial. I know you said we're not learning chords, but would love a clear explanation or future vid about why for instance the first chord is called Dm7 and not Fmaj7. The chords listed here aren't what I would call them and it makes my brain hurt trying to figure it out! Keep up the great work!
I'm confused on that too, I assumed this to be a 2-5-1 progression in C, so the ii chord would be a Dm ... and looking further playing FACE would be a Dm7 with the root note D omitted, I think. He is doing great work here, that's for sure, so I hate to nitpick.
It is called that way because in the backing track the bass is giving the bass note (which would be the D in the Dm9, the G in the G7 and so on). If the progression is played without the backing track then you should play the chords with different voicing, but the idea of Johny was to be played with the backing track, thats why you dont play the bass note. These are called rootless chords. Hope that helps!
Jonny, thank you for yet another excellent lesson. You sound amazing and you make learning super fun. I wish RUclips had 2 thumbs up as an option - I give this lesson 2 thumbs up. Brilliant!!!!
Omg! This is awesome Johnny! You have a new fan and I can’t wait to tell all my friends about your awesome channel!! Every second is SOLID GOLD and easy to follow. YOU ARE A LEGEND!!!
Congrats on a nice lesson! I'm a high school teacher and I also have a tendency to say "Does that make sense?" - that made me chuckle - but it means you really want viewers to understand. I like your baby-steps approach. Sure, all this stuff requires lots of practice (esp. the stuff in the latter half) but I think your method and examples are well paced and useful. Love it!
I just saw your video today and I thoroughly enjoyed watching your lesson. Youre a great teacher because you unpacked the esoteric nature of playing jazz improvisation with mindfulness that even a beginner can understand and follow if they have the willingness to learn . Before this I never thought I could even begin to learn this type of music on piano even when I learned to play the classical way since I was in the 2nd grade all the way to 4th year high school. And it was so old school I couldn't play a thing without a music sheet. My teacher was also our high school mother superior who was a nun from Spain. She was so strict there really was little joy during those times of learning it. Then off to college I tried to continue the lessons but my chosen profession would not allow the time and energy for continued piano pursuit. So I gave it up. Im almost 70 now and I bought myself a brand new 88-key Yamaha keyboard that played like a real acoustic piano. So I can revisit perhaps my old hobby? LOL!I tried to watch many influencers on YT but its either they are just showing off their skill not thinking that someone is a beginner and needed more understanding of their method or style, or they are really such skilled pianists and push their teaching style in a very technical manner no one can even appreciate. After a while, I lost any desire or motivation. But your presentation was easy to understand and follow even for a beginner. All one does is practice however long it will take for their fingers to adapt independence. This is my goal but I going to not pressure myself and just enjoy the process this time. Thank you so much. I will check your website for more lessons.
Well, I will just say this was very helpful to expand my limited tool set. I started out as a drummer and eventually switched to keys. I'm ear player (although I read chord charts easily enough) and I do like a lot of jazz chords. As a vocalist all my keyboard playing is left-hand-bass/right-hand-chords and I pretty much suck at playing anything more than basic triads on my left hand. The techniques you demonstrated will at least help me improve my right hand work--thank you! I actually do tend to throw in rootless chords often (just didn't know that's what they were called) with my right hand being the root...always loved how those sounded.
This is so easy I wish I found out about this a long time ago Also a ton of fun (Why It's Gorgeous ) Can't Thank you enough you made an old man very happy ( well Not that old ) people are saying where the Hell did you learn to play like that. lol what a blast
I've honestly never heard of a "mixo-blues" scale before, but seems like its just a full mixolydian scale with blue notes included (the #9 and #11, in addition to the 9 and 11). If you look up explanations of the mixolydian scale and blue notes (or blues improvisation), I'm sure you'll get the jist of why these notes were put in this scale :)
For step 1, I wish you used the chord values (IV, V7 etc.) - the sheet music up doesn't relate to what you are saying either. I know this is a basic tutorial but I think consistency would be good - whenever discussing a chord, use its name (i.e. C Major, but also its value in relation to the tonic i.e. III (for example)). So beginners can follow the chords and more advanced people can follow the theory too.
I'm just confused why we are calling 9chords as just 7? Is this standard in jazz? I mean he asks us to play a Dm7 while showing us the notes for a Fmaj7 (since he's skipping the bass note).
@@rasmus6705 he is actually just bad at teaching. it is much easier to learn how to lead sheet when the chord names match up with the notes he is playing
@@Tresquall i mean in that first progression the first chord also has a 9, that second chord simply isnt a g7, the third chord is a Cmaj9 not Cmaj7, and the fourth is an A7 (shown) with #9 and b13 (not shown)... yes people with existing theory knowledge can figure out what he means. this is an "educational" channel, and I would argue that jazz beginners would benefit from correct chord notation.
Dude's a fantastic teacher, but I do wish he mentioned a bit more theory at the beginning - esp b/c I was initially confused about what chords he was playing when it didn't match the sheet music.
Interesting. It looks to me that the scale you're using is like mixing the C major and minor blues scales, like you would do on a C blues, and using the licks that you would normally use on a blues, but leaving out the Bb of the C minor blues scale (the Bb is part of the mixo-blues scale but you barely use it when you improvise, if at all) as it doesn't fit the C that is a major 7 chord (not dominant).
I’ve been looking for something like this for the past 40 years or so. Thanks, Johny! Huge inspiration 😃 I’ll move on to your website as soon as time allows for it 😉 The 88 keys look a lot less intimidating now after watching several of your videos 🙏🏽 Stay strong and healthy
I actually understood everything he said. So now I have to practice and see if my fingers will understand it too. Great video, Jonny. Thanks so much. From a perpetual beginner but still trying.
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Step 1: Turnaround Progression
03:02 - Play with backing track
03:57 - Step 2: Mixo-Blues Scale
06:12 - Step 3: Improv Exercises
06:52 - 1. 8th Notes
08:11 - Play with backing track
09:21 - Improv with backing track
10:51 - 2. Triplets
12:29 - Play with backing track
12:59 - Improv with backing track
14:05 - 3. Slides
15:59 - Play with backing track
16:20 - Improv with backing track
16:59 - Conclusion
Absolutely brilliant, Jonny. Thank you. 👍🎹
Jonny, you deserve more subscribers and followers. You are the best piano player I have ever known on RUclips . Keep up the great work, the breakthrough is just around corner 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.
Very confusing when sheet music and what you say you play has nothing to do with what you are actually playing WHY make a bad video when you clearly seem to know what you are doing?????
Hi Johnny - I think you need to clarify these chords - they're verging on nonsense. That last one - sorry no.
Nice, thx Jonny. As a true beginner, i looked how to create the backing track into ireal pro, with rootless chords. Since I found ntg on the web, i share it here: Dm9, G13, CM9, A7#9#5, with selecting "1 hand chords" as a kb option. Then just select the appropriate inversion and job done, able to work on it on the e-piano, with ireal connected :-)
I've played improvised piano my whole life, but jazz has always been a mystery to me. Yesterday I got the idea to see if there are beginner lessons for jazz on RUclips. Holy cow your lessons are amazing. You've totally demystified jazz piano for me and I can't get enough. I just want to play all day now.
What kind of music were you improvising if jazz is a mystery to you?
R. Eric Bowers My story too. I was caught up (but used, and played out professionally) using Maj, Minor, 7ths, etc as shown on 'Popular" music chord charts. This video is a breakthrough for me too, though I'm just getting started with this jazz mindset. I see a real lack of the "root note" in the written out chords he shows. (I believe this is part of the jazzy sound and mystery; and why a jazz pianist can use a "bass player"). I notice Jonny hits these bass notes when he improvs... My son, who studied guitar at the Hart Music school once casually said to me "the bass note is the least important note in the chord". Now I get it; I feel the bass note is implied...
@@larrytruth-warrior4952 You may not need a bass player, but you surely
want to choose the inversion that gets that bass note right.
Totally feel you, especially if you've been formally trained. Jazz is something that you've kinda gotta feel, despite playing a jazz score. So glad you get to experience this music for the first time, it's very fun
@@dragmio exactly lol
I decided to binge learn jazz during covid-19 instead of binge watching Netflix and boy am I grateful for this channel. You're a wonderful teacher sir, You have a great demeanor certainly appreciate it. I do not feel overwhelmed after watching one of your videos.
I binged piano lessons 1st lockdown then was introduced to power on netflix. Haven't turned on the keyboard since 🙈
I started learning piano in April of last year with this channel. But I didn't have a choice- I don't own a TV set. There is a bright side to this crazy world.
I never played an instrument and started on guitar plying as covid started and it appeared to be Long term. So glad I did this. Now I am learning piano too and music is my main hobby that I indulge for hours every day.
*lol* I was just about to write the same - but was a bit embarressed by my binging.
🙂
I’ve been playing around with my guitar for 35 years and came across this Channel lastweek. Jazz-tastic
I am a rocker metal head learning piano .. and this style is just sooo frickin' cool. Thank you for the excellent lessons!
It feels like you are a magician giving away the tricks of the trade. I'm all for it! Thank you so much.
My pleasure!
@@PianoWithJonny next video you should include correct chord names!!
@@AntActApp They're all sevenths with extensions, honestly you could add a lot of different extensions and still have it come out well
@@speedracer55 very true, i just hope true beginners arent too confused
Wrong. Correct answer is to do what I did. Form a passion for music as a child, practice regularly, study the jazz masters that contribute to the art form. Audition for and go to college for Jazz piano performance (student loans at this point would be a plus, looking at around $80-$100K). Get totally eviscerated by more talented and experienced colleagues, work your way back up from rock bottom. Then graduate and take $50 gigs that all went away during Covid. Now THAT is how you play Cocktail Piano.
This is the correct answer here. You can learn the notes, but to really feel the cocktail jazz, you have to embrace the bitterness and sadness. Some major alcoholism and covid-related job loss is where it's at.
@@dsz4445 Thank you for your condolences.
Great insight! I've only started playing jazz piano a year and a half ago, but I believe that the singular, most broad and effective path of being a progressing musician is to listen CLOSELY to as much music as you possibly can and seeing how much you can incorporate into your practice/playing. Try to listen for small ideas that interest you and make you motivated to try to figure out how they were, done.
Everything that you hear a great jazz musician play in a recording was once deliberately learned in the same way that you as a young child had to deliberately learn words like "dog" or "cat". The real thing that I see most young musicians overlook is the skill of sustainable engagement. Any person off the street can force themselves into a practice room for a few hours on a given day and puke out some scale that they've already learned years ago. You want to constantly be figuring out new things, and the key to doing that is to only make yourself practice for 5 minutes a day. Don't HOLD yourself to more than 15. The key is LONG-TERM consistent every day practice over many years. It doesn't have to be hours at a time.
As a final tip to any other musicians from a young relatively inexperienced jazz pianist, lock on to whatever feeling you get/have gotten from music, and let it pull you to where you want to progress towards. For example, I remember watching an episode of Tom and Jerry when I was probably 6 or 7, and I remember feeling a sense of admiration and awe towards one of the cats who was playing jazz piano. I just realized about a year ago that I can move myself in that direction.
Pushing yourself to where you want to be is not sustainable, so let yourself be pulled by whatever inspires and emotionally moves you there naturally. Have fun with it and let yourself enjoy the simple process of learning one new concept concretely every day. The more you can let yourself enjoy it, the more you'll enjoy it!
Cheers all!
George Higgins
I went to music school also, but managed to avoid debt. I wasn't a pianist, though I now make my living playing piano - easier than making a living as a cellist. I actually got a lot of work through the pandemic at outdoor venues and hotels which could separate me from the crowds enough to feel safe. I had never played solo piano before Covid, so it was a learning curve to be sure. I never had to play a $50 gig - mostly at least $150+ - do people really play for $50?
@@KellygenXYZ And despite all of those cool stories you forgot to learn jazz musician humor along the way ;-)
I discounted this style of music for decades, but every time in a bar with piano, I somehow forgot and felt great. 2 weeks ago in a classy place on my wife's birthday, the only bar seats were next to the baby grand, me briefly talking with the player between songs while he performed in this style. Magic.
I'm definitely skipping steps, but applying this allowed me to play with both my hands instead of just one for the first time. I'm elated.
OMG! Those chords and the progression sound JUST BEAUTIFUL. I've been looking for that jazzy sound lately.
Wow! You're a terrific teacher! I've been playing classical piano for 50 yrs, classical cello for 33 years. I've played with symphony orchestras, taught orchestra, directed choirs, etc. This is a nice change of pace. The way you teach cocktail piano makes it very, very easy to learn. I'm looking forward to more tutorials. I was almost ready to give away my grand piano until I found your tutorial. Thank you for coming into my life! You're a godsend!
Starting back on piano after several year gap. A good way to fight depression. I like your teaching style. Looking forward to learning more.
Good for you!!! :-)
Wow. I just read Englebert's comment. I learnt piano decades ago to a beginner intermediate level, but after just 10 minutes of your video I can completely see how I can play what you have shown so far. Beautiful.
You’re a phenomenal teacher.
2:30 You just summarized my lockdown....
Was looking for this, laugh my ass off
@@LTHALJUMPR Stay golden my man
Best comment ever
Absolutely underrated
I don't get it...
Hey man, I am a medical doctor in Vienna, Austria and fairly good in classical piano, You Sir are the first one who gave me an instant feeling of being able to master some jazz piano as well. I always loved Jazz piano sometimes more than all the classical music.....but I could never get ANYWHERE, despite of good knowledge in music theory, well trained fingers , etc... Your videos are so extremely well done - step by step - it gives that great joy and hope of being able master something new ! plus there is Your positive and joyful personality that adds to Your skills as a teacher. I am MASSIVLY grateful to You!
I'm so grateful for the written chords! I need to visualise this on the staff to get it into my head. Well, that plus practice, practice, practice.
so i now watched it sitting in bed drinking coffee, i guess i have to watch it again sitting at my piano. seems lile a nice evening programm for me 👍
Lol same here
This is a great starting point, especially for a piano player who wants to become proficient in jazz and blues.
Once mastered in C, the next step for someone who wants to be a journeyman piano player is to learn the same material in the 11 other starting points. Most piano players will work with singers, and each singer ALWAYS calls the key they prefer.
The ability is to play a chosen number in any key is the hallmark of a professional.
Why have I not seen this channel before???? Where have you been all my life? Kinda glad RUclips rec this to me
honestly after 14 years of playing piano this made me really understand how cocktail piano is built up! For me its really easy to play every step you make, but the chords and watching you do your more "advanced" moves like the intro and the improv really help me!
I was thinking I'm pulling this off. Then find my right hand is now my left. And my right is off on its holidays. Disengage brain and let's see if l can pull it off.
Fantastic! I'd always thought jazz was impossible to understand, because I'd ask someone to explain and they'd start talking circle of thirds the Dorian, Mixolydian, etc., but you explain it in a way that I understand. I love that you say, "Does that make sense?" I'm a teacher, and I ask my student that question several times each lesson! You are a great teacher! I now feel that I could take on jazz.
These are wonderful words.
Been playing piano (self taught) for 30+ years and have always wanted to branch out from my comfort zone. This is perfect. Such a different style than I'm used to playing, but your videos make it easy to follow along. I play by ear, but know all the notes and chords and can follow along visually pretty well. Kudos! Keep up the great work.
Me too!!!
this is amazing. im 2 months into self taught piano and it is so fun and rewarding to learn all these techniques on youtube and see yourself get better and more able to express yourself, and this channel has been one of my go-to's all this time. once again, your videos are amazing and helpful, much love!
I'm 62 years old and for some reason I decided to attempt to lean how to play the piano, so I purchase a Yamaha Keyboard, and I have been pecking away on the keys for about 6 months. I'm not good at all at reading music (notes) so I watch a ton of RUclips Video's on how to lessons. I came across yours and holy moly, what a difference you are. Kudo's 2 U.
I'm still horrible, but I'm not wanting to throw my keyboard out the window YET.. Thank U so much...
This tutorial is fantastic. I've spent 60 years enjoying jazz and being mystified by it - I assumed I lacked the jazz gene. You've shown me where to find it. THANK YOU.
Wow this is the cheat code to make cocktail piano. Thanks a lot ♥
I LOVE this kind of playing. It creates such a COOL atmosphere!
Fantastic video. I'm a classically trained composer who writes musical theater songs. Even so, a lot of this video was a revelation to me. A simple thing I would add to your instruction here is for your listeners to pick up on how you accent some of the notes in your right hand runs. It's those accents that really help give a sense of swing and are a true characteristic of the cocktail piano style.
This might be the best online piano tutorial I’ve ever seen. Might have to buy his course
Yeah, dude, you won't be disappointed. Have you bought it yet?
I started paying by ear at age 4. Studied classical piano for YEARS & YEARS but this is what I always wanted to play. You are an excellent teacher and I am so grateful for having found you today! NEW FOLLOWER!!!!!! ❤️
I think you are one of the best music teachers on RUclips! I’ve been watching lessons for years but this channel is a truly underrated gem!
Ohmygosh, I found this today. I want to learn how to play Jazz piano again. I learned it in the 70's but haven't played since. I will visit this tutorial often. Thank you.
Jonny I am so happy I found you! You’re an incredible teacher and make what has previously been quite heavy theory matter so approachable and understandable. I’ve watched 3 of your videos this morning and feel like I have increased tenfold as a pianist already without even touching the keys!
Best of RUclips, I’m incredibly grateful, thank you sir!
This is the first piano tutorial talking about jazz improvisation that didn’t hurt my head & has motivated me to give it a try. Thanks!
This is just amazing. Im a guitar player but this helped me more than ANY guitar lesson. Thanks Jonny.
This guy Jonny is by far the best teacher on the internet very clear and concise,nice one jonny
I have played in piano bars a lot of my life but mainly to back songs. Never cottoned onto jazz but have wanted to. So thanks again for some inspiration.
It’s no exaggeration that Jonnys the best teacher! I’ve just been so busy. What a joy to learn f Jonny! We love ❤u Jonny!
I'm a guitarist just looking to learn a few things about music from other sources but I really appreciated this lesson. Really well put together, nice tasty playing too.
I like the way you break down your lessons into achievable steps. 😎
Thank you!
Omg! I was playing cocktail piano! You’re an awesome teacher!
A real teacher. A true master is Mr Jonny. God bless you, sir.
This guy is one of the best on the internet! makes the learning process simple, and fun. Thanks Johnny. Great stuff!
Happy to help!
Jonny, I lost my right
index finger in an accident a few years back...I grew up playing classical for 9 years, then started loving jazz and went to drums...thought my passion for jazz piano was gone forever after switching to drums all my life. I just retired and am in studio and found this video. I ran over to the piano (weeping) and sat for a couple of hours jamming! You are simply a God send, since I was at a dead stop with piano!🥰🥰💥💥
A7 is usually A C# E G
The chord you have as "A7" is A G C Db F which is apparently A7#5(#9). Sounds great. Juicy dissonance brings that cocktail room feeling.
2 minor, 5 dominant, 1 major, 6 ~~something~~ is always a good start =)
Great lesson. I had not played for years. After four days of working through this lesson, I was improvising over the four chords. i don't sound like Johnny, but I am playing. I am going to try to work in his professional classes.
You are a fantastic teacher Johnny. I'm a beginner and you break it down in a way that is easy to understand. I really like your approach to teaching.
Very good training, easy to follow. Just what I've been looking for,
Thank you so much!
I'm a complete musical doofus, but watching this has got me inspired!
Ok, so I'm at my desk and only 6 minutes in I'm already thinking how great a video this is and can't wait to get to my keys and play. Very nice sir, thank you much. Ok, back to the video....
this saves me ten hours of piano lessons ... more learned than in 10 weeks ... thank you ... added 2 my favs
I started the playing ivories a few years ago. Someone threw out an old keyboard which I bought home. Boogie Woogie looked like fun and easy, so I started watching videos by Brendon Kavanagh. It was a great start. Then I found your videos, not only have they given me a big interest in jazz piano, but your videos simplified jazz and helped me understand a lot more about music. You're a great teacher Jonny, thanks for all your help!
6:22 perfectly sums up every experience I've ever had of people trying to teach me to improvise.
This is a great video, super accessible and easy to play along with but actually results in you being able to play something that sounds good at the end.
I'm learning the keyboard now, and playing anything resembling what jonny does while improving those simple lines is totally my goal. Thank you for the amazing lessons.
Wow you're the best piano teacher i've come across. I really love how you break down the lessons with some theory.
ive been a bass player for 30 years and im even getting some real good stuff from this video
Dear Jonny, thank you so much! Your lessons is amazing! You are my favorite piano teacher on RUclips! 🙏
Natural talents alone shine when you have a great teacher. Having ADHD and having had a stroke, it is very difficult to sit and practice. However, with lessons like this one, every note is interesting! I can't wait to have this committed to motor memory and play like this at my sister's house. She will think I'm so good. LOL But, really, its a great teacher. Since my sisters are teachers, mad respect. Subscribed and liked out the gate! Looking forward to more excellent piano knowledge! Also, this video is as fresh as it was 2 years ago. Thanks!
Thanks, you broke that down very well. I'm coming from a pop piano background and jazz has always baffled me but you made it feel very approachable
Totally love this lesson. I'm just not there yet being a guitar player. Thank you Jonny.
Thank you for watching!
for me as a jazz guitar player absolutely great to learn a little piano!
Thank you man! I've been learning classic piano for almost 2 years from scarp. It's been a great journey but sometimes boring. My goal is to know how to improvise and this lesson is just perfect for me. THANK YOU!
This is the best jazz tutorial for beginner that i have seen so far, very easy to understand, please do more these types of videos!
Jonny’s lessons are great. I’ll listen to him play a piece to introduce the lesson and think no way on earth can I ever play that or even get close. But after his beautifully structured courses I actually can play the piece. Not as well as him but for me do what initially seemed impossible.
Man that was awesome. You’re an amazing teacher! I like how you make music theory applicable for everyone!
Most effective teacher on the whole planet, even very pleasant!
I appreciate that!
"this scale is only 9 notes"
*Stuff only a jazz player will say*
I'm a singer/ guitarist, self taught piano- John Lennon style,,,LH bass note, RH chords and melodic riffs. This video may just get me to play LH chords 😂 Love it! Thank you!
Hi Jonny I would like to thank you for making this kinds of videos, you are doing very great, this kinds of video will help everyone and also me to improve on my piano skills.. I'll give you 5 stars for this! God bless you!
Such a gorgeous style with beautiful chords!
Thank you so much!
I guess from the overwhelming responses it goes without saying, you have enlightened us all with your logical approach to understanding cocktail, and Jazz piano. We should be all inspired to improve our playing skills, isn't that what good teacher's do, thank you from Perth WA much appreciated.
Finally! This is fabulous. Thanks so much for posting this. I love to play La La La music and I have wanted to venture out .... Thanks to this video I now understand how to play jazzy La La La music. Thanks from Texas
Great lesson,
I noticed sometimes you were also comping lower bass notes, maybe to round out the rootless chords, sounded great, definitely going to play with this. ;-)
Excellent tutorial. I know you said we're not learning chords, but would love a clear explanation or future vid about why for instance the first chord is called Dm7 and not Fmaj7. The chords listed here aren't what I would call them and it makes my brain hurt trying to figure it out!
Keep up the great work!
I'm confused on that too, I assumed this to be a 2-5-1 progression in C, so the ii chord would be a Dm ... and looking further playing FACE would be a Dm7 with the root note D omitted, I think. He is doing great work here, that's for sure, so I hate to nitpick.
It is called that way because in the backing track the bass is giving the bass note (which would be the D in the Dm9, the G in the G7 and so on). If the progression is played without the backing track then you should play the chords with different voicing, but the idea of Johny was to be played with the backing track, thats why you dont play the bass note. These are called rootless chords. Hope that helps!
You tell me exactly what I want to learn in order to learn a jazzy style for my compositions.
Thank you .
You sir, are a fantastic teacher.
Thanks! 😃
Left hand comping skills is what I need. Not for cocktail music but just to be more skilled. Yeah!
Jonny, thank you for yet another excellent lesson. You sound amazing and you make learning super fun. I wish RUclips had 2 thumbs up as an option - I give this lesson 2 thumbs up. Brilliant!!!!
wow, first piano video ive ever watched where i learned something, and ive been playing and making music for 15+ years, great content!
Omg! This is awesome Johnny! You have a new fan and I can’t wait to tell all my friends about your awesome channel!!
Every second is SOLID GOLD and easy to follow. YOU ARE A LEGEND!!!
Wow, thanks!
Congrats on a nice lesson! I'm a high school teacher and I also have a tendency to say "Does that make sense?" - that made me chuckle - but it means you really want viewers to understand. I like your baby-steps approach. Sure, all this stuff requires lots of practice (esp. the stuff in the latter half) but I think your method and examples are well paced and useful. Love it!
Very nice! You are a great teacher and love the progression, doesn't need to be more complicated than this.
Superb educator. I'm a teacher and you are a natural. Thanks for the lesson.
That was pure magic
I play piano just one month, but this is first perfect explanation for beginer, thank you so much 👍
Love the structure of this video! You do a great job of breaking down each part
I just saw your video today and I thoroughly enjoyed watching your lesson. Youre a great teacher because you unpacked the esoteric nature of playing jazz improvisation with mindfulness that even a beginner can understand and follow if they have the willingness to learn
. Before this I never thought I could even begin to learn this type of music on piano even when I learned to play the classical way since I was in the 2nd grade all the way to 4th year high school. And it was so old school I couldn't play a thing without a music sheet. My teacher was also our high school mother superior who was a nun from Spain. She was so strict there really was little joy during those times of learning it. Then off to college I tried to continue the lessons but my chosen profession would not allow the time and energy for continued piano pursuit. So I gave it up. Im almost 70 now and I bought myself a brand new 88-key Yamaha keyboard that played like a real acoustic piano. So I can revisit perhaps my old hobby? LOL!I tried to watch many influencers on YT but its either they are just showing off their skill not thinking that someone is a beginner and needed more understanding of their method or style, or they are really such skilled pianists and push their teaching style in a very technical manner no one can even appreciate. After a while, I lost any desire or motivation. But your presentation was easy to understand and follow even for a beginner. All one does is practice however long it will take for their fingers to adapt independence. This is my goal but I going to not pressure myself and just enjoy the process this time. Thank you so much. I will check your website for more lessons.
Piano johnny, you are the greatest!
Well, I will just say this was very helpful to expand my limited tool set. I started out as a drummer and eventually switched to keys. I'm ear player (although I read chord charts easily enough) and I do like a lot of jazz chords. As a vocalist all my keyboard playing is left-hand-bass/right-hand-chords and I pretty much suck at playing anything more than basic triads on my left hand. The techniques you demonstrated will at least help me improve my right hand work--thank you! I actually do tend to throw in rootless chords often (just didn't know that's what they were called) with my right hand being the root...always loved how those sounded.
This is so easy I wish I found out about this a long time ago Also a ton of fun (Why It's Gorgeous ) Can't Thank you enough you made an old man very happy ( well Not that old ) people are saying where the Hell did you learn to play like that. lol what a blast
Bro I just wanna say thank you for you selflessness in sharing your knowledge with us. You are very kind !
Wow another brilliant lesson ❤️
So goooood!!! Thank you!
I've never seen a 9-note scale in my life, but nonetheless it would be cool to have a brief explanation on why those notes were chosen.
I've honestly never heard of a "mixo-blues" scale before, but seems like its just a full mixolydian scale with blue notes included (the #9 and #11, in addition to the 9 and 11). If you look up explanations of the mixolydian scale and blue notes (or blues improvisation), I'm sure you'll get the jist of why these notes were put in this scale :)
Your ‘play 100 jazz songs’ vidblew me away, so here i am! Video 01.. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Super simplified. Thank you so much ..
For step 1, I wish you used the chord values (IV, V7 etc.) - the sheet music up doesn't relate to what you are saying either. I know this is a basic tutorial but I think consistency would be good - whenever discussing a chord, use its name (i.e. C Major, but also its value in relation to the tonic i.e. III (for example)). So beginners can follow the chords and more advanced people can follow the theory too.
It didn't bother me much. I think most advanced folks are able to figure it out based on the chord symbols he put
I'm just confused why we are calling 9chords as just 7? Is this standard in jazz? I mean he asks us to play a Dm7 while showing us the notes for a Fmaj7 (since he's skipping the bass note).
@@rasmus6705 he is actually just bad at teaching. it is much easier to learn how to lead sheet when the chord names match up with the notes he is playing
@@Tresquall i mean in that first progression the first chord also has a 9, that second chord simply isnt a g7, the third chord is a Cmaj9 not Cmaj7, and the fourth is an A7 (shown) with #9 and b13 (not shown)... yes people with existing theory knowledge can figure out what he means. this is an "educational" channel, and I would argue that jazz beginners would benefit from correct chord notation.
Dude's a fantastic teacher, but I do wish he mentioned a bit more theory at the beginning - esp b/c I was initially confused about what chords he was playing when it didn't match the sheet music.
Interesting. It looks to me that the scale you're using is like mixing the C major and minor blues scales, like you would do on a C blues, and using the licks that you would normally use on a blues, but leaving out the Bb of the C minor blues scale (the Bb is part of the mixo-blues scale but you barely use it when you improvise, if at all) as it doesn't fit the C that is a major 7 chord (not dominant).
Best improv tutorial I've seen on RUclips. I won't be able to to do it but I'll give it a go 😊
I’ve been looking for something like this for the past 40 years or so. Thanks, Johny! Huge inspiration 😃 I’ll move on to your website as soon as time allows for it 😉 The 88 keys look a lot less intimidating now after watching several of your videos 🙏🏽 Stay strong and healthy
Yeah dude, the website and course is where it's at! Have you done it yet!?
I actually understood everything he said. So now I have to practice and see if my fingers will understand it too. Great video, Jonny. Thanks so much. From a perpetual beginner but still trying.