Do I need to learn blues before jazz?

And even though blues music did come first, I don't think it's necessary to learn it thoroughly before tackling jazz, any more than a classical pianist needs to learn Bach before delving into Mozart. So start by choosing 2 or 3 recordings you enjoy, of either jazz or blues.

keyboardimprov.com - Should you learn blues before jazz piano? - Keyboard Improv

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A beginning improviser, coming from a classical background, recently asked me "Is it worth it to learn blues before jazz?" This is a good question, since blues music came before jazz historically and they've been intertwined since jazz began in the early 1900's.

My answer? Learn both at the same time. Here's how:

When you're just starting out with jazz and blues piano, begin by asking yourself what kind of jazz and blues you enjoy listening to. What specific artists and recordings drew you to the style in the first place? This, more than anything else, can be a great starting point for you. Every great jazz and/or blues musician has started by listening to and beginning to learn the songs and musical styles they love the most. Then, as you become more fluent, you have the ability to branch out. Both blues and jazz are so vast because they've been around for so long now and have spawned countless different styles within each genre. And even though blues music did come first, I don't think it's necessary to learn it thoroughly before tackling jazz, any more than a classical pianist needs to learn Bach before delving into Mozart. So start by choosing 2 or 3 recordings you enjoy, of either jazz or blues. Then identify exactly what type of jazz or blues they are: cool jazz, New Orleans, bebop, Chicago blues, jazz-rock, etc. Then begin learning the elements of jazz and blues while aiming to play in your chosen style. When you learn a new chord voicing, immediately apply it to the songs you want to learn. Jazz and blues are like cousins. Work on both at once and they'll feed each other as you get better and understand more and more musical connections between the two genres.

Good luck and "let the music flow!"

All my online students get full access to both my jazz and blues lessons. You can learn more here. Sign up for my Jazz Newsletter below and get my free ebook, Left Hand Techniques for Jazz Piano:

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Can you play jazz on a semi-hollow?

the only way you can get a traditional jazz tone out of a semi-hollow guitar is to put heavier strings on it IMO.

jazzguitar.be - Playing jazz on a semi-hollow guitar?

Originally Posted by wildschwein Originally Posted by

I changed to 12-52 flats for an all-out Jazz sound on several of my guitars (two of which are semis). But I also like the D'Addario half wounds which really do sit between flats and rounds in terms of tonality. They still have some brightness but not enough to really give you all the finger squeak. Furthermore, they have less tension than their round wound equivalents in the same gauges. I have a set of the half wound 11s on a chambered '78 Greco Les Paul and they almost feel like a set of round wound 9s in terms of tension; although they are smoother and beefier in tone than 9s.

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