The JazzSync blog
Jazz piano lessons you can play.
Voicings, the ii–V–I, standards and practice routines, explained by a jazz piano teacher. Every example plays on the page, in all 12 keys.
Getting started · beginnerHow to Start Jazz Piano: A Beginner’s Roadmap (Even from Classical)Where to start with jazz piano: 7th chords, swing, lead sheets, the blues scale and listening, in the right order. With playable examples, and notes for classical pianists.Comping · beginnerComping with Two Notes: Guide Tones for Jazz Piano BeginnersThe easiest way to comp on jazz piano: just two notes, the 3rd and the 7th of each chord. Hear and play them in all 12 keys, in a ii–V–I and a 12-bar blues.Comping · beginnerHow to Comp on Jazz Piano: 5 Left-Hand Rhythms for BeginnersComping is how a jazz pianist accompanies. Learn the simplest jazz voicing and five left-hand rhythms, from whole notes to the Charleston and anticipations, with a bass line on every example.Improvising · beginnerThe Blues Scale on Piano: 10 Phrases to Start ImprovisingThe blues scale on piano explained simply, with ten short phrases you can play and hear in four keys, and a whole 12-bar chorus built from them.Practice · beginnerJazz Piano Exercises for Beginners: A 20-Minute Daily Practice RoutineA 20-minute daily jazz piano routine for beginners: arpeggios, guide tones, a comping rhythm, the blues and a first tune, with playable examples and a 12-key weekly plan.Voicings · progressionsii–V–I Piano Voicings: A Free Step-by-Step Drill in All 12 KeysLearn the ii–V–I on piano in four steps: shells, rootless voicings, two-handed voicings and minor. Every example plays in all 12 keys, with a practice plan.Standards · beginnerAutumn Leaves for Jazz Piano Beginners: Chords, Left Hand and FingeringLearn "Autumn Leaves" on jazz piano step by step: the chords of the whole form, left-hand shells and rootless voicings, fingering, and a practice plan. Every example plays.Voicings · intermediateBill Evans Left-Hand Voicings: Rootless Chords Made SimpleThe rootless left-hand voicings linked with Bill Evans, explained simply: the A and B shapes, the 6/9 chord, a ii–V–I and a longer chain, all playable in 12 keys.
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