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Friend, Do You Really Know How to Interpret a "Lead Sheet?"

Dear Friend,

Students write me all the time to share their frustration about "interpreting" lead sheets.

As I've said, you have to memorize your chords to be able to play the piano and "realize" ANY lead sheet.

The first step is simply learn the chords indicated in the lead sheet, before trying to play the melody.

The 12-Bar Blues

To help you acquire this skill, I've attached a 12-Bar Blues in C Major.

Print it out and take it to your keyboard or piano and practice it.  Your goal is to MEMORIZE it!

It only uses three chords: C7, F7 and G7. 

Now YOU MUST experiment with different voicings, accompaniment styles to play it proficiently.

There just isn't one playing style to use...

Now understand, you don't just have to play 7th chords... you can add your color tones and create "hip" harmonies... (9ths, 11th, 13ths)

You should now know how to finger the C Minor Blues Scale!

Your goal is to create... improvise a Blues song any way YOU WISH!

The quality of your interpretation is directly correlated to your current skill level.

The Thinking Process...

This is how you should think when you're practicing. 

• Try "comping" using only the chords
• The "slash" marks represent the 4 beats in each measure
• Count out loud
• Maintain a steady beat
• Once you're able to play ALL 12 bars in tempo, repeatedly; only then should you try to improvise with the C Minor Blues Scale! 

This lead sheet is your "blank canvas."  You're the painter, and you can create anything you wish, given your current skill.

If you decide you need further instruction, please review the resources at the top left of this email letter.

To your success,

Ron