Can a Beginner Learn Jazz Piano?
Are you a jazz enthusiast who wants to learn the piano? There’s nothing more exciting than playing your favorite tunes on your own on the piano. But in reality, is it possible for a new pianist to play jazz? Doesn’t it take decades to play like Bill Evans and Thelonius Monk?
This blog will talk you through some realistic expectations, things you will have to learn and practice, and more. You’ll learn much faster with a teacher, so if you would like to inquire about piano lessons in Freehold, NJ, please get in touch. I would be happy to work with you in my studio or online.
Can a Beginner Learn Jazz Piano?
Yes, of course a beginner can learn jazz piano, but you need to realize that it will take years to master the various modes, techniques, and improvisational chops that professionals have. The piano is a challenging instrument, and jazz is one of the more difficult genres you can pursue.
That said, if you already have a strong foundation in music, you will learn much more quickly. If you know your keys, notes, time signatures, and are familiar with jazz, you might be playing simple songs fluently within a year.
But if you are new to musical study entirely, you must alot time learning the basics of music theory. Don’t be discouraged - a competent piano teacher in Howell can have you playing tunes in short order, and you won’t have to practice only drills, scales, and arpeggios for years on end.
How Does a Beginner Pianist Start Learning Jazz?
The Basics: Notes and Note Values
Please note - musical study can’t be condensed into one blog post, so this guidance should not be viewed as exhaustive. Moving on…
You can start by learning the notes on the staff. Memorize where C, D, E, F, F, and A are in the treble clef, and repeat that process in the bass clef. You will also need to learn your note values: A quarter note has one beat, a half note has two beats, etc. - you can find Youtube videos explaining this concept or learn from a method book.
To play jazz, you’ll also have to be able to identify each major and minor key, learn what sharps and flats are, and understand what a sharp or flat symbol look like on the staff.
Learn Your Chords
Next, learn the concept of what a chord is: stacked notes in thirds or minor thirds. A logical next step from that study is something called chord “inversions,” or changing the root (bottom) note of the stack.
Then start learning your major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords. For instance, a C major chord is C, E, and G. The C minor chord is C, E flat, and G. From there, memorize popular jazz chords, like the major seventh chord and minor seventh chord. That way, when you see that chord notated in a chart, you’ll know what to play.
Learning To Play Walking Bass Lines
Listen to “I Know a Little” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and focus on the moving bassline. It’s a quintessential example.
In short, your walking bass will be a stepwise motion up or down following the notes in a scale (based on the key in which you are playing). Commonly, your walking bass will follow a blues scale. A walking bass line will be made of quarter notes in the key of 4/4.
You can then play a walking bass in your left hand while you play chords in your right hand. Find a chart for a jazz tune in A minor, for instance, learn to play the chords in your right hand, and sketch out a walking bass for your left hand to play. Eventually, you’ll be able to put these two together. Listen to string bass tracks, listing to jazz guitar pros, and let other musicians influence the development of your walking bass.
Combining More Musical Elements
Next, learn to play the melody line from a tune in your right hand. Practice playing that melody line in your right hand while your left hand plays the walking bass line. One you have that down, fill in the other notes in the chord (also with your right hand) while the melody and walking bass are in motion.
Improvising is another project entirely, but if you’ve made it this far, you can figure it out over a period of time. You will operate within a key and mode, create a melody in your right hand, and accompany with chords and walking bass.
Some Good Jazz Standards For Beginner to Intermediate Pianists
"Autumn Leaves"
“Autumn Leaves” is one of the most popular jazz standards for learners. Its chord progressions, including ii-V-I sequences, are fundamental to jazz theory. The melody is relatively simple, but the harmonic structure provides opportunities for improvisation and practicing voicing. Beginner pianists can focus on mastering the chord changes, while intermediate players can work on improvisational techniques over these familiar progressions.
"Blue Monk"
The blues-based “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk is a great standard for beginner and intermediate pianists. The 12-bar blues form is easy to understand, and the melody is approachable. This piece helps players build confidence in playing jazz rhythms and phrasing, while also offering room for solo practice.
"Take the A Train"
“Take the A Train” by Billy Strayhorn is an essential jazz standard that offers a lively, swinging rhythm. For beginner pianists, the melody is manageable, and the piece provides a great introduction to jazz swing. Intermediate players can explore the more complex harmonies and variations that this classic tune encourages.
"Misty"
“Misty” by Erroll Garner is a slower ballad, perfect for practicing chord voicings and smooth transitions. The melody is straightforward, but the rich harmonic structure allows intermediate pianists to dive deeper into jazz voicing techniques. It’s a great piece to work on phrasing and expression, helping students focus on emotional delivery.
If you are serious about learning how to play jazz, get in touch for piano lessons or organ lessons today. I would love to hear from you and help you learn how to read charts, improvise, and play your favorite tunes.