Lesson 6: Syncopation and jazz | Life and style

The invention of swing Before the 1930s, bass players used to play two notes in every bar, on the first and third beats, such as in a ragtime piece. But then they started to fill the gaps between each note, creating a walking bass. This created a completely new form of jazz called "swing".

Guide to piano and keyboardLife and style

Lesson 6: Syncopation and jazz

Syncopation is a rhythm that is played off the main beats in the bar. It's very common in jazzy music, so try to get used to these rhythms


The invention of swing

Before the 1930s, bass players used to play two notes in every bar, on the first and third beats, such as in a ragtime piece. But then they started to fill the gaps between each note, creating a walking bass. This created a completely new form of jazz called "swing".

First and second time bars

The first time through the next piece, play the music under the first bracket, then repeat and go straight to bracket 2.

Playing the blues
The blues evolved from the work songs, spirituals, chants and shouts of the African American slaves in the late 1800s to early 1900s. In a blues song, musicians would use blue notes (or bent notes on the guitar) which are flattened third, fifth and seventh notes of a scale. In C major, the blue notes are E flat, G flat and B flat.

And a last one.

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