Gospel Piano Lesson: Gospel Piano Pickups

Gospel Piano Pickups are a great way to build momentum and sense of anticipation for the arrival of the target chord on the downbeat…

Table of Contents

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Gospel Piano Pickup #1

Emphasizing the “6” of the chord is very characteristic of Gospel. Don’t forget to swing the eighth notes…

Study-Practice Notes

• Don’t rush the pickup notes. Allow them to flow naturally with the time.
• Don’t overplay the pickups. Allow them to embellish and set the stage for, not to compete with or overshadow, the target note.

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Gospel Piano Pickup #2

Same notes as Pickup #1, emphasizing the 6, but in a different rhythm. Again, swing the eighth notes…

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Gospel Piano Pickup #3

Another common pickup… but this time to be played in straight eighths…

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