Welcome to the country gospel waltz, a delicious mixing of two home-spun and uniquely American musical genres...
Gospel School: Country Gospel Waltz
Tag: gospel piano licks
Gospel School: Intro #5
Fifth in the series of gospel piano intros. Based on a cycle of secondary dominants, this intro also makes a nice turnaround... learn more... Gospel School: Country Gospel Waltz
Gospel School: Intro #4
A shortened version of Gospel Intro #3... to be repeated ad lib in order to build the energy in preparation for a shout... learn more... Gospel School: Intro #5
Gospel School: Intro #3
Third in the series of "bread & butter" gospel piano intros--a sound and feel you will recognize instantly... based on some of the other definitive gospel ideas and tasty chord inversions... learn more... Gospel School: Intro #4
Gospel School: Intro #2
Another "bread & butter" gospel intro--a country feel based on walk-ups and walk-downs on the "big three" chords... learn more... Gospel School: Intro #3
Gospel School: Intro #1
Every gospel player should have a few "bread & butter" introductions in their bag... A good introduction serves multiple musical purposes... Establishes the key center and tonality. Builds excitement and a sense of anticipation. Sets the proper tone before jumping into the tune. Here's an example using the big three chords (I-IV-V) with lots of … Continue reading Gospel School: Intro #1
Gospel School: The I-I/3-IV Progression
A definitive Gospel device is to connect the I chord to the IV chord by insert the first inversion of the I chord in between... Doing so creates both melodic interest in the bass and an irresistible sense of forward harmonic motion... Notice the strength of the melodic motion in the bass, creating a powerful … Continue reading Gospel School: The I-I/3-IV Progression
Gospel School: Shout Bass Lines: Walking on the I-IV Chord Progression
Shout Music makes me think of one word: JOY!
Gospel School: Shout Bass Lines: Walking on the I Chord
Shout Music is when the congregation really gets fired up!
Gospel School: Pickups
Pickups are a great way to build momentum and sense of anticipation for the arrival of the target chord on the downbeat... Here are three bread & butter pickups for your consideration... Gospel Pickup #1 Emphasizing the "6" of the chord is very characteristic of Gospel. Don't forget to swing the eighth notes... Study-Practice Notes … Continue reading Gospel School: Pickups