Beginners, here's how to play Cocktail Piano

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LESSON SUMMARY
When it comes to jazz piano improvisation, too many students stop before they even start because they assume they don't have the formal training, theory knowledge, or piano technique needed to improvise freely. The problem with that sort of thinking is that it takes good things like training and technique, and turns them into obstacles rather than tools. If your goal is to improvise jazz piano, you really can get started today. In this lesson, Jonny shares 3 simple steps to begin playing beginner cocktail piano without any prerequisites! You'll learn:
- 4 Chords
- 1 Scale
- 3 Improv Exercises
►Jazz Ballad Soloing Challenge:
pianowithjonny.com/courses/ja...
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Step 1: Turnaround Progression
03:02 - Play with backing track
03:57 - Step 2: Mixo-Blues Scale
06:12 - Step 3: Improv Exercises
06:52 - 1. 8th Notes
08:11 - Play with backing track
09:21 - Improv with backing track
10:51 - 2. Triplets
12:29 - Play with backing track
12:59 - Improv with backing track
14:05 - 3. Slides
15:59 - Play with backing track
16:20 - Improv with backing track
16:59 - Conclusion
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Happy practicing!
Jonny May

[@PianoWithJonny]

00:00​ - Intro 00:50​ - Step 1: Turnaround Progression 03:02​ - Play with backing track 03:57​ - Step 2: Mixo-Blues Scale 06:12​ - Step 3: Improv Exercises 06:52​ - 1. 8th Notes 08:11​ - Play with backing track 09:21​ - Improv with backing track 10:51​ - 2. Triplets 12:29​ - Play with backing track 12:59​ - Improv with backing track 14:05​ - 3. Slides 15:59​ - Play with backing track 16:20​ - Improv with backing track 16:59​ - Conclusion

[@stevethompson153]

Absolutely brilliant, Jonny. Thank you. 👍🎹

[@willhagan2104]

Jonny, you deserve more subscribers and followers. You are the best piano player I have ever known on KZbin . Keep up the great work, the breakthrough is just around corner 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.

[@ernstmollemans8320]

Very confusing when sheet music and what you say you play has nothing to do with what you are actually playing WHY make a bad video when you clearly seem to know what you are doing?????

[@audas]

Hi Johnny - I think you need to clarify these chords - they're verging on nonsense. That last one - sorry no.

[@mrdjangofreeman5560]

Nice, thx Jonny. As a true beginner, i looked how to create the backing track into ireal pro, with rootless chords. Since I found ntg on the web, i share it here: Dm9, G13, CM9, A7#9#5, with selecting "1 hand chords" as a kb option. Then just select the appropriate inversion and job done, able to work on it on the e-piano, with ireal connected :-)

[@Aureas133]

2:30 You just summarized my lockdown....

[@LTHALJUMPR]

Was looking for this, laugh my ass off

[@markgalvao4246]

@@LTHALJUMPR Stay golden my man

[@vector2817]

Best comment ever

[@lolekradziejewski4205]

Absolutely underrated

[@dartme18]

I don't get it...

[@FrChapeau]

I'm definitely skipping steps, but applying this allowed me to play with both my hands instead of just one for the first time. I'm elated.

[@AmorDeae]

"this scale is only 9 notes" *Stuff only a jazz player will say*

[@eyefisher]

I've played improvised piano my whole life, but jazz has always been a mystery to me. Yesterday I got the idea to see if there are beginner lessons for jazz on KZbin. Holy cow your lessons are amazing. You've totally demystified jazz piano for me and I can't get enough. I just want to play all day now.

[@dragmio]

What kind of music were you improvising if jazz is a mystery to you?

[@larrytruth-warrior4952]

R. Eric Bowers My story too. I was caught up (but used, and played out professionally) using Maj, Minor, 7ths, etc as shown on 'Popular" music chord charts. This video is a breakthrough for me too, though I'm just getting started with this jazz mindset. I see a real lack of the "root note" in the written out chords he shows. (I believe this is part of the jazzy sound and mystery; and why a jazz pianist can use a "bass player"). I notice Jonny hits these bass notes when he improvs... My son, who studied guitar at the Hart Music school once casually said to me "the bass note is the least important note in the chord". Now I get it; I feel the bass note is implied...

[@smkh2890]

@@larrytruth-warrior4952 You may not need a bass player, but you surely want to choose the inversion that gets that bass note right.

[@infamouscha]

Totally feel you, especially if you've been formally trained. Jazz is something that you've kinda gotta feel, despite playing a jazz score. So glad you get to experience this music for the first time, it's very fun

[@andromeda9188]

@@dragmio exactly lol

[@wlocas]

I decided to binge learn jazz during covid-19 instead of binge watching Netflix and boy am I grateful for this channel. You're a wonderful teacher sir, You have a great demeanor certainly appreciate it. I do not feel overwhelmed after watching one of your videos.

[@memudd]

I binged piano lessons 1st lockdown then was introduced to power on netflix. Haven't turned on the keyboard since 🙈

[@gopinggop]

I started learning piano in April of last year with this channel. But I didn't have a choice- I don't own a TV set. There is a bright side to this crazy world.

[@AWSKAR]

I never played an instrument and started on guitar plying as covid started and it appeared to be Long term. So glad I did this. Now I am learning piano too and music is my main hobby that I indulge for hours every day.

[@Hagb3rd]

*lol* I was just about to write the same - but was a bit embarressed by my binging. 🙂

[@snorkyblundabus7063]

I’ve been playing around with my guitar for 35 years and came across this Channel lastweek. Jazz-tastic

[@TrulyourSarah]

You’re a phenomenal teacher.

[@fly1327]

I discounted this style of music for decades, but every time in a bar with piano, I somehow forgot and felt great. 2 weeks ago in a classy place on my wife's birthday, the only bar seats were next to the baby grand, me briefly talking with the player between songs while he performed in this style. Magic.

[@cesarrodriguez-tw9bp]

OMG! Those chords and the progression sound JUST BEAUTIFUL. I've been looking for that jazzy sound lately.

[@MrRobbgobblin]

Very nice! You are a great teacher and love the progression, doesn't need to be more complicated than this.

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

You are a fantastic teacher Johnny. I'm a beginner and you break it down in a way that is easy to understand. I really like your approach to teaching.

[@Mikeshawtoday]

Thank you Jonny! You are taking my blues/jazz flute playing to the next level! You are a really great teacher.

[@Schmou]

so i now watched it sitting in bed drinking coffee, i guess i have to watch it again sitting at my piano. seems lile a nice evening programm for me 👍

[@gabcaterini]

Lol same here

[@giehlemanns]

this is amazing. im 2 months into self taught piano and it is so fun and rewarding to learn all these techniques on youtube and see yourself get better and more able to express yourself, and this channel has been one of my go-to's all this time. once again, your videos are amazing and helpful, much love!

[@patriciaapetrone]

It feels like you are a magician giving away the tricks of the trade. I'm all for it! Thank you so much.

[@PianoWithJonny]

My pleasure!

[@ozmorse7250]

@@PianoWithJonny next video you should include correct chord names!!

[@speedracer55]

@@ozmorse7250 They're all sevenths with extensions, honestly you could add a lot of different extensions and still have it come out well

[@ozmorse7250]

@@speedracer55 very true, i just hope true beginners arent too confused

[@vitorokuhara9007]

I'm learning the keyboard now, and playing anything resembling what jonny does while improving those simple lines is totally my goal. Thank you for the amazing lessons.

[@Ke-na-le-Moemedi]

Jonny, thank you for yet another excellent lesson. You sound amazing and you make learning super fun. I wish KZbin had 2 thumbs up as an option - I give this lesson 2 thumbs up. Brilliant!!!!

[@MatthewInstrumentalMusic]

This is the best jazz tutorial for beginner that i have seen so far, very easy to understand, please do more these types of videos!

[@igrosem]

Dear Jonny, thank you so much! Your lessons is amazing! You are my favorite piano teacher on KZbin! 🙏

[@jakedixonvideodiary]

Jonny I am so happy I found you! You’re an incredible teacher and make what has previously been quite heavy theory matter so approachable and understandable. I’ve watched 3 of your videos this morning and feel like I have increased tenfold as a pianist already without even touching the keys! Best of KZbin, I’m incredibly grateful, thank you sir!

[@TheRealColinChan]

Wow you're the best piano teacher i've come across. I really love how you break down the lessons with some theory.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Love the structure of this video! You do a great job of breaking down each part

[@rodneywood3399]

I have played in piano bars a lot of my life but mainly to back songs. Never cottoned onto jazz but have wanted to. So thanks again for some inspiration.

[@joecaljapan]

Thank you for this lesson, it's so fun and easy to improv to. So beautiful, it's sad and joyful at the same time.

[@scottfrazer4669]

Thanks, you broke that down very well. I'm coming from a pop piano background and jazz has always baffled me but you made it feel very approachable

[@sebastianschuller111]

Man that was awesome. You’re an amazing teacher! I like how you make music theory applicable for everyone!

[@diviajar1411]

I'm so grateful for the written chords! I need to visualise this on the staff to get it into my head. Well, that plus practice, practice, practice.

[@randomfocus1549]

Started watching and your teaching style clicked with my brain straight away. I dont play any piano but want to learn and you explain it so well.

[@clashroyale6013]

Why have I not seen this channel before???? Where have you been all my life? Kinda glad KZbin rec this to me

[@WorshipTimePH]

Hi Jonny I would like to thank you for making this kinds of videos, you are doing very great, this kinds of video will help everyone and also me to improve on my piano skills.. I'll give you 5 stars for this! God bless you!

[@analogrealms]

I think you are one of the best music teachers on KZbin! I’ve been watching lessons for years but this channel is a truly underrated gem!

[@gaius_enceladus]

Wonderful stuff! One of the best piano tutorials I've ever seen! Keep up the great work!

[@JavierSanchez-eo8rg]

This is just amazing. Im a guitar player but this helped me more than ANY guitar lesson. Thanks Jonny.

[@richfrommitch]

I'm a guitarist just looking to learn a few things about music from other sources but I really appreciated this lesson. Really well put together, nice tasty playing too.

[@tiffsaver]

I LOVE this kind of playing. It creates such a COOL atmosphere!

[@votabis9116]

You tell me exactly what I want to learn in order to learn a jazzy style for my compositions. Thank you .

[@Darillo182]

This is so good! Thanks a lot Jonny for all the amazing content! :)

[@Stephanie9959]

Well, I play 3 hours a day, in 12 keys everyday and learned so much during this video that I am going to sign up for Johnny's lessons. This a great video packing lots of information.

[@dirkudo1075]

honestly after 14 years of playing piano this made me really understand how cocktail piano is built up! For me its really easy to play every step you make, but the chords and watching you do your more "advanced" moves like the intro and the improv really help me!

[@jimmy2minutes]

I was thinking I'm pulling this off. Then find my right hand is now my left. And my right is off on its holidays. Disengage brain and let's see if l can pull it off.

[@M_elliote34]

i adore you Jonny. U inspire me more then any other on planet earth. Your giving energy has meant so much. Please keep sharing

[@errolsimpson3749]

This guy Jonny is by far the best teacher on the internet very clear and concise,nice one jonny

[@ronnyraygunz8718]

Piano johnny, you are the greatest!

[@rickfinney7894]

Starting back on piano after several year gap. A good way to fight depression. I like your teaching style. Looking forward to learning more.

[@backyardanimals777]

Good for you!!! :-)

[@ilivecreations664]

Bro I just wanna say thank you for you selflessness in sharing your knowledge with us. You are very kind !

[@ruwannaminda1109]

Wow another brilliant lesson ❤️

[@RobertSeviour1]

This tutorial is fantastic. I've spent 60 years enjoying jazz and being mystified by it - I assumed I lacked the jazz gene. You've shown me where to find it. THANK YOU.

[@BrandochGarage]

I could listen to this all day!

[@kimrichard927]

Finally! This is fabulous. Thanks so much for posting this. I love to play La La La music and I have wanted to venture out .... Thanks to this video I now understand how to play jazzy La La La music. Thanks from Texas

[@TypOPositiv]

Omg! I was playing cocktail piano! You’re an awesome teacher!

[@guitarpaul3645]

I am a rocker metal head learning piano .. and this style is just sooo frickin' cool. Thank you for the excellent lessons!

[@trishtv8310]

I watched and studied this tutorial today and I have to say I am having so much fun! Thank you so much for this wonderful gift!

[@FIGBARFILMS]

This is the first piano tutorial talking about jazz improvisation that didn’t hurt my head & has motivated me to give it a try. Thanks!

[@haririod1139]

for me as a jazz guitar player absolutely great to learn a little piano!

[@EngelbertOman]

Hey man, I am a medical doctor in Vienna, Austria and fairly good in classical piano, You Sir are the first one who gave me an instant feeling of being able to master some jazz piano as well. I always loved Jazz piano sometimes more than all the classical music.....but I could never get ANYWHERE, despite of good knowledge in music theory, well trained fingers , etc... Your videos are so extremely well done - step by step - it gives that great joy and hope of being able master something new ! plus there is Your positive and joyful personality that adds to Your skills as a teacher. I am MASSIVLY grateful to You!

[@monsieurcharlus7248]

Seems so easy when taught by you. Looking forward to try it. Thanks!

[@Winngnuttz]

You’re an excellent teacher brother with a cool jazz presence. Thanks man

[@tunafish4702]

Omg! This is awesome Johnny! You have a new fan and I can’t wait to tell all my friends about your awesome channel!! Every second is SOLID GOLD and easy to follow. YOU ARE A LEGEND!!!

[@PianoWithJonny]

Wow, thanks!

[@keithrichards9847]

Wow. I just read Englebert's comment. I learnt piano decades ago to a beginner intermediate level, but after just 10 minutes of your video I can completely see how I can play what you have shown so far. Beautiful.

[@jurgel]

I had only watched three of your videos, and it's a godsend!

[@PhG1961]

Great video Jonny ! I really like these lessons !

[@eetfree23]

This might be the best online piano tutorial I’ve ever seen. Might have to buy his course

[@dartme18]

Yeah, dude, you won't be disappointed. Have you bought it yet?

[@SomeThingsDontNeedCommentary]

That was pure magic

[@allafaele488]

Thanks Johnny for these awesome tutorials and chords. I’m jus learning how to play and I’m originally a drummer turning into a pianist at the church lol and appreciate you for these lessons. Aloha from Hawaii

[@jbravoxl]

Honestly, one of the clearest instructional videos I've seen. Thanks.

[@dmmurray9422]

This guy is one of the best on the internet! makes the learning process simple, and fun. Thanks Johnny. Great stuff!

[@PianoWithJonny]

Happy to help!

[@sinmcgriff2284]

You sir, are a fantastic teacher.

[@PianoWithJonny]

Thanks! 😃

[@allenpaley]

Terrific! This was such a fun lesson to explore, and so approachable! I haven't even learned all my minor scales yet, but I could vibe along with this chunk. So cool :)

[@fchapa2]

Did that makes sense? Yes sir!! Excellent video!

[@stripybadger9880]

6:22 perfectly sums up every experience I've ever had of people trying to teach me to improvise. This is a great video, super accessible and easy to play along with but actually results in you being able to play something that sounds good at the end.

[@erdbeerbus]

this saves me ten hours of piano lessons ... more learned than in 10 weeks ... thank you ... added 2 my favs

[@ginaooi6522]

So beautiful! Great lesson! Working on overcoming that fear of improvisation.

[@Hotspur21]

Been waiting for this for years. Thank you!

[@mogalcat3091]

I'm a complete musical doofus, but watching this has got me inspired!

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

This is a great starting point, especially for a piano player who wants to become proficient in jazz and blues. Once mastered in C, the next step for someone who wants to be a journeyman piano player is to learn the same material in the 11 other starting points. Most piano players will work with singers, and each singer ALWAYS calls the key they prefer. The ability is to play a chosen number in any key is the hallmark of a professional.

[@tatsuga1]

omg this is all i need to kick start to what i so very much love to listen to everyday. i have setup my piano next to my pc and now its time. thank you so much

[@etonmars3209]

Perfect practice options! Just what I was looking for, thanks Jonny!

[@yams900]

Sounds gorgeous, love these jazz chords :) Always enjoyed cocktail music :) Thank you for sharing !

[@jorgerivas1424]

Wow! You're a terrific teacher! I've been playing classical piano for 50 yrs, classical cello for 33 years. I've played with symphony orchestras, taught orchestra, directed choirs, etc. This is a nice change of pace. The way you teach cocktail piano makes it very, very easy to learn. I'm looking forward to more tutorials. I was almost ready to give away my grand piano until I found your tutorial. Thank you for coming into my life! You're a godsend!

[@arondeclercq]

I love this lesson! I was looking for a long time to play jass and I love improvising so thankyou!

[@signetulupan]

It’s no exaggeration that Jonnys the best teacher! I’ve just been so busy. What a joy to learn f Jonny! We love ❤u Jonny!

[@BradleyBeardsley]

Fantastic! I'd always thought jazz was impossible to understand, because I'd ask someone to explain and they'd start talking circle of thirds the Dorian, Mixolydian, etc., but you explain it in a way that I understand. I love that you say, "Does that make sense?" I'm a teacher, and I ask my student that question several times each lesson! You are a great teacher! I now feel that I could take on jazz.

[@backyardanimals777]

These are wonderful words.

[@Blessedvirtu0s0]

I cannot actually explain how perfect this video is. This is exactly what I’ve been searching for, for like... 20 years? I never knew how to explain what it was that I wanted to learn, and I’d get frustrated because I thought I’d have to know all these jazz chords, blues chords, inversions... and I went to school for music! Self taught pianist 22 years ago, sadly meant I skipped a lot of rudimentary things I wish I hadn’t, but now my skills have stagnated. Literally dude you’ve made my entire day (and it’s 11:27pm).

[@backyardanimals777]

Wow.

[@skrifefeil3634]

I just love this channel! This is the right place to find inspiration :)

[@danmac1871]

Impressed. I needed this! Dusting off the piano now.

[@recurvearcher6542]

I guess from the overwhelming responses it goes without saying, you have enlightened us all with your logical approach to understanding cocktail, and Jazz piano. We should be all inspired to improve our playing skills, isn't that what good teacher's do, thank you from Perth WA much appreciated.

[@aka4146]

This is so easy I wish I found out about this a long time ago Also a ton of fun (Why It's Gorgeous ) Can't Thank you enough you made an old man very happy ( well Not that old ) people are saying where the Hell did you learn to play like that. lol what a blast

[@lejocarry]

Wow this is the cheat code to make cocktail piano. Thanks a lot ♥

[@user-do4uj2xl6s]

Jonny’s lessons are great. I’ll listen to him play a piece to introduce the lesson and think no way on earth can I ever play that or even get close. But after his beautifully structured courses I actually can play the piece. Not as well as him but for me do what initially seemed impossible.

[@lorddavid72]

AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@area49g12]

Great lesson, I noticed sometimes you were also comping lower bass notes, maybe to round out the rootless chords, sounded great, definitely going to play with this. ;-)

[@alessandrosantana3161]

Wanderful! I'm going to keep this video to listen over and over again, until get into the blues and the jazz. Lets go to play piano with Jonny!🇧🇷😁

[@TechnicalJon]

I have been looking for a video like this for YEARS. You have most definitely earned a like/favorite and sub. Thank you so much Jonny! (from another Jonny lol)

[@rayflanagan9970]

Been playing piano (self taught) for 30+ years and have always wanted to branch out from my comfort zone. This is perfect. Such a different style than I'm used to playing, but your videos make it easy to follow along. I play by ear, but know all the notes and chords and can follow along visually pretty well. Kudos! Keep up the great work.

[@danmac1871]

Me too!!!

[@okie9025]

I'd guess at least 3/4s of the people that clicked on the video came here just to discover what Cocktail Piano means lol

[@PieterZijerveld]

No alcohol smh..

[@gracecollectiveke]

yup!

[@trevhoffmann]

Your not wrong

[@ZanaGBYT]

I legitimately thought this was gonna be a tiny piano. Similar to other cocktail sized things, like tomatoes.

[@susanwylie9890]

Piano with olives and gin!

[@iboroudoh6505]

A real teacher. A true master is Mr Jonny. God bless you, sir.

[@HoneyLaBronx]

You are just an absolute delight to learn from. I've always wanted to learn how to play ragtime or jazz improv (more like cocktail). If I decide to take lessons in this, I'll definitely take your course. Thanks for making these!

[@signetulupan]

Agreed, Jonnys the one!

[@gustavagren2976]

lol people gonna think I can actually play

[@area49g12]

Technically you can, albeit your repertoire may be limited, lol

[@pianokg]

I feel you. 🤣

[@b-ballstore8751]

Fett nice gustav

[@quibble4626]

You can!

[@resourcefulchefvega464]

They can play, whether they will play well is a different matter.

[@JD-os2kr]

So much gold in this video. What a player, what a teacher! 🎹 🎹 🎹 🏆 🏆 🏆

[@thesaint2700]

I’ve been looking for something like this for the past 40 years or so. Thanks, Johny! Huge inspiration 😃 I’ll move on to your website as soon as time allows for it 😉 The 88 keys look a lot less intimidating now after watching several of your videos 🙏🏽 Stay strong and healthy

[@dartme18]

Yeah dude, the website and course is where it's at! Have you done it yet!?

[@memudd]

This is a brilliant lesson thank you. Very well explained and illustrated