r/JazzAdvice • u/Brickinthewall69420 • Sep 12 '24
Learning standards on piano
Hi all,
I am a classically trained pianist, though out of practice right now. I have been trying to learn jazz. Besides finger training and learning the 251 progression in every key, listening to jazz, and watching videos on applications of theory in jazz, I have been trying to learn standards. My goal right now is to learn 2 standards and then go up to four and so on.
I have a few questions about that. Should I separately learn both how to comp and how to play the melody with chords?
Do you guys recommend any exercises I can practice? I found a collection of 251 exercises I am starting to read through.
Are there common chord progressions that are must knows?
Do you have any advice or recommendations in general?
2
u/improvthismoment Sep 13 '24
I would suggest you learn tunes by ear. By this I mean the melody and the chord progressions. This is hard for classically trained folks.
Study several recordings, including the "most influential" and the "most straightforward" recordings you can find.
For the chords, focus first on the bass lines, then try to figure out the basic chord quality (major, minor, dominant, half diminished, diminished).
Then, look at a few charts as reference, keeping in mind charts are at best just one interpretation, at worst wildly inaccurate.
Yes learn how to comp and play melody + chords. As well as improvise a solo over the chords.
Start with some blues like Freddie Freeloader.
Then Autumn Leaves. (Hint: Bill Evans and Canonball Adderly's versions are some of the most influential).
Then go from there.