Arpeggio Runs & Fills
In this lesson we explore arpeggio runs and fills that we can use to fill in the space when the melody rests, and also to connect the melody line played in different octaves.
Connect The Octaves with Fluidity
Previously we have explored playing the melody in the middle register of the piano, the higher register of the piano, and also with octave melody lines. This lesson will show you a useful technique to connect these registers together so that you can decide to change the register of the melody at any point during the performance.
Lesson Downloads
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Arpeggio Runs & Fills File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
We start with single alterations, then double alterations, then we will explore a versatile altered arpeggio run to use on dominant chords.
We will combine arpeggios runs and arpeggio patterns with chord tones and approach patterns that we have explored in the previous lessons.
This lesson applies upper structure triads to the tune Tenderly and also discuss ways to add fills and runs in between the chords of this great tune.
Practice Tips
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Keep in mind the melody note when adding arpeggio fills and find an inversion of the chord/arpeggio which keeps that melody note on top.
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First experiment with the primary chord tones which are 1-3-5-7. Next add colour tones such as 9ths which can create more interesting arpeggio shapes.
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Utilise chromaticism and approach patterns to connect an arpeggio to the next chord and the melody note written on the lead sheet.
Hi Hayden. After lots of practice I have managed to be able to play through The Nearness of You using stride for the left hand. As stride was brand new for me, I simplified things by basically playing the stride positions you had in the first 3 lessons with one or two notes in the bass on beats 1 and 3, then the 3rd and 7th in the left on beats 2 and 4. I combined this with using the very basic melody in the right hand from the Nearness lead sheet. I figured I could add the extra touches you had in the A, B and C Section-Melody-Shells-Stride-Transcription pdfs once I had the essentials down.
Here’s my question. I realise that what I’ve done basically is memorise the right hand melody so that while I am playing the song I am mostly glancing to my left to get the stride correct. Now I want to tackle the later lessons where you show arpeggios, improvisation, etc. in the right hand. I don’t know if it’s a good idea, for example, in the pdf for the lesson on Arpeggio-Runs-Fills to memorise the right hand you show in the pdf. I would think the goal is to be able to get to the point where you could add in an arpeggio, etc. without having memorised it.
Sorry for the long description but basically I’m asking how I can keep the stride left hand going while being able to look and concentrate on the right hand more.