Embraceable You Jazz Piano Tutorial
Welcome to this tutorial on George Gershwin’s “Embraceable You”.
Widely quoted as one of his finest compositions, the harmony and melody can be challenging to play in places with unusual chord changes and large interval leaps in the melody.
In this lesson, we cover the tune in the original key which is G Major.
The form and chord changes are great for applying many topics covered in the PianoGroove course such as:
- major and minor 251s
- tritone subs
- diminished chords
- suspended harmony
- upper structures
- minor line cliche
We will be incorporating all of these areas into the arrangement.
This is a 2 part lesson. In part 1 we will create an introduction and then work through the A1 and B sections.
In part 2 we will then increase the complexity of the chords and voicings to create a climax in the second half of the tune. Finally we will discuss repurposing the melodic motifs as an improvised ending.
Related Lessons
We start the lesson by recapping the basic theory behind sus chords and then explore them in context of major and minor 251s
In this lesson we explore how you can navigate over the minor line cliché using bass lines, two-handed chords and left hand voicings.
Upper structure triads are complex sounding altered dominant chords. They will add texture and sophistication to your playing.
Practice Tips
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Remember that the final 8 bars of a jazz standard is a great source of inspiration for an introduction.
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The chords naturally lead you back to the top of the from which creates a smooth and purposeful introduction.
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You can play the introduction freely, by pulling and pushing on the time.
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If you like you can also reharmonise the changes to add additional interest to your introduction.
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It's important to keep the I-VI-II-V at the end which will take you smoothly and convincingly into the first chord of the tune.
Love your arrangement of Embraceable You. I think it’s one of your best. Thanks so much. Beautiful song.
Thanks for letting me know Bryan… it’s worked it’s way into my favourite list of ballads too 🙂
Hi Hayden, I’ve nearly learnt part 1 of Embraceable you. I love your arrangement where can I find part 2 please?
Hi Simon 👋
Yes you can find part 2 here: https://www.pianogroove.com/jazz-piano-lessons/embraceable-you-advanced-stride-lesson/
Lessons with multiple parts will usually be housed in the same course, so if you navigate back to the course page, you will see both tutorials: https://www.pianogroove.com/jazz-piano-lessons/diminished-chords-scales/
Hope this helps and any further questions let me know. 🙂
Enjoy the lessons!
Hayden
Brilliant thanks so much Hayden, really enjoying studying with Piano groove.
Brilliant thanks Hayden.
Yay… starting this lesson today!
I can’t contain myself when listening to this song! 😀 Thanks so much for the wonderful pieces you are
teaching us Hayden! Take care and stay safe!