In this tutorial, I take a simple piano improvisation based on three chords and break it down step by step, going slowly so you can see exactly what I'm doing. This will be especially useful if you're a relative beginner on the piano or you're new to improvisation. I do assume a little bit of basic knowledge—like being able to find notes on the keyboard and some familiarity with chords—but if you have those foundational skills, you'll be absolutely fine.
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The improvisation is built around just three chords: the tonic, the sixth, and the fifth. I loop through them in both a six-bar and an eight-bar pattern, and at each stage I show you specific riffs, licks, and movements you can use to create interesting textures and sounds. We start in F major, then move into A major, and along the way I touch on chord extensions—and even some polychords at one point. So there's a fair bit of useful music theory to pick up as well.
Whether you're just getting started with improvisation or looking to add some fresh ideas to your playing, this tutorial is all about giving you practical, hands-on tools you can actually use. It's not about flashy technique — it’s about making music that feels good to play. So grab your keyboard, take your time, and feel free to pause and rewind as much as you need. Let’s make something beautiful from just three chords!
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00:00 Intro and piano improvisation preview
01:06 Some kit I really like
03:44 Exploring the chord progression
05:09 Level 1: Slow, basic playthrough on piano
06:45 Some of the basic techniques I was using
10:53 Level 2: Slightly more complex playthrough
11:50 Expression: it's JUST as important as the notes (and maybe more)
13:03 Doing more by doing less and chord extensions
17:15 Cool left hand skills and elaborating extended chords
19:34 Level 2 (again) Same improv, but EVEN SLOWER
20:25 Rhythmic anticipation
21:39 How I'm thinking when I improvise on piano
22:40 Level 3: Next level of complexity, with LH arpeggios
23:23 Left hand arpeggios deconstructed
24:45 LH techniques leading to cool chord extensions
25:27 Level 3 (again): EVEN SLOWER
26:09 A cheeky blue note
27:47 The many uses of the pentatonic scale
29:12 Moving in to A major (scary black notes!)
32:48 Level 4: A major and right hand octaves
33:43 Octaves and polychords
36:29 How to approach learning piano improvisation
37:28 Using lydian sounds
38:45 Taking it forward at the piano