Do you want to learn how to play jazz piano? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we will recommend some of the best jazz piano books on the market. The books in our list are perfect for any level of pianist, from beginner to expert.
They will teach you everything you need to know about playing jazz piano, from basic chords and progressions to advanced techniques and soloing strategies. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our list and pick up one of these books today and start learning to play jazz on the piano!
One of the best things about learning to play jazz on the piano is that there are so many great resources available. There are literally hundreds of books, DVDs, and online lessons that can help you learn everything you need to know about this style of music.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best jazz piano books on the market. These books are perfect for any level of player, from beginner to expert.
They will teach you everything you need to know about playing jazz on the piano, from basic chords and progressions to advanced techniques and soloing strategies.
First let’s start with learning a bit more about jazz piano music. If you wan’t read about our recommended jazz piano books for beginners straight away, just click here.
What is jazz piano and why should you learn it?
Jazz piano is a style of music that developed in the early 20th century. It is characterized by a distinctive rhythm and blues feel, as well as a wide range of improvisation.
Jazz piano has been a major influence on other genres of music, including rock and roll and pop. Learning jazz piano can be an rewarding experience for any musician. It can help you to develop your improvisational skills and to understand the unique history of this style of music.
In addition, learning jazz piano can be a great way to expand your repertoire and to meet other like-minded musicians. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is something to be gained from learning jazz piano.
The basics of jazz piano – chords, progressions, and improvisation
Jazz piano is a unique and complex style of music that incorporates elements of both Western and African musical traditions. At its core, jazz piano is built around chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Chords provide the harmonic foundation for a piece of music, while progressions add movement and forward momentum. Improvisation is a key element of jazz piano, and players often use their skills to take the music in new and unexpected directions. To become a proficient jazz pianist, it is essential to understand the basics of all three of these elements.
Players of jazz piano often use a variety of techniques to create their unique sound. Chords can be played in root position, with the root note in the bass, or they can be inverted, with the root note in the uppermost voice.
Progressions can be played as simple arpeggios or broken chords, or they can be more complex chord progressions that modulate to different keys. And improvisation may be based on scales or melodic patterns, or it may be completely free-form. No matter what techniques are used, however, the goal remains the same: to create an engaging and stimulating piece of music that transports listeners to another world.
How to play jazz standards
Jazz standards are musical compositions that have been widely accepted by the jazz community as notable works worthy of repeated performances.
Many of these songs were originally composed by gospel and blues artists in the early 20th century and have since become some of the most enduring tunes in all of jazz.
While there is no definitive list of jazz standards, there are certain songs that are widely performed by musicians across all genres. Some of the most popular standards include “All the Things You Are,” “Body and Soul,” and “Autumn Leaves.”
Despite their popularity, however, many jazz standards can be challenging to play. These tunes often feature complex chord progressions and melodies that can be difficult to navigate for even the most experienced players.
As a result, it is important for aspiring jazz musicians to spend time learning these tunes before taking them on onstage.
One way to do this is to listen to recordings of the tune being performed by different artists. This will give you a better understanding of how the tune should be interpreted and will also help you to develop your own phrasing and style.
Additionally, you should take the time to study the chord progression and melody closely so that you know exactly where you need to place your fingers when soloing or improvising. With a little practice, you’ll be able to perform any jazz standard with confidence.
Advanced techniques for playing jazz piano
Jazz piano is a complex and nuanced art form, and there are many advanced techniques that pianists can use to create a distinctive sound.
One common technique is called “comping,” which involves playing chords in a supportive role while another instrument takes the melody. This can be a challenge, as it requires the pianist to have a good ear for harmony and timing.
Another popular technique is “voicing,” which refers to the way the notes of a chord are arranged within the piano’s range. This can give the music a more open sound, and it allows the pianist to create unique voicings for each chord.
These are just some of the advanced techniques that jazz pianists can use to create their own style. With practice and innovation, the possibilities are limitless.
Tips for practicing jazz piano
Jazz piano can be a enjoyable and rewarding style of music to play. However, it can also be challenging, especially for beginners. If you’re just getting started, here are a few tips that can help you practice effectively and improve your skills.
First, make sure you have a good understanding of the theory behind jazz piano. This will give you a solid foundation on which to build your skills. Then, listen to as much jazz piano as you can. Not only will this help you better understand the style, but it will also give you some ideas to work with when you’re practicing.
When you’re ready to start practicing, begin by working on scales and chord progressions. These are the basic building blocks of jazz piano, so it’s important to get them down before moving on to more complex pieces.
Be patient and take your time; there’s no need to rush through the material. And finally, don’t forget to have fun! Jazz piano is all about creativity and self-expression, so allow yourself to experiment and find your own voice. With a little practice, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time.
The best jazz piano books for beginners
For many people, learning to play the piano is a lifelong dream. And while it takes years of practice to become a virtuoso, it’s never too late to start learning. For those just starting out, there are a number of excellent jazz piano books for beginners.
Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces For Piano By Oscar Peterson
Although often thought of as a complex and difficult genre, jazz can be surprisingly easy to learn with the right resources.
Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces For Piano by Oscar Peterson is one such resource, offering clear and concise explanations of important concepts alongside fun exercises and pieces that serve to reinforce those concepts.
Topics covered include syncopation, which is essential to becoming a good jazz player, and finger independence, which is important for any pianist. While the exercises and pieces in the book are relatively simple, they are still only appropriate for pianists who have been learning for at least one year.
However, even advanced pianists will find value in this book, as it provides an excellent opportunity to practice sight-reading.
The next time you want to learn jazz piano, pick up a copy of Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces For Piano by Oscar Peterson.
Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Book 1 By Mark Davis
If you’re looking for a well-organized and easy-to-grasp resource to learn jazz piano, look no further than the Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Book 1 by Mark Davis.
This book is perfect for beginner jazz pianists, as it starts from the very basics and covers every concept step by step. And if you don’t have any prior musical knowledge, don’t worry – this book is still accessible and understandable.
The audio tracks provided with the book are also helpful in internalizing and reinforcing what you’ve learned. So whether you’re a pianist at any level or even a non-pianist, the Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Book 1 is an excellent resource for learning jazz piano.
Intro To Jazz Piano By Mark Harrison
Mark Harrison’s book on Intro To Jazz Piano is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the basics of jazz piano playing.
It starts with the very basics of music theory, and gradually builds up to more complex concepts such as improvising and thinking like a jazz pianist.
The book is well-written and easy to follow, and the accompanying audio CD is a great way to learn how to apply the concepts in real life. Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz piano.
Essential Jazz Piano Exercises Every Piano Player Should Know By Jerald Simon
Learning jazz piano can be a daunting task for any pianist, intermediate or otherwise. Jerald Simon’s book, “Essential Jazz Piano Exercises Every Piano Player Should Know” takes a more practical approach to learning the genre.
After providing the reader with general concepts of jazz theory, Simon walks readers through essential exercises designed to help them apply that theory to their playing.
These exercises culminate in original pieces which allow the player to flex their creative muscles and develop their own style of improvising. This book is an excellent addition to any jazz pianist’s library, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in this genre.
Exploring Jazz Piano By Tim Richards
If you’re looking for a thorough and well-structured approach to learning jazz piano, then Tim Richards’ Exploring Jazz Piano is the book for you.
Covering everything from theory to improvisation, this book is perfect for those who are just starting out on their jazz piano journey.
Each concept is explained clearly and in detail, with original exercises included to help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Assumed knowledge of musical notation is required, but otherwise this book is accessible to late-beginner pianists and up. If you want to explore everything that jazz piano has to offer, then this is the book that will take you there.
The best jazz piano books for intermediate players
If you’re an intermediate jazz pianist looking to improve your skills, there are a number of great books that can help you on your way.
An Approach To Comping: The Essentials By Jeb Patton
As a jazz pianist, one of the most important skills you need to master is comping – that is, accompanying a solo line or soloist.
However, comping is often not given enough attention in most jazz piano books, which cover hundreds of other topics alongside it.
This is where An Approach To Comping: The Essentials by Jeb Patton comes in. This book provides clear explanations and utilizes a structured approach, making it incredibly easy to follow. In addition, it’s filled with high-quality materials that will help you take your comping skills to the next level.
Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced player, this book is a must-have for anyone serious about becoming a better jazz pianist.
The Jazz Piano Book By Mark Levine
The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine is an excellent resource for learning jazz piano. However, before purchasing this book, it is important to keep in mind that it is not a quick fix or a step-by-step guide.
This book is dense and covers a lot of material, so it will take some time to work through it. But if you are willing to put in the effort, The Jazz Piano Book is an invaluable resource that will help you develop your skills as a jazz pianist. In addition to learning the theory behind jazz piano, you will also get plenty of practical advice and tips on how to improvise, practice effectively, and perform like a pro.
The Jazz Piano Book is a great resource for intermediate to advanced level jazz pianists. It covers many complex theoretical concepts and provides essential information for becoming a well-versed jazz pianist.
The book is divided into four sections: The Jazz Language, The Jazz Vocabulary, Improvisation, and Repertoire.
Each section contains concise and easy-to-understand explanations of important jazz concepts, as well as useful exercises and etudes. In addition, the book includes a CD with performances of all the material in the book, which is extremely helpful in understanding how the concepts should be applied in a real-world setting.
Overall, The Jazz Piano Book is an excellent resource for anyone serious about learning jazz piano.
Playing Solo Jazz Piano: A New Approach For Creative Pianists By Jeremy Siskind
For those who want to explore and learn more about solo jazz piano, Jeremy Siskind’s book “Playing Solo Jazz Piano: A New Approach For Creative Pianists” is a great resource.
The book covers several solo jazz piano styles and topics such as stride, swing, various techniques, and modern jazz piano approaches.
What sets this book apart is its focus on helping the reader become a more versatile and creative jazz pianist.
If you’ve been learning jazz piano for at least a year and would like to open up your mind to a more innovative approach, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Jazz Keyboard Harmony: A Practical Voicing Method For All Musicians By Phil DeGreg
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and practical guide to jazz piano voicings, look no further than Phil DeGreg’s Jazz Keyboard Harmony.
This book is perfect for both self-teaching musicians and those who want to explore and deepen their understanding of jazz piano.
The progressive approach DeGreg takes means that each new concept builds on the last, so there are no gaps in your knowledge. And the included play-along CD makes it easy to put what you’re learning into practice. If you want to get the most out of your jazz piano playing, Jazz Keyboard Harmony is a must-have.