9-Sweet Lil 16 intro & chromatic riffs

The intro sometimes used by Johnnie Johnson, who played piano for Chuck Berry for almost 30 years, and who used this riff in the Sweet Lil Sixteen song.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• starboy288
• boogie
• rock
• piano
• lesson

[starboy288]

Pleased that you find these off the cuff lessons helpful. It's a great way to end the day, just boogin' on and diggin' the piano.

Don't forget to look over freakyhead20's lessons on boogie piano as well as he inspired me to share what little I know, just as he did to help others have fun with boogie/rock/blues piano..

[oldrockandrollero]

i think this is also used by jerry lee lewis in his version of crazy arms isnt it?

[starboy288]

Not sure about that, but I do know that Jerry Lee is very well versed in all kinds of little riffs that are mostly unique to his own playing style. Mannerisms in piano playing are always very individualistic, because no one really plays the same thing the same way. All players, because of physical differences & how they approach the timing of riffs, simply express themselves uniquely, which is part of the fun of it all when playing any instrument in music.

[soulhoosier]

Actually Lafayette Leake did not play piano on the Chess version of Johnnie B.Goode. That was Johnnie Johnson on that version. When the album "Chuck Berry's Golden Decade" came out they gave credit to Johnnie and Leake (finally) for playing on some cuts. However, Marshall Chess being burned out did not remember who was on which track. It was indeed Johnnie Johnson on Johnny B. Goode. Just listen to the riffs. It couldn't have been Leake or any other pianist alive.

[starboy288]

I agree that it had undeniably to have been Johnnie playing on Johnnie B. Goode; because as you rightly point out, no one alive played boogie/rock/blues with the sounds he produced on the piano. Those fast right hand triplets broken up with the timing that only Johnnie played that well. Not to mention his incredible solo on Wee, Wee, Hours.

[dkendzior]

What is the last chord?? could you "spell" its?

[starboy288]

If you're talking about the ending in the left hand it's simply a C7 chord. C E G Bb with a glissando (sliding the right hand middle finger held at a 45 degree angle, over the white keys when ascending) in the right hand to finish off the little improv.

[1phatmaximus]

would just like to thank you for taking the time and effort to show us how it is done ,,,nice 1 all the best thanks Mac.

[BlackFrop]

dood i'm lovin' this stuff!

[TheGMan516]

It goes F-A, G-B flat, A-C, then B flat-D, back to A-C, then G-B flat, and, finally back to F-A.

[oldrockandrollero]

with some variations

[AuroraBorealisAK]

thank you!! i love this song!!