Herbie Hancock Funk Style 4 Chord Vamp

Midi file and backing track for this video are available on my website at
http://www.lot2learn.com

This piece started out as a little improvisation exercise and I decided to post it to demonstrate how to build and construct solos while playing over just a simple 4 chord vamp. The chords used are GMinor9 to AbMinor9 to FMinor9 to Gb7.

I like to make a statement in the right hand for the G-9 and then either echo it up 1/2 step for the Ab-9 or somehow "complete the sentence" so those two chords make up one complete phrase. Then I make a different statement for the F-9 and complete that phrase using chord and scale tones on the Gb7. The funk rhythm allows many different types of shaping of the solo lines and developing various motifs. The key for me is to tell a story without too much "mindless rambling". I want to try and make each statement meaningful and hopefully in the context of the whole piece there is continuity by using groups of phrases that work well with each other and lead the listener on a journey.

I will try and ad some additional notations if time permits.

A very LARGE thank you to Jamal at http://www.midikeyz.com for providing his outstanding graphic piano keyboard that you see in my video displaying the notes as I play them. He is one talented fellow!

The Fender Rhodes sound is being provided by Lounge Lizard software. Backing track done using a simple drum loop and I added some organ patch bass line with chord comping.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• herbie
• hancock
• rhodes
• funk
• tutorial
• piano
• improvization
• jazz
• roger
• friedman
• lot2learn

[paxwallacejazz]

man your web site is a real treasure trove. I got a video response to this one if I can find time to get there. I am a fan bro.

[Lot2learn]

Thanks. I look forward to your post!

[jokejazz]

Good work, thanks for ALL your knowledge sharing

[Lot2learn]

I appreciate your comment.

[PianistaItaliano]

I am sure that you make many people happy who want to learn to play the style of the great "Herbie Hancock".Absolutely fantastic lines work * * * * *

[featureG]

4 CHORD VAMPIRISTIC DRESSED IN A SUIT AND MAYBE WITH A TIE. Always supurb, dynamic, interesting and very informative. I can go on and on you know. Thanks always for sharing !

[JaBiTiCaR]

this is nothing but amazing

[jvilla1966]

Hey great job! Where can i learn to solo and do those great jazz runs? is their a software you use?

[Tz0H]

Whats the chords in the background? Please reply!!!

[ChoppiProductions]

Hey great video! im currently trying to learn this kind of piano playing. What KEY is this improvisation in?

[tamldn]

Thank you for your tutorial.

By any chance, have you done also exact copy of any of HH's improvisations? If so, it would be great to see those with Midikeys.

[SwissChimps]

test

[Skyblueginger]

Ok. Many thanks.

[Lot2learn]

Yes, I guess you could consider it some type of a C altered scale. The main notes I am using are C-Db-Eb-E-Gb-Ab-C

[Skyblueginger]

Just out of interest. Is the scale/harmony your playing over the last chord the C alt scale Rodger or some form of it with a few extra notes ie Be-Bop additions at some points, or maybe some F Blues. Can't quite catch them. Cheers

[andrewzappa123]

Wow, great sound, great playing.