Let's Play!

Playing Double Octaves on the Piano with the Right Techniques

Tips & Tutorials

Tom Donald

Tom Donald is the founder and principal of the London Contemporary School of Piano. A composer, and educator who has revolutionized piano education through his emphasis on chords, improvisation, and real-world experience. A passionate advocate for adult amateur musicians, he helps students tap into their inner genius and achieve musical transformations. Donald has taught over 500 students globally, promoting creativity over rigid exam-based systems. An accomplished performer and composer, his work spans classical, jazz, popular music and film scores.

View Tom Donald's Profile
Author

 

Mastering Double Octaves on the Piano: Techniques, Tips, and Fun Improvisation

A fun way to practice your scales and technique!

Hello, piano enthusiasts! It’s Tom Donald from the London Contemporary School of Piano. Today, I’m excited to show you how to play double octaves on the piano using the correct techniques. We’ll not only delve into the mechanics but also have a lot of fun improvising and even composing with them. Double octaves offer a fantastic opportunity to “shred” on the piano—a little trick or party piece that many pianists overlook.

If you’re a fan of our work, be sure to visit our website, contemporaryschoolofpiano.com, and request our free resources kit, which complements many of our YouTube videos. Also, ask us about our Complete Musician Program, a culmination of all my training, development, and research in piano education. This structured resource and course can do wonders for your piano playing.

What Are Double Octaves?

Double octaves are essentially the piano’s version of shredding. They allow you to add power and intensity to your playing. Here’s how they works:

  • Single Octave: Start by picking any note and play an octave of it. For example, play an A major scale in octaves. This adds more weight because you’re doubling the note.
  • Double Octave: Now, let’s quadruple the note by playing the same octave in the left hand simultaneously. This creates a rich, full sound that can be quite thrilling!
Double Octaves on the piano were the rock n roll "Piano shredding" technique of the 19th century celebrity piano virtuoso.
Double Octaves were the rock n roll “Piano shredding” technique of the 19th-century celebrity piano virtuoso. This tradition has carried on into the 20th Century Piano practice, but perhaps with a more subtle image!

The Era of Double Octaves on the Piano in Classical Music

In classical music, especially during the Romantic period, double octaves were all the rage. Pianists like Franz Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and even Beethoven utilized double octaves extensively to create dramatic effects that could soar over an entire orchestra.

What styles of music cover this technique?

Even if 19th-century music isn’t your main interest, double octaves have practical uses:

  • Blues and Jazz: Double octaves are common in blues, often used in running bass lines.
  • Piano Geography: Practicing double octaves improves your ability to navigate the keyboard and understand intervals.
  • Physical Development: They help develop the physicality needed for dynamic playing.

Getting Started with Double Octaves on the Piano

Since double octaves involve physical strength, it’s essential to start slowly:

  1. Choose a Starting Note: Begin with a comfortable note, such as middle C.
  2. Play Chromatically: Move in half steps, playing octaves with both hands.
  3. Minimize Movement: Avoid unnecessary movements to prepare for faster tempos later.
  4. Relax Your Body: Keep your arms and shoulders loose. Warm up by rolling your shoulders if needed.

Advanced Techniques: Adding Crescendos

To add musicality to your double octaves:

  • Start Softly: Begin playing your double octaves quietly.
  • Gradually Increase Volume: As you descend chromatically, build up to a louder dynamic.
  • Engage Your Whole Body: Use your shoulders and arms to support the increased volume without straining your hands.

Embracing the Physicality of Piano Playing

Double octaves are not just about finger strength; they’re about involving your entire body:

  • Shoulder Engagement: Use your shoulders to support your hands, especially when playing louder dynamics.
  • Body Awareness: Be conscious of your posture and movement to improve your playing and prevent injury.
  • Lightness: As you increase speed, maintain a sense of lightness to avoid tension.

Watch the Piano Shredding Piano Tutorial!

To see all these techniques in action, check out my comprehensive YouTube tutorial on double octaves. Watch it closely to understand how you can incorporate these techniques into your playing.

Fun with Improvisation and Double Octaves on the Piano

Now, let’s put these techniques into practice with some improvisation! Combine what you’ve learned, experiment with dynamics, and have fun exploring the rich world of these Octave techniques, they sound particularly good with diminished chords! A great example of fast and furious Double Octaves on the Piano is Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 which you can listen to here

Join Us at the London Contemporary School of Piano

If you’re intrigued by these techniques and want to explore further, our Complete Musician Program is the perfect place to expand your skills. We offer coaching worldwide, tailored to your level and interests.

Visit our website at contemporaryschoolofpiano.com for more information or additionally, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tutorials

Happy playing!

Tom Donald
London Contemporary School of Piano

 

Related Articles

Liked this article? Here are some more we think you'd like...

View All Articles