How to Improvise the Blues with Alberto Ferro
Since joining our school in 2017, Alberto L Ferro has become one of London’s most sought-after piano teachers, often booked out weeks in advance. His gentle and disarming approach, combined with an incredible skill for breaking down concepts, has made a huge impact on our members and students.
The Magic of Improvising the Blues
In this video, Alberto explains some step-by-step tips and tricks on how to start improvising the Blues. This is information you really won’t find anywhere else. There is so little practical information out there on how to start improvising on a step-by-step basis, and Alberto does a fantastic job of making it accessible for everyone.
Starting Simple: Bass Line in the Left Hand
When you’re learning to improvise, one of the best ways to begin is by playing a simple bass line in the left hand. For this exercise, you can start by playing the notes of the C minor chord (C, Eb, G) in a steady rhythm. Keep the pattern straightforward and consistent. This bass line acts as the foundation for your improvisation, allowing your right hand to explore melodies without worrying about complex harmony in the left.
Right Hand: Improvising with the C Minor Blues Scale
Once you’ve got the left hand settled, it’s time to focus on the right hand. Alberto recommends starting with the C minor blues scale, which consists of the notes C, Eb, F, F#, G, and Bb. These notes give you a classic bluesy sound that’s perfect for improvisation. Start by experimenting with different combinations of these notes, using a variety of rhythms to see what feels right.
The beauty of this approach is that there are no wrong notes, just new ways to explore and express yourself! The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in creating your own melodies and developing your unique voice on the piano.
Give It a Try!
Improvisation is all about creativity and having the courage to explore new ideas. If you’ve never tried improvising before, this video is a great place to start. Watch the video, follow Alberto’s instructions, and most importantly, have fun with it!
We encourage you to take a few minutes to try this method out for yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience under your belt, there’s always something new to learn and discover in the world of blues improvisation.
Watch the Video
We’ve only just uploaded this video on YouTube, and already many strangers to the LCSP have come out of the woodwork emailing us and saying how much this video has impacted their playing!
Click the link below to watch the video and start your improvisation journey with Alberto Ferro:
Watch “How to Improvise the Blues with Alberto Ferro” on YouTube
Join Our Community
If you’re looking to take your playing to the next level, consider joining our community at the London Contemporary School of Piano. With instructors like Alberto, who focus on practical, step-by-step guidance, you’ll find yourself growing as a musician in ways you never imagined. We believe in the power of simplicity, practice, and the joy of making music.
For more details about our courses and teaching philosophy, check out our Complete Musician Essentials course.
