Alternating Octaves
Another useful technique in Rock piano playing is the use of alternating octaves with the left hand. The following example uses the E natural minor scale played in alternating octaves by the 5th and 1st fingers of the left hand.
Here is a piano part using alternating octaves. It will probably sound familiar to you.
This example shows the same part transposed to the key of A minor.
Using octaves on repeated notes is a great way to create a driving rhythm. The following 12 Bar Blues shows chords played over an alternating octave left hand part. Take it slowly at first and practice each hand separately if necessary.
Here is another solo which uses an alternating octave left hand part. Co-ordinating the two hands may be difficult at first, so practice each hand separately if necessary. Once you can play it, try using the ideas and techniques to improvise with the right hand. You could also transpose the whole thing to A minor.
The more you transpose and improvise with everything you learn, the more confident you will be in your piano knowledge and your ability to play with other musicians. Your eventual aim should be to be able to play any song or short piece you know in any key, and improvise on it. All good musicians can do this.
