Slow Bluesy Rag

[adalberto]

Hi Willie,

Thank you very much for the new Blues Lesson.
I am happy you are back to work after the flooding.

At the moment Slow Bluesy Rag sounds too difficult for me, but... let me try it!

Best regards.
Adalberto

[tm21]

Yeah, I'm finding it quite difficult as well! Its hard to keep the stride pattern in the left hand while playing the melody/licks in the right hand...Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on this?

[wmyette]

It is a challenge to get the hands together...that's for sure!

I would suggest trying only a little portion of the left hand to start. Maybe just the first measure or two. Try to memorize that left hand pattern so that when you bring in the right hand, you are not having to focus so much on the left.

The reason that it becomes so difficult is that when both hands are new to you, you need to focus on each of them. Your brain can't focus on 2 separate parts all that well so you end up focusing on one hand then switching back and forth.

So, if you can memorize one of the hands, your brain can focus its attention on the other hand. Post your progress and what worked for you, ok?

[adalberto]

Thanks for the tip, Willie.

I hope to post my progress in the new Blues Piano Forum and...
I hope to be able to follow the great suggestion you always give us in your lessons: "Go slowly and be patient!" :-)