Improvising Blues Piano - The basic principles of blues piano explained for the intermediate-level pianist in an easy-to-grasp fashion - Schott ... (ED 12504) (Schott Educational Publications)

Very detailed, not had the time to get onto all the detail or listen to the CD properly, but suspect given the time to study and listen properly, you could well playing be playing proper blues style quickly.Could do with a download link, so could load on an iPad, as CDs a bit of a hassle, but not the end of the world !!Worth the investment if you have invested a few quid on a decent keyboard/ electric piano.

I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and I've not been disappointed.Before starting this book I suppose I would've characterised myself as a beginner - I can read music a bit, play chords with the left and pick out a melody with the right, but that's about it. And I've found this book to be a bit of a learning curve, but that's not to say it is difficult. Each piece introduces a new technique and that is what's been hard. But, with daily practice, I've found that I do get better and before I know it I've managed to learn the piece/technique when I never thought I would upon first listening to it on the CD. I guess that's a testament to the way the book is written and the choice of exercises presented.I've had this book for just over 2 months and I'm still on the first chapter (although near the end of it) and as I said, I practice everyday. So it's not easy, but learning to play decent blues piano isn't going to be is it?I've got other books on piano and I've found them to jump on quite a bit despite what they say. This book takes it step by step and pretty quickly you find you can play some decent blues. And is that not what everyone wants to do? Play some decent music? I don't listen to blues (I do like jazz though), but it's very satisfying to play. And actually, looking further on into the book, I would say there are a fair few jazz pieces in there (looking forward to Blue Monk!)In summary then, if you want to progress your playing, and you are a beginner like me, then you definitely need this book. And some dedication...

I have shelves of tutor books, mainly for guitar, but the problem with them would be the same for any instrument - they just don't work the way people do. This one really works. It takes you gradually through from easier to more difficult pieces so that you can build up your skill and understanding. There's recommended listening and a lot of advice and exercises around the pieces. It's not easy and won't do the work for you, but it's as close as you can get to being taught without an actual teacher and there's the CD that helps you to know how it all should sound. I bought it because one of the pieces in it, On Off Boogie, appeared in my ABRSM jazz piano course at Grade 2 and I wanted to do more in that vein. I haven't got that far through yet as I have to fit it around my jazz exam practise, so it will keep me busy for a very long time.

This is a really great book. I've been playing piano for 10 years now mainly classical and swing jazz. I've always wanted to get into the Blues and have bought several books on blues and boogie woogie in the past but never been able to get into it. With this book I have a real chance. I'm starting at the very beginning and working my way through. The accompanying CD is really well recorded and a great inspiration to keep on with the steady progress I'm making. Just got to keep trying the improvisation choruses too.

Absolutely love this book great explanations and examples am really enjoying the new rhythms. Already had jazz book 1 but think this is probably a better book to start with if you are starting out

Brilliant (weighty) tome. Clear and comprehensive guide, providing a logical, step by step progression from first principles, with a good selection of tunes and exercises to maintain interest and encourage progress. Definitely not a "become an expert in 10 minutes" sort of book - not sure at my age I'll ever reach the end, but offers satisfying progress right from chapter one.

There are some great blues songs in this book. Some are more advanced but you could always pick out bits to help with chord learning. It has helped me with my blues chords.

I'm a classical pianist and I found this guide very useful, nice and fun to read, it introduces blues step by step from its historical origins.