Piano Lessons

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Let It Bleed

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Regardless of your musical background or tastes, the Rolling Stones stand alone in the annals of rock and roll as the quintessential band for musicians and fans alike. That is why irocku is excited that we can offer you so many gems from these giants of rock. Read more »

This week's lesson is no exception, from the 1969 masterpiece, Let it Bleed, we offer you the album's namesake, Let it Bleed, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The title for the song came about as Keith Richards' fingers began to bleed as he worked out the arrangement for hours on his acoustic guitar. Let it Bleed was never released as a single perhaps due to the suggestive lyrics, but fans loved the song and the album which is listed as Number 32 on Rolling Stone Magazine top 500 albums in 2003 (for more on the album see the write-up for, You Can't Always Get What You Want). As recording for the Let it Bleed album was underway, the Stones founding member, Brian Jones died and was replaced by Mick Taylor (age 20) who gained recognition as a young guitar-slinger in the legendary, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers Band. Ironically, neither Jones nor Taylor appear on this song as the slide intro and other guitar work was handled by Richards. Ian Stewart offers up his talents on piano, playing a boogie-woogie that has the listeners feet tapping and soul soaring as Jagger deliciously serves up a helping of raw emotional energy. Although Let it Bleed is considered a Country Rock song, its cross-over appeal to rock audiences was never in question as the Rolling Stones have melded, country, blues and rock together in a glorious union that has influenced musicians and fans alike in an awe inspiring career that has spanned a half a century.

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Published by ABKCO Music, Inc.
All Rights Reserved Used by Permission

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Lesson, Level 7

Lesson Schedule

Levels 6 and 7: The quickest way to rock is by learning the Groove Chart! To help with improvising, practice the C, F, G, three-octave scales and learn the C Blues scale. Also learn the C7, G7, and F7 chords.

First Week: Beginners practice the Lesson. Intermediate and Advanced students practice the Groove Chart and the Lesson.

Second Week: Add the Exercise and Improvisation to your practice. Let It Bleed has a country-rock feel to it, so make sure to keep beats one and three solid in your left hand groove.