Book excerpt: Blues Piano Practice Session Volume 1 In All 12 Keys Catalog Number: ADG232 Author: Andrew D. Gordon Publisher: ADG Productions I have created various Blues riffs and has transposed them into all 12 keys along with backing tracks to practice with giving you the student a fun way of learning how to play in all keys. We all learned how to play our scales in all 12 keys so I have taken that concept and applied it to learning to play the Blues so that you can try to become equally adept at playing in as many keys as possible. I have heard from teachers who have used my “100 Ultimate Blues Riffs” book who will only allow a student to move on to the next riff once they have mastered playing the riff they are working on in all 12 keys, certainly a great but challenging musical exercise. Each of the riffs are either 2 or 4 measures in length that are notated and recorded around the cycle of 4th.s Also, there is a notation page whereby the riff is being used in a 12 bar blues progression so that you can see how to apply the riff to a real world situation. Each riff has been recorded 4 times: 1. Piano with rhythm tracks recorded around the cycle of 4th.s 2. Rhythm tracks recorded around the cycle of 4th.s to practice with 3. Piano with rhythm tracks recorded in a 12 bar blues progression in a designated key. 4. Rhythm tracks recorded in a 12 bar blues progression in the same key. Reasons for practicing in all 12 keys. Often a singer cannot reach certain notes in the key that you have learned the song in, therefore you will probably be asked to change the key of the song which you can do with confidence knowing all 12 keys. Having the knowledge of playing in all 12 keys, it will then become easier to learn new songs, whatever key they are in. Blues often use the keys of C, F, G, Bb, Eb, Guitar music often uses the keys of E, A, D, by learning as many keys as possible will enable you to adapt to the musical situation you are playing in. Taking riffs, chord progressions etc. through all 12 keys is a great ear training tool relying on your ears to play in keys that you are not used to before the muscle memory sets in. Practicing in all 12 keys is a great exercise for the brain, it is obviously hard work but the more you do it the benefits will become apparent. By practicing in all 12 keys you will start to see various musical patterns evolve that will help you speed up the process of learning music. It is my hope that as you practice playing in the various keys you will eventually not need the music and be able to transpose in your head.