Piano Tutorial: The Entertainer by Scott Joplin271

The Entertainer is a classic ragtime piano piece written by Scott Joplin in 1902. It is one of his most famous and recognizable compositions and has been used in countless films, television shows, and commercials.

The piece is written in the key of C major and features a syncopated rhythm and a catchy melody. It is a relatively simple piece to play, making it a popular choice for beginner pianists.

In this tutorial, we will go through the steps on how to play The Entertainer on the piano. We will start with the basic chords and melody, and then we will add some of the more advanced techniques that make the piece so distinctive.

Step 1: Learn the Basic Chords

The basic chords in The Entertainer are C major, G7, and F major. These chords are all played in the left hand, with the bass notes played on the strong beats.

To play the C major chord, place your left hand thumb on the C key, your index finger on the E key, and your middle finger on the G key.

To play the G7 chord, place your left hand thumb on the G key, your index finger on the B key, your middle finger on the D key, and your ring finger on the F key.

To play the F major chord, place your left hand thumb on the F key, your index finger on the A key, and your middle finger on the C key.

Step 2: Learn the Melody

The melody of The Entertainer is played in the right hand. It is a simple melody, but it is very catchy and recognizable.

To play the melody, start by placing your right hand thumb on the C key. Then, play the following notes in order: D, E, F, G, A, G, F, E, D, C.

Step 3: Put it All Together

Once you have learned the chords and the melody, you can start to put them together. Start by playing the chords in the left hand and the melody in the right hand.

As you play, make sure to pay attention to the rhythm. The syncopated rhythm is what makes The Entertainer so distinctive.

Step 4: Add Some Flourishes

Once you have the basic piece down, you can start to add some flourishes to make it more interesting. Some common flourishes include:
Trills
Tremolos
Glissandos
Turns

These flourishes can be added to the melody or the chords, or both. Experiment with different flourishes to find what sounds best to you.

Tips for Playing The Entertainer

Here are a few tips to help you play The Entertainer on the piano:
Make sure to use a metronome to keep a steady tempo.
Pay attention to the dynamics of the piece. It should be played with a light and lively touch.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flourishes.
Have fun!

Conclusion

The Entertainer is a classic piano piece that is fun and easy to play. With a little practice, you can master this piece and impress your friends and family.

2024-11-26

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