Academics & The Arts Articles

Article / Updated 10-31-2023

The essay is to college writing what books are to educated people, what professors are to college teaching, and what wireless is to technology — they’re inseparable. The essay has been a major part of students’ academic life for more than 15 centuries. With such a storied history, the essay requirement isn’t likely to disappear before you graduate, which is why it's important to know how to start an essay. Don't have time to read the entire article? Jump to the quick read summary. News flash. Your professor, a human being afflicted with a lifetime addiction to reading, determines your essay grade. As much as you’ve been told about the importance of writing for your audience, your professors are the one member of your audience you need to please. And because professors are sophisticated readers, they value writing that contains a skillfully created opening and closing. Engaging openings and closings, the intersection of academic and professional writing, offer you the opportunity to impress your professor and stand out among your peers. When you undervalue the importance of an enticing opening and closing, you’re leaving points on the page. Here I focus on what you need to know about writing openings, including the first few sentences and the title. To learn how to write an excellent closing to your essay, and about all other aspects of college writing, check out my book College Writing For Dummies. Standing out Let the gains begin. As a professor who read and graded tens of thousands of essays and research papers, I’m thrilled to see a thoughtful opening that interests me as a consumer of content. My grading experience tells me to anticipate an excellent grade and read the remainder of the essay to justify that grade. When you're thinking about how to start off an essay, remember that the purpose of your opening includes the following: Engage your reader in the topic and establish the organizational structure of your essay. Convince your reader of the importance of your topic and raise reader questions about the topic. Clarify your position on the topic question, using language from the assignment sheet. Highlight your overall essay plan. Demonstrate your command of language. The opening transports your reader from the symbolic representation of your topic to the specific promise of your thesis — the last sentence in your opening. The structure of the opening progresses from general to specific information, from the abstract hook to the concrete thesis. Your investment in a strong opening yields high returns on your essay grade. As you're thinking about how to start your essay introduction, avoid experimenting with a delayed thesis, such as positioning the thesis in the closing. Avoid this until you regularly write A-graded college essays. When you read leisurely, focus on openings and closings that attract your attention. If you want to be nerdy about it, ask Siri to file them. And when you’re ready to write your openings and closings, consider re-engineering a favorite one you saved. While your opening provides background to place your topic within context, college essays usually require a background paragraph following the opening paragraph. Be sure all background content is related to the thesis, not merely to the topic. Including an anecdote Among the solid ways to start an essay is a go-to opening taught by many professors: the anecdote. It's brief personal experience story. You can use anecdotes in a wide variety of ways, such as: Connect a different personal experience to each essay you’re assigned. Exercise your poetic license by writing an anecdote about an experience that happened to someone else. Write a fictional anecdote that appears believable if you’re feeling especially creative. Use one as a piece of evidence in the essay body. The more you use them, the better your skills at developing them. Use one as a style tool. Anecdotes are the gift that keep giving. Following, I focus on what to include when writing anecdotes and how you can capture your reader’s attention. What to include in an anecdote Anecdotes are scenes, not narratives with a beginning, middle, and ending. They range between five and six sentences within essays between 600 to 650 words. They aren’t the recount of an experience from beginning to end. Strategies for writing anecdotes include the following: Name relevant people, places, and events. Identify relevant time references. Consider a twist or surprise ending. Add brief dialogue when appropriate. Brainstorm your anecdote similar to how you brainstorm your essay. Reference conclusions from your anecdote that apply to your essay’s thesis. Anecdotes are successful only when the experience connects with the essay topic. For example, an anecdote that tells a story about never quitting in athletics can be applied to an essay about never quitting in a challenging course. Grabbing your reader’s attention Similar to opening an essay, begin an anecdote with an attention-attracting first sentence. Following, are examples of language for beginning your anecdote and setting the scene: When I visited Alaska, I experienced the highlight of my travel experience — walking on a glacier. I will never forget the desperation on animals' faces when I volunteered at the center for abused animals. Some of the most memorable lessons I learned in middle school occurred outside the classroom on camping trips. I hide emotions well, but holding tears failed me when I recognized the name on the post. Consider this opening anecdote: I boarded the helicopter from the heliport in Juneau, Alaska — aware that one crashed in recent weeks — anticipating the experience of flying above an ice field, landing on the Mendenhall Glacier, and walking across frozen tundra, thousands of years old. I walked to the edge of crevasses, looking down hundreds of feet at the flow of blue glacier water. I witnessed the excitement of one of nature’s unique performances. But on the helicopter flight back to Juneau, nature offered one additional surprise that changed my comfort level with nature’s majesty. Using additional openings strategies When you're thinking about how to start an introduction for an essay, consider these other opening strategies: Series of questions: Many professors consider a one question opening a cliché strategy common to high school writing. But a series of questions raises the curiosity level and raises even more questions. Here’s a sample from my column reviewing Choke by Sian Beilock (Delco News Network): What’s the cause of high-performing students underperforming on a high-stakes standardized test such as the SAT and GRE (Graduate Record Examination)? What’s the cause of a professional athlete underperforming on a game-winning play or a pressure putt? Do underperforming students and athletes share common characteristics for their “choke”? What if? picture this: Another opening is the hypothetical “What if?” which raises questions and curiosities. Here’s a sample on a topic that interests you: What if colleges accepted more responsibility for ensuring graduation for the students they accept? What if their accountability included partial refunds of tuition and student loans for students who drop out? What if colleges fulfilled the promises to students and their parents made during freshmen orientation? In addition to the previous opening strategies, openings also include the importance of the topic, the approach to the assignment, your position on the topic, and the thesis. Steer clear of these types of openings Here’s a look at openings as unappealing as a broken popsicle: Previewing your intentions for the essay, such as what you plan to cover A dictionary or encyclopedia definition of the topic Restating the topic Presenting an overview of the topic An all-encompassing phrase such as: “Since the dawn of time …” Quotations that suddenly appear in text without context or follow up When I read these openings as a professor, I thought no effort, no thought, and no good. Focusing on the first sentences Are you surprised to hear that some professors will stereotype you as a student? Your professor’s assessment of your grade begins the first day of class with behaviors such as: Arriving early and introducing yourself Sitting in the front row and assuming an academic position Actively participating in class discussions and taking notes Saying thank you on the way out of class Your professor will also stereotype you by a strong opening of your essay, especially the first sentence. Unlike professional writers, inexperienced writers rarely prioritize first sentences and openings. Professional writers quickly learn that their most important sentence is the first because editors frequently buy or reject a piece of writing based on the reader connection of the first sentence. A lackluster title, first sentence, and opening won’t cost you money as a first-year student, but it can cost you a scoring opportunity. Here’s a look at a few first-sentence strategies that will engage your reader, impress your professor, and score the grade (you can easily develop these first-sentence strategies into opening strategies): Surprise information: Readers enjoy a surprise. When the first-sentence surprise raises curiosity and questions, you have the ingredients for an engaging opening. Here’s a sample: Sleep researchers studying mice observed that the brain’s synapses, message connectors, surprisingly decrease about 20 percent after a few hours’ sleep. But they also discovered that the reduction makes you smarter. The second sentence (But they also …) shows a sentence that transitions into the thesis. Chapter 6 details more information about thesis statements. Expert quotations: Opening an essay with a quotation by an expert interests the most sophisticated readers, including your professor. Here’s an example: “Progress is made by trial and failure, the failures are generally a hundred times more numerous than the successes; yet they are usually left unchronicled,” said renowned chemist William Ramsey (1852–1916). Ramsey was referencing science, but his advice applies beyond science and into everyday life, including writing. The second sentence (Ramsey was referencing …) also shows a sentence that transitions into the thesis. Essential content connection: What is the most emotional part of your essay? For example, if your essay’s about the college dropout rate, play the emotional card by opening with a sentence describing what a college degree means to you and your family. Here’s a sample: I dreamed of my college graduation since my first day of school, but I didn’t dream of its financial and emotional toll on my family. When your first sentence connects with your readers, you’re set up to deliver your second sentence and the remainder of your opening. Midway through your opening, your professor formulates a projection of your grade. Capitalize on the opportunity to impress your professor with a high-interest opening, and remember that good openings generate good grades. Quick Read Summary The essay is an essential component of college writing, much like books are to educated individuals and professors are to teaching. It has been a vital part of academia for over 15 centuries, and it's crucial to understand how to start an essay effectively. Your professor, as a dedicated reader, plays a pivotal role in determining your essay's grade. They appreciate well-crafted openings and closings, which set your work apart. Neglecting the importance of a compelling start means missing out on valuable points. An engaging opening serves multiple purposes: it draws in the reader, establishes the essay's structure, emphasizes the topic's significance, and clarifies your position while highlighting your overall essay plan. The opening guides the reader from the general topic to the specific thesis, a progression from the abstract to the concrete. Avoid experimenting with a delayed thesis placement until you're consistently writing high-quality essays. An effective strategy for essay openings is the use of anecdotes, brief personal stories that connect to the topic. Anecdotes should be concise, involving relevant people, places, events, time references, and possibly a twist or surprise ending. They should tie back to the essay's thesis. To captivate your reader, start with an attention-grabbing first sentence, such as an intriguing experience or a thought-provoking question. Other opening strategies include posing a series of questions or exploring hypothetical scenarios related to your topic. Avoid unappealing openings, such as previews, dictionary definitions, restating the topic, or vague phrases like "Since the dawn of time." Professors often perceive these as lacking effort and thought. In the academic world, first impressions matter. Your professor forms an initial impression of your work based on the essay's opening, particularly the first sentence. To engage your reader and secure a good grade, consider strategies like surprising information, expert quotations, or connecting with essential emotional content. In summary, mastering the art of essay openings is crucial for academic success. Impress your professor with a well-crafted start, as it can significantly impact your grade. Hungry for more? Go back and read the article or check out the book.

Article / Updated 10-31-2023

Research papers are like a six-hour energy drink for your grade. They’re usually weighted a higher point value than other assignments because they require more work. And writing a few successful research papers each semester helps to boost your grade point average — and your academic confidence. Don't have time to read the entire article? Jump to the quick read summary. In addition to energizing your grade, here’s a look at the benefits of research papers and why they matter. Doing a research paper: Broadens your knowledge base: New knowledge produces new questions to answer and new answers to questions. Research papers broaden and develop new interests. Develops your scholarship: Research papers are the primary academic activity of scholars-in-training like you. More than any other academic assignment, research papers show your depth of understanding a topic. Focuses your expertise: If your research writing reveals patterns of interests, such as an analysis of workplace issues, you may be developing an area of focus for career exploration. Trace your research topics from middle school through college and analyze what they reveal about your interests. Develops problem-solving skills: Solving problems develops your problem-solving skills. Researching and writing are endless marathons of solving problems. Expands career opportunities: Research papers and grad school are a given. A research background also qualifies you for many business careers, including entrepreneurialism. Each paper you write represents an opportunity to explore a new career. Shows off your skills: Research papers demonstrate a variety of academic skills such as synthesizing, analyzing, organizing, summarizing, and paraphrasing. They also show skills such as creating research questions, developing an argument, and drawing conclusions. Before the age of mass computers, research was like locating a lucky flake in a family-size box of cereal. The research process included locating the library’s one copy of the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature, searching your topic, recording periodical biographical information, submitting your source requests, and returning in a week to see if your requests could be fulfilled. Occasionally, an overzealous peer would irresponsibly rip out the periodical page you needed for research. Gathering scholarly sources today lacks yesterday’s drama, but not yesterday’s importance. Sources may not be as significant to you as your phone and Wi-Fi, but without research skills to locate them, your academic life will crash like an overheated device. Put on your academic game face, alert your friends you’re taking a short sabbatical from social media, and commit yourself to the type of research that decreases the distance toward your college graduation goal. For more on how to start your college research paper, including formulating the all-important research question, creating an outline for a research paper, and gathering sources, check out my book College Research Papers For Dummies. What makes good research paper topics? Let this idea live rent free in your head: As a college professor who has graded more than 10,000 research papers, I assure you the most important grade-influencing decision you make — before you write word one in draft one — is identifying the topic. Innovative topics encourage your professor to reward your initiative with a grade of B or better, and it’s usually better. Innovative or outlier topics show your audience, and your professor, that your thinking surpasses the status quo and recognizes the importance of engaging writing and interesting content. Here are some examples of research paper topics that professors want to see more of and are willing to reward you for: Culinary trends in Shakespeare’s plays: What they say about nutrition at the time Nineteenth century literary characters who would blow up Twitter — and today’s First Amendment implications Is a “good” dictatorship better than a bad democracy? These topics combine unexpected elements: Shakespeare themes and nutrition, literary characters and the First Amendment — and arguing against the grain (a good dictatorship). Your initial topic, research questions, and thesis are called working because they usually require revising during background research and early writing of the assignment. Professor-pleasing topic elements In addition to novel and uncommon approaches, elements of professor-pleasing topics include the following: Addresses assignment question: Professors design research assignments to allow you broad interpretations of the topic, but not limitless approaches. Professors expect your topic to fulfill the major purpose of the assignment, usually a form of argument. Connects to course content: Connect your topic to course content by surveying your syllabus, reviewing tests, perusing notes and readings, and recalling class discussions. Identify major themes of the course and determine how one of them connects with the assignment. Contains a debatable issue: Be certain that your topic has an element of disagreement. If you’re arguing that government should partially repay student loans, be sure to address reasons for disagreement. Appeals to scholarly audience, including your professor: Connect your topic to the scholarly audience by analyzing it through an academic discipline, such as economics, health, psychology, sociology, and works of literature. Also consider integrating interests of your professor who represents that audience. Identifies with your academic interest: Within the context of the assignment, choose a topic that will sustain your interest for three or four weeks. Consider a topic in your major field of study, a topic you want to explore, or a topic you think about and talk about. Includes available research: An early red flag to abort your topic is lack of easily available research. If you can’t locate 15 to 20 sources on your first search, and if the reference librarian can’t direct you to topic sources, reboot your topic. How to find research paper topics Topic ideas surround your everyday academic life. Here are some resources for developing your research topic: Background reading: Read extensively and deeply on the topic. Read for who, what, when, where, how, and why. Read for ideas explained, implied, understated, and omitted. Your professor and other faculty: Talk with your professor about your planned approach to the topic and ask about other professors who may be a source for your research. You could also ask your professor for research paper examples that they consider high quality. Content from other courses: Professors value interdisciplinary thinking. Consider topics from another course that apply to the assignment. Library resources: A walk through the library or a scroll through the library website may generate topic ideas. Note displays and special interest exhibits and consider their connection to your topic. Campus and community issues: Consider campus and community issues that may connect to the assignment such as campus resources that can address community problems. Your phone’s AI: Ask your phone’s artificial intelligence for a suggested topic. The answer may surprise you. Social media: Is a topic trending on social media that’s academically applicable to the assignment? What topics are going viral? Identify a working topic within hours after analyzing your assignment and completing background reading. Avoid topic paralysis that bankrupts your time-management budget. Topic indecision is the enemy of a successful assignment. Topic pitfalls to avoid Your goal as a student is to fulfill your professor’s expectations for the assignment, which includes researching scholarly evidence to argue a thesis. Avoid topics that present unnecessary obstacles for achieving those objectives, such as the following: Too intricate: Steer clear of complex topics that exceed assignment length and increase difficulty of the assignment, such as the following: Causes of declining GPAs among first-generation college students who commute and work full time, reducing available study time All about AI: Uses and abuses, position in the workplace, and potential to replace college writing Non-arguable: College students thrive on defending a belief. But when a belief lacks defense, they’re speechless — or wordless. Here are examples of topics that lack a logical argument: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and needs a cure. Colleges that have large endowments offer more resources to students than colleges with smaller endowments. Values: College students feel strongly about their personal values (honesty, authenticity, compassion, service, and so forth). But research papers and most other college assignments (except in a course that studies values and ethics) aren’t the platform to defend them because they’re too difficult to argue with scholarly sources. Defend your values with how you live your life and argue them in dorm-room discussions — with the door closed tightly. Here are a couple of examples of a values topic difficult to write a research paper about: Too technical: Avoid topics that exceed the technical knowledge of your audience and require too much terminology to explain. For example: Unfair advantages of high-tech swimwear in collegiate competitive swimming The energy efficiency of an HVAC system is directly related to its air exchange capabilities Personal obsessions: Avoid topics focused on personal obsessions you’re passionate about, such as politics, religion, and personal health. The emotional “you” will overpower the logical “you,” and your argument usually includes personal opinion rather than scholarly sources and a thesis based on logic. As soon as you begin accumulating information for your research project, back up files and back up your backup. Universities usually provide adequate student storage. Self-emailing represents another form of back up, in addition to an external hard drive backup. Avoid embarrassing yourself with the excuses almost all professors will decry: “I lost my files” or “My computer crashed.” How to create a thesis statement Your most important sentence as an academic writer is the thesis statement, which states the position your paper will take and the direction it will develop. It’s like system settings on your devices, controlling every function of your research. If one part of your thesis malfunctions, your research assignment is toast. Think of the thesis like sentence ground zero. The development of every idea in the assignment flows through the thesis statement. In research writing, thesis statements are called claim statements because they claim or assert the argument of the paper. Thesis statements require more thought than any other sentence you write. And when the thesis fails, the assignment fails. These sections explain the what and how of writing thesis statements and illustrate five steps for drafting a research paper thesis. Focus your thesis on a problem within the topic After analyzing the assignment and background reading, identify a problem related to the topic. Here’s an example on the topic of earning college degrees: Almost 60 percent of first-year college students neglect to graduate within six years. The topic’s problems include millions of students who fail to achieve their college dream and the financial opportunities that accompany it and drop out of college with approximately $15,000 in student-loan debt. The thesis offers a research-supported solution to the problem. When thesis statements neglect to focus on a problem, they lack reader drama and audience interest. How to write a thesis The thesis identifies the purpose of the research paper and references the argument the paper will defend. Here’s an example of a thesis: The college admission process should include students’ demonstrating an understanding of at least three classic books. The sample thesis asserts that students should demonstrate critical reading skills before admission to college. The thesis argues that the almost 60 percent college attrition rate six years after enrollment is attributed to poor reading skills. It will be supported by research showing that reading is a fundamental skill for success in college. As a general rule, a thesis statement is completion of the sentence, such as: "The purpose of this research paper is to argue that …" Here’s a look at theses that complete that sentence: The cost of producing electric vehicles often exceeds energy saved over lifetime operation of the vehicle. Music improves the benefits of exercising. Colleges bear some responsibility for the student loan crisis. Here’s a look at some successful thesis statements: Responsibility for the student loan crisis should be shared by borrowers and colleges, especially the college admission process. Female characters in Shakespeare are representative of today’s “Me Too” movement. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has had a positive influence on college academics. The most common error writing thesis statements is writing sentences too narrow or too broad. Here are examples of those errors and their revisions: Too narrow: College students’ academic performance is limited by eating unhealthy snacks. Revised: College students perform better academically when they exercise and develop good nutrition habits. Too broad: Everyone should go to college. Revised: Everyone qualified and motivated should attend college, but many other routes leading to career success and financial stability are available, such as the trades and entrepreneurialism. Drafting a research paper thesis in five easy steps Thesis statements preview the argument the research paper supports. Here are five easy-to-follow steps for writing a thesis statement for research papers: Determine your topic. After analyzing the assignment and reading background information, list the topic that interests you, which includes an argument and support by available research. Identify a problem. Identify a major problem related to the topic that the research paper will address. Interrogate your topic. Identify a variety of meanings of the problem by asking questions such as: Whom or what is affected by the problem? Who benefits and who doesn’t? So what? and What if? What do the answers suggest about content needed to address the topic? Write a research question. The question you write is answered by the thesis. Here’s an example of a research question: How does NIL affect college athletes? Convert the question into a position statement. A thesis statement takes an arguable position that offers a solution to the problem, such as: NIL provides college athletes with the same social media financial opportunities as non-athlete students. Quick Read Summary Research papers are essential in academia, often carrying significant weight in your overall grade. They require more effort than other assignments but offer various benefits, including broadening your knowledge base, developing scholarship, focusing your expertise, and enhancing problem-solving skills. Additionally, they can open up career opportunities and showcase your academic skills. Choosing a good research paper topic is crucial. Innovative and unique topics impress your professors and set you up for a higher grade. Topics that challenge the status quo and offer fresh perspectives are highly regarded. For instance, consider topics like "Culinary trends in Shakespeare's plays: What they say about nutrition at the time" or "Is a 'good' dictatorship better than a bad democracy?" These unexpected combinations and unconventional approaches can make your paper stand out. When selecting a topic, ensure it aligns with the assignment's purpose, connects to course content, contains a debatable issue, appeals to a scholarly audience (including your professor), relates to your academic interest, and has ample available research sources. To find research paper topics, explore resources such as background reading, consult your professors and other faculty, consider content from other courses, explore library resources, and even use AI and social media trends for inspiration. Don't get stuck in topic indecision; it can hinder your progress. Avoid topic pitfalls like overly intricate subjects, non-arguable topics, issues based on personal values, extremely technical subjects, and personal obsessions. These topics can complicate your research and hinder your ability to argue your thesis effectively. Crafting a strong thesis statement is crucial for your research paper. It serves as the backbone of your paper, guiding its development. Start by identifying a problem related to your topic and then write a research question. Convert this question into a clear and arguable position statement. Your thesis should be focused on a problem, supported by research, and offer a solution. In summary, research papers are instrumental in academic success, but choosing the right topic and crafting a compelling thesis statement are key factors in ensuring a successful paper. Hungry for more? Go back and read the article or check out the book.

Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023

When the singer needs a good intro, who’s going to play it? The drummer? Probably not. You are. A piano or keyboard intro is a great addition to a song. And it can’t be any old intro — it’s gotta be good. The audience has a tendency to talk between songs, so it’s your job to shut ’em up and announce the start of the new song.

Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023

The band is building up to the final chord, and it’s time for the big finish. Why not add a little piano or keyboard as a finale? The singer belts the last lyric, and it’s up to you to drop the curtain. Quick! Grab a handful of these finales and you’re sure to receive an encore request.

Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023

The key to making good, accurate jumps on the piano or keyboard is the same whether the jump is big or small: Maintain a comfortable, balanced hand position as you jump from the starting hand position across the keyboard to your landing destination. Jumping with an overextended pinky and your hand outstretched like the descent of a giant hawk upon its prey is very common. Instead, the image you want to keep in mind is of a frog jumping from lily pad to lily pad. A frog starts and lands with its body centered over the lily pad, contracting to the same closed, restful shape. Your hands are frogs. As they jump from one position to another, they should look the same before and after the jump. You can practice this skill with every exercise.

Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023

You can use the pedal on the piano or keyboard to achieve different effects with your musical sound and add a whole new dimension to your playing. Give these exercises a try for some practice.

Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023

To expand your piano expertise, you should try some broken chord exercises. Broken-chord patterns are common in accompaniment figures and can help make you a well-rounded player. Check out these four patterns found in a wide range of styles.

Article / Updated 10-26-2023

It’s important not to neglect the left hand while learning the piano. They may not be the most exciting things to play, but by working on left-hand scales you unwittingly master the following music essentials: Reading the bass clef Playing with the correct fingering Using nifty patterns and harmonies Realizing how much you miss playing with the right hand Start with some major and minor scales by reading and playing the following scales left-handed. As with right-handed playing, remember to use the correct fingerings as indicated by the numbers above each note. How and when you cross your fingers is very important for obtaining a smooth sound and comfortable left-hand technique. C, G, and F major Here are three major scales for the left hand. You can use the same fingering, both up and down the scale, for all of these. Applying the major scale pattern, you play a scale with no sharps or flats (C major scale), one sharp (G major scale), and one flat (F major scale). A, E, and D natural minor You use the same fingering pattern in the three natural minor scales as you do in the three major scales. A harmonic and melodic minor These scales offer a good opportunity to practice your crossovers and pass-unders in the left hand. The scale patterns change at the same point you shift your hand position. Listen for smooth transitions and an even touch throughout each scale. If you’re unsure of how to play these, you can watch a bunch of left-hand scales being played in Chapter 11, Video Clip 2.

Article / Updated 10-25-2023

Want to get that blues sound in your own piano playing? The blues is a style of music all its own. Heck, it even has its own scale. Here, you don’t apply the blues style to an existing song, but rather create your own blues from scratch. That’s right: You get to be a composer. Whether your dog left you or your boss has done you wrong, playing the blues is as easy as counting to 12. Clues for the blues Two important elements in the blues are form and rhythm. When you have these down, add a few more essential elements, like grace notes or tremolos. Then you can make any of your songs sing the blues. To play the blues, you use the following elements: 12-bar form Swing or shuffle rhythm Seventh chords Tremolos Sad story to tell (everybody’s got one) 12-bar ditties Most blues uses a widely recognized structure called the 12-bar form, aptly named because each musical phrase of the song is 12 measures long. The 12-bar blues has a chord sequence that repeats over and over, usually with different lyrics and perhaps some melodic variation, until you genuinely feel sorry for the storyteller. Melody notes, rhythms, and lyrics may differ from one 12-bar phrase to the next, but the chords usually stay the same. The chords most often used in the 12-bar form are all seventh chords; they are as follows: The I7 chord: Chord with the first scale note as its root note The IV7 chord: Chord with the fourth scale note as its root note The V7 chord: Chord with the fifth scale note as its root note These three chords appear in the same order and for the same number of measures every time the 12-bar phrase is repeated. To play your own 12-bar blues, just follow these easy instructions, playing with either hand or both hands. When you have the chord progression memorized, try playing the chords with the left hand while your right hand plays a simple melody, riff, or blues scale. Play a I7 chord for four measures. Play a IV7 chord for two measures. Play a I7 chord for two measures. Play a V7 chord for one measure. Play a IV7 chord for one measure. Play a I7 chord for two measures. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 until you have your audience singing with you. Here’s an example of 12-bar blues that uses chords only. They may be just chords, but you should still play them with conviction. Changing it up All blues players realize that the same chords over and over can become repetitive (to both audience and musician), so they substitute other chords within the 12-bar form. For example, try a IV7 chord in measure 2 and play a V7 chord in measure 12 as a turnaround. Check here in Chapter 17, Video Clip 1 to watch a blues piece with chord substitutions.

Article / Updated 10-25-2023

The beat may go on and on, but piano music can be quite dull if every note you play is on the beat. By changing up the rhythm a bit and playing some notes off, around, or in between the main beats, your songs take on a whole new life. Ultimately, the best way to understand swing is to hear it. Listen to a sample of swing in Chapter 8, Audio Track 16 while you look at the four measures of music. The eighth notes are played with a swing feel; the notes are the same, but the rhythm has a slightly different, swingin’ feel. Instead of straight eighth notes played as “1-and, 2-and,” you hear a long-short, long-short rhythm. The most accurate way to notate this long-short rhythm is with a quarter-eighth triplet. But rather than write a ton of triplets, the composer gives you a big heads-up along with the tempo indication above the first measure by telling you to “swing,” either in plain English or with a little symbol. When you see the swing notation, you should play all the eighth notes in the music as swing eighths. You can still count them as “1-and, 2-and, 3-and, 4-and,” but the notes on the beats are longer and the notes off the beats are shorter. Swing, the classic rhythmic feel, is so popular that it has its own type of bands and dance moves. Listen to some of the music of the big-band era, like the Duke Ellington Orchestra or the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. They really had the whole world swingin’. You can also hear an example of swing-style eighth notes. Listen to “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” in Chapter 8, Audio Track 22 Shuffle feel has the same long-short swing eighths as swing time, but the shuffle beat is more readily associated with rock and blues-style music. A shuffle feel is characterized by a heavier beat than swing, which is lighter on its feet. Listen in Chapter 8, Audio Track 23 to “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” a song with a shuffle feel.