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Instructor
Jonny May
Course
Beginner
01:43:58

Bb major is your first key that starts on a black key, and it’s a favorite of jazz musicians, horn players and singers. If you want to play songs or read chord charts in Bb, this course gives you everything you need. You’ll learn the Bb major scale in each hand, practical fingering strategies to make it feel natural, and how to play it up the keyboard across multiple octaves.

Next, you’ll learn the chords that belong to the key of Bb and the most common chord progressions (chord patterns) used in this key. Then comes the fun part: you’ll learn different ways to jam on these chords, so you can make music on your own, without sheet music. To bring it all together, you’ll learn PWJ Avenue, a fun original tune that uses the notes and chords from the course.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll use inversions to make your chord changes sound smoother and apply them to PWJ Avenue. Then you’ll play the tune along with a bass and drums backing track, so it feels like you’re playing in a band. Finally, you’ll learn simple ways to play chords for someone else to sing or play along to.

Course Objectives
  • Play the Bb major scale in both hands across multiple octaves, using effective fingering strategies
  • Learn the diatonic chords and the most common chord progressions in Bb major
  • Explore different ways to jam and improvise on the chords in Bb
  • Apply inversions and smooth voice leading, then perform PWJ Avenue with a full backing track
  • Accompany a singer or instrumentalist using three chord grooves
Learning Focus
  • Chords & Voicings
  • Groove
  • Lead Sheets
  • Scales
  • Songs

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Clear course
Enjoyed my first course
Wow!
I just finished first course and after that, I am able to play "Over the rainbow" in Bb all by myself with notes even with improvisation. It is mind-blowing. Thank you!
Key of Bb
Again, good course.
Light hearted piece is fun to play
After singing the melody along with the left hand many times, I finally got the lesson under my hands. The format for each of these keys keeps me engaged.
Key of Bb Major
What starts off semi hard gets easier with practice and given some time I can now say I got this. More practice will get my speed & smoothness up. Looking forward to what comes next.

Course Lessons

1
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 1
16:21

The Major Scale, 1 & 2 Octaves

2
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 2
17:03

4 Common Chord Progressions

3
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 3
24:24

Learn PWJ Avenue, Lead Sheet, Melody, Chords, & Groove

4
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 4
20:40

Inversions, Primary Chord Progression, PWJ Avenue Application

5
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 5
7:08

Performance with Backing Track

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Clear course
Enjoyed my first course
Wow!
I just finished first course and after that, I am able to play "Over the rainbow" in Bb all by myself with notes even with improvisation. It is mind-blowing. Thank you!
Key of Bb
Again, good course.
Light hearted piece is fun to play
After singing the melody along with the left hand many times, I finally got the lesson under my hands. The format for each of these keys keeps me engaged.
Key of Bb Major
What starts off semi hard gets easier with practice and given some time I can now say I got this. More practice will get my speed & smoothness up. Looking forward to what comes next.
Related Courses

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Explore the festive, spirited key of F major and learn the one small fingering twist that sets its scale apart. You'll also learn the chords behind popular songs and finish with a fun Latin-flavored original tune.

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