Library   /   Courses   /   Key of D Major – Sunrise Blues

Key of D Major – Sunrise Blues

Membership Required

Subscribe to a membership plan for full access to this course and learning resources!

Start Your Free Trial

Instructor
Jonny May
Course
Beginner
02:02:40

When you play a song in D major, it helps to know which notes and chords belong to the key, and this course teaches you exactly that. You’ll start with the D major scale in each hand, learning the fingering, how to cross your fingers over and under smoothly, and practice strategies for playing it evenly and quickly. Then you’ll expand it across every octave, so by the end you can play the D major scale all the way up and down the keyboard with both hands.

Next, you’ll learn the chords that come from the D major scale and play them in both hands. Then you’ll learn four of the most common chord progressions (chord patterns), so when you start playing real songs, you’ll recognize them right away. To bring it all together, you’ll learn a fun bluesy tune that uses the notes and chords from the course, along with the shuffle, a bouncy rhythm that makes the blues feel great.

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

Course Objectives
  • Play the D major scale in both hands across all octaves of the keyboard
  • Use effective fingering strategies for crossing over and under smoothly and quickly
  • Learn the diatonic chords in D major in both hands, plus four of the most common chord progressions
  • Play an original blues tune and learn the shuffle rhythm
  • Apply inversions, perform with a full backing track and accompany other musicians
Learning Focus
  • Chords
  • Groove
  • Lead Sheets
  • Scales
  • Songs
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Fun and a bit challenging
The first time I tried playing Sunrise Blues, I had a very hard time, but with some practice it got a bit easier. I also enjoyed the accompaniment part at the end. It was my first time playing a shuffle groove. That was fun.
Nice Blues beginner stage
Awesome lessons
loved it
Feels like Im getting somewhere. My fingers are starting to go to chords before I think about it. So fun
Still having fun
Every key exposes one to different genres of music which is great.
Simply great fun
As blues is one of my favourite style, I found that one as a pure enjoyment.

Course Lessons

1
Key of D Major – Lesson 1
19:18

D Major Scale, Both Hands

View lesson
2
Key of D Major – Lesson 2
17:37

4 Common Chord Progressions

View lesson
3
Key of D Major – Lesson 3
25:28

Sunrise Blues, Melody & Lead Sheet, Left Hand Patterns

View lesson
4
Key of D Major – Lesson 4
23:23

Inversions, Primary Chord Progression, Sunrise Blues Application

View lesson
5
Key of D Major – Lesson 5
10:40

Performance with Backing Track

View lesson
6
Key of D Major – Lesson 6
26:14

Accompaniment

View lesson
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Fun and a bit challenging
The first time I tried playing Sunrise Blues, I had a very hard time, but with some practice it got a bit easier. I also enjoyed the accompaniment part at the end. It was my first time playing a shuffle groove. That was fun.
Nice Blues beginner stage
Awesome lessons
loved it
Feels like Im getting somewhere. My fingers are starting to go to chords before I think about it. So fun
Still having fun
Every key exposes one to different genres of music which is great.
Simply great fun
As blues is one of my favourite style, I found that one as a pure enjoyment.
Related Courses
Key of B Minor – Jonnylito

Bring some tropical heat to your playing with the breezy, sun-soaked key of B minor. You'll learn how its scales shape every melody and chord, then play Jonnylito, a Latin tune inspired by "Despacito."

Key of G Major – Jonny’s Lullaby

Explore the bright, cheerful key of G major, one of the most popular keys in music. You'll learn to play its scale smoothly up and down the keyboard and finish with a sweet original lullaby.

Key of A Major – PWJ Rock

Turn up the fun with the sunny, upbeat key of A major. You'll learn the scale and chords in this key with the right fingering, then play Doing the PWJ Rock, an original rock and roll tune.

Join Us

Get instant access to this Course and other member features with a PWJ membership!

Guided Learning Tracks

View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels

Progress Tracking

Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress

Downloadable Resources

Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks

Community Forums

Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums

Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!

Get Started