Country Piano Lessons

Put on yer dancin’ boots and grab yer cowboy hat. It’s time to go country!  

Country piano is a very recognizable style with all kinds of unique licks and movements. Go grab your horse and we’ll see you in a minute. These lessons will have you playing this unique and fun style in no time.

We’re from the country… and we like it that way!

These country piano lessons are full of fun riffs and licks that will help you create the “country sound.” Start practicing these common chord progressions and use these tutorials to ingrain the tricks and secrets in your hands. 

Country Piano Introduction

Common Country Keys

These are the keys that you will typically play in when jamming country piano.  Most of the time it's the good guitar keys.

Country Keys

The Pentatonic Scale

You have to know this in order to play some good country sounds.  So many riffs come from the pentatonic scale, so let's get to work!

Pentatonic Scale

Solo Tips

There are certain things great players always do to create some amazing solos. Here’s a great (and simple) tip that can make a huge difference.

Country Solos

The Country Groove

Every style has a certain “feel” to it. Check out this video to learn about the country groove and using the broken chord pattern.

Country Groove

Add the Octave

Sometimes, simply adding in an octave to your chords will create a great country sound.

Octaves

Country Left Hand

Country bass lines are usually pretty simple, but really add a lot to the feel of the style.

Bass Tips

Workouts

Walk Ups and Downs

This is a technique you will hear all the time in country music. Your right and left hands work together to move from the 1 up to 4 or 1 down to 5. Many times, it only happens in key parts of the song.

Watch videos 1 and 3 for a simple explanation.  Do videos 2 and 4 for an Advanced Workout:
Walk Ups and Downs 

Workouts by Key:
Key of C
Key of D
Key of E
Key of F
Key of G
Key of A

Slip Note and Hammer Tricks

An extra quick note here and there will add a lot to your sound. Practice these enough and soon your hands won’t even have to think about it, and it’s all fun after that! The “1 4 5 Major Chords” will work when moving to any major chord you play. The “Pentatonic Scale” will work for the key you are playing in.

D (1 4 5 Major Chords)
E (1 4 5 Major Chords)
A (1 4 5 Major Chords)
C (Pentatonic Scale)
F (Pentatonic Scale)
G (Pentatonic Scale)

Country Blues

It’s common to get a little “bluesy” from time to time in country (which is why you’ll also find this technique in our blues lessons). Simply learn the Right Hand Pattern and you’ll already be on your way!

Work on the Right Hand Pattern:  Keys of G, A, B, C, D, E, F and Bb.

Go to the Workout

Jam in the Style of the Greats!

1920s

  • Old-Time Country
  • Jimmie Rodgers
  • Roy Acuff

1930s & 1940s

1940s

  • Bluegrass
  • Earl Scruggs
  • Lester Flatt

1950s & 1960s

1960s & 1970s

  • Outlaw Country
  • Country Rock
  • Willie Nelson
  • Waylon Jennings
  • Johnny Cash
  • Merle Haggard
  • Elvis

1980s

1990s - Now