Classic Keys is a beautifully photographed and illustrated book focusing on the signature rock keyboard sounds of the 1950s to the early 1980s. It celebrates the Hammond B-3 organ, Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, the Vox Continental and Farfisa combo organs, the Hohner Clavinet, the Mellotron, the Minimoog and other famous and collectable instruments. From the earliest days of rock music, the role of keyboards has grown dramatically. Advancements in electronics created a crescendo of musical invention. In the thirty short years between 1950 and 1980, the rock keyboard went from being whatever down-on-its-luck piano awaited a band in a bar or concert hall to a portable digital orchestra. It made keyboards a centerpiece of the sound of many top rock bands, and a handful of them became icons of both sound and design. Their sounds live on: Digitally, in the memory chips of modern keyboards, and in their original form thanks to a growing group of musicians and collectors of many ages and nationalities. Classic Keys explores the sound, lore, and technology of these iconic instruments, including their place in the historical development of keyboard instruments, music, and the international keyboard instrument industry. Twelve significant instruments are presented as the chapter foundations, together with information about and comparisons with more than thirty-six others. Included are short profiles of modern musicians, composers, and others who collect, use, and prize these instruments years after they went out of production. Both authors are avid musicians, collect and restore vintage keyboards, and are well-known and respected in the international community of web forums devoted to these instruments.

Anyone with basic keyboard skills (equivalent to Alfred's Basic Piano, Lesson Book 2) can dig right in and begin learning rock right away. Starting with a thourough review of music fundamentals and basic rock theory, you will learn the basics of rock chords, left-hand patterns, arpeggios, slash chords, how to read lead sheets and get started improvising with the pentatonic scale. Other topics include blues-rock, rock ballads and an introduction to the modes. The essential starter for any rock keyboardist.

Develop the monster-chops of a great rock keyboardist with this conclusion to the only real, step-by-step rock keyboard method available today. Starting with a quick review of music fundamentals and theory, this book moves directly into advanced techniques and counterpoint exercises. Learn the concepts and techniques used by the great progressive rock keyboard virtuosos. Other topics include odd meters, modal interchange, rhythm and groove and the roles of the keyboard player in a rhythm section. Loaded with virtuosic, dazzling rock keyboard pieces to learn, this is a major step forward in the field of rock keyboard instruction. The CD demonstrates examples and offers opportunities to play along.

The Total Rock Keyboardist is an exciting journey through the diverse world of rock keyboard playing. This book is ideal for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced prog-rockers. Youll learn everything you need to become a well-rounded player, from rhythm parts that support the band to flashy improvised solos. Along the way, youll gradually learn important music theory such as chords, diatonic harmony, and scales. This book covers practicing tips, warm-ups, easy-to-understand theory, discussion of various keyboard instruments and their place in music history, left-hand bass lines in a variety of styles, tips for improvising melodies and keyboard solos, a wide variety of chords, and great songs and examples in the styles of innovative rock keyboardistspresent and past. A CD is included with backing tracks to make practicing fun and easy.

" ... Chuck Leavell, Reese Wynans, Dr. John and Al Kooper [are] the four legendary performers profiled in this book ... these four artists will tell you about their early years and musical beginnings. You'll see and hear music in each of their styles so that you can practice on your own piano. You'll also pick up licks and registrations for the classic Hammond B-3 organ. Be advised that a basic level of technical skill is needed to play the exercises in this book ... musical licks are written in the keys of C major or C minor, then transposed to a second key ..."--Introduction

(Keyboard Instruction). This book with audio will give you a complete rock piano workout in both modern and classic styles! You'll develop your rhythmic feel, dexterity, hand coordination, and voicing skills as you work through the fun, authentic examples. These pieces will help you use your rock piano technique in a musical, stylistically effective way. Each audio music sample is recorded at several tempos, so you can choose the one that's right for you as you play along with the rock rhythm section.