In this video, jazz and gospel pianist Britney Bloom shares her expertise in improvisation, focusing on scales, chords, and rhythmic concepts essential for gospel piano. Britney emphasizes mastering major and minor scales in all 12 keys, as they form the foundation for improvisation. She demonstrates how to use the pentatonic and blues scales, the Dorian and Mixolydian modes, and explains their application over common gospel chord progressions, like the twofiveone. Britney also discusses rhythmic elements, highlighting the significance of swing and groove in gospel music, and advises aspiring pianists to listen, sing, and internalize these rhythms. Through practical examples using the song "Jesus Will" by Anita Wilson, she illustrates how to embellish familiar songs with improvisational ideas, offering valuable insights for pianists aiming to enhance their gospel playing.

Check out Britney's Social media:
✅ Instagram:   / britbloom  
✅ Youtube:    / @britneybloom  

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:51 Importance of Scales in Improvisation

02:42 Practicing Major and Minor Scales in All Keys

03:57 Applying Scales to Song Key

04:43 Understanding Common Chord Progressions

05:26 Using Major Scales for Soloing

06:08 Introduction to Church Modes

07:38 Dominant Chords and Mixolydian Mode

10:15 Applying Mixolydian Mode to Dominant Chords

11:52 Using Scales for Soloing Over Progressions

13:45 Stride Piano and LeftHand Techniques

15:52 Combining LeftHand and RightHand Techniques

17:48 Emphasizing Rhythms in Improvisation

20:20 The Importance of Rhythm in Gospel and Jazz

21:54 Understanding Swing and Backbeat

22:25 Learning by Listening and Practicing Swing

23:29 Simple Melodies and Rhythmic Practice