If you were to learn jazz piano from scratch what are the first things you'd do?

**magmaro** · 07-14-2025, 04:01 PM

I know this is a jazz guitar forum, but I've seen some interesting posts on jazz piano so I thought I'd throw a post out there. If someone (perhaps me lol) was looking to start in jazz piano what are some of the most fundamental things/concepts one should grasp? What should one practice to get a really good foundation? To bring someone from 0 to a really good level what is the best (if there is one) approach?

**Strat-itis** · 07-14-2025, 04:09 PM

Take a handful of tunes and start working out how to play them.

Make your lil solo arrangement of the head. Can make up your own voicings and look up voicings. Look at tutorials how to arrange it. Listen to how it's arranged in recordings.

Work on soloing. Outline the changes. Scales, arps, intervals, chromatics. Learn vocab. Pick up one lick at a time from recordings, or learn parts that are written down from your favorite players. Focus on one part of playing at a time, but also work towards understanding a holistic approach of integrating everything. Bass, harmony, melody.

**magmaro** · 07-14-2025, 05:31 PM

thanks !

**Strat-itis** · 07-14-2025, 06:13 PM

You're welcome!

**ragman1** · 07-14-2025, 11:10 PM

If you were to learn jazz piano from scratch what are the first things you'd do?

Get a piano

**bako** · 07-15-2025, 09:55 AM

Where to begin depends greatly on where you are knowledge wise as a guitar player because the transfer of that knowledge to the new instrument will be your greatest asset.

1. learning the layout of notes (far easier than a guitar fingerboard)
2. what interval combinations are available (harmonically and melodically) for each hand without moving
3. how to shift locations generally done crossing over the thumb
(basic scale/arpeggio fingerings provide a good starter model)
4. two hand rhythm coordination
5. applying present musical knowledge to the new instrument
6. listen to pianists (a lot)
7. have fun

**AllanAllen** · 07-15-2025, 10:26 AM

I'd probably start with the C major scale fingering, some diatonic chords and happy birthday before any of this years 2-5 stuff people are suggesting.

You can't play jazz without basic foundation, no matter the instrument.

**magmaro** · 07-15-2025, 03:26 PM

Yeah I played piano a bit before guitar (just on my own) and learned fingerings for all scales and what not so I have all of those down. I think you're right i just gotta play songs now and learn more advanced concepts.

**magmaro** · 07-15-2025, 03:27 PM

true, have these down already though

**AllanAllen** · 07-15-2025, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by magmaro

true, have these down already though

Well, then I have no advice. Other than learn a few tunes and start playing with other people ASAP. Less is more, comp sparsely and guitar players will love you.