Stride piano is a unique style of jazz piano that emerged from ragtime players in the early 20th century. The style is characterized by a highly syncopated left-hand rhythm that alternates between a single note and a chord played an octave or more higher. Meanwhile, the right hand plays the melody, often in a virtuosic and improvisational manner.
Prominent stride pianists include James P. Johnson, Willie “the Lion” Smith, Fats Waller, Luckey Roberts, Mrs Mills, and Mary Lou Williams. While the technique is difficult to master, it is perfect for entertaining a crowd of listeners with its flashy and exuberant style. Stride piano was largely born out of pure need and economy, as it allowed pianists to play the bass line chords and the melody without needing additional musicians.
In this article, we will explore the history and technique of stride piano, as well as its most influential players. Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or a pianist looking to expand your repertoire, understanding the fundamentals of stride piano is a valuable addition to your musical knowledge. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of stride piano together!
Stride Music
Stride music, also known as stride piano, is a jazz style that originated from ragtime music. It is characterized by a four-beat pulse where the pianist plays the bass note on the first and third beats of a four-four bar, followed by a chord on the second and fourth beats. This left-hand technique is what sets stride music apart from other jazz styles.
Some of the most prominent stride pianists include Fats Waller, Art Tatum, Willie “the Lion” Smith, Luckey Roberts, Mary Lou Williams, and Dick Hyman. These jazz pianists were based in Harlem and were known for their finger-busting performances, often engaging in cutting contests where they would compete against each other to see who could play the fastest.
Stride music is also known for its use of tension and release, where the pianist creates tension through dissonant notes before resolving it with a harmonious chord. This technique can be heard in popular stride piano songs like “Tea for Two.”
Although stride music originated from ragtime, it evolved to incorporate elements of swing, blues, and boogie-woogie. Stride pianists like Thelonious Monk, Cliff Jackson, Ralph Sutton, and Dick Wellstood continued to push the boundaries of the jazz style.
Today, stride music is still enjoyed by many jazz enthusiasts and continues to influence modern jazz styles.
Techniques and Styles
Stride piano is a challenging left-hand jazz piano technique that requires a high level of accuracy, dexterity, and swing. The stride style is characterized by a strong bass line played in octaves, chords on beats two and four, and a melody or improvised solo in the right hand.
The left hand technique involves playing a low bass note on beats one and three of the bar and a chord on beats two and four. The bass line can be played in a variety of patterns, including walking bass, broken octaves, and arpeggios. The chords can be triads, 7th chords, or inversions, and are often played with guide tones to create harmonic interest.
Stride piano is known for its complexity and fast tempo, with some pieces requiring the pianist to play up to ten notes per second. Famous stride pianists include James P. Johnson, Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, and Oscar Peterson, who all developed their own unique styles and techniques.
One of the most challenging stride piano pieces is the “finger buster,” which involves playing a fast and complex melody with the right hand while maintaining a steady bass line and chord progression with the left hand.
To play stride piano, it is essential to have a solid understanding of chord voicing, tenths, and accuracy in playing the root note and guide tones. Improvisation is also a crucial aspect of stride piano, as many pieces are not written down in sheet music and must be improvised by the pianist.
stride piano is a style that requires a high level of technical skill and creativity, but it is also incredibly rewarding and entertaining to listen to.
Famous Pieces and Musicians
Stride piano has produced some of the most memorable pieces of music in jazz history. Some of the most famous pieces include “Carolina Shout,” “Finger Buster,” and “Junkman Rag.” These pieces were performed by some of the most influential musicians in jazz history, including Willie “The Lion” Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller.
Willie “The Lion” Smith was one of the pioneers of stride piano. He was known for his virtuosic technique and his ability to improvise on the spot. His most famous piece, “Finger Buster,” is a classic example of stride piano and is still played by pianists today.
James P. Johnson was another influential stride pianist. He was known for his complex harmonies and his ability to blend classical and jazz styles. His most famous piece, “Carolina Shout,” is a classic example of stride piano and is still played by pianists today.
Fats Waller was one of the most popular jazz pianists of the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his humorous lyrics and his ability to play in a wide variety of styles. His most famous piece, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” is a classic example of stride piano and is still played by pianists today.
Other famous stride pianists include Mary Lou Williams, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Luckey Roberts, Dick Hyman, Thelonious Monk, Cliff Jackson, Ralph Sutton, Dick Wellstood, Earl Hines, and Oscar Peterson. Each of these musicians brought their own unique style to the genre and helped to shape the sound of jazz piano for generations to come.
stride piano has produced some of the most memorable pieces of music in jazz history. From “Carolina Shout” to “Finger Buster,” these pieces continue to inspire pianists and jazz enthusiasts around the world.
