Pentatonic Songs & Pentatonic Melodies as a route to key changes
Roar by Katy Perry is a perfect example of an entirely pentatonic song. Pentatonic songs (using the scale notes 1-2-3-5-8) allow you to improvise much more readily if you transpose melodies so that they lie entirely on the black keys. With pentatonic song improvisation you almost can’t go wrong because any note tends to ‘sound good’ so it’s a great place to start!
Transposition and Modulation using Pentatonic Songs
The other advantage of using the pentatonic scale is that it is very easy to transpose the melody into another key. The term for changing key is “modulation”. I start my cover version in Bb and then take the second chorus up to C, or “modulate to C”.
Here’s my lesson demonstrating key change with pentatonic song improvisation:
Pentatonic Songs & Structure
Thirdly, it’s then very easy to use elements of a pentatonic melodies and not stick exactly to the original structure. The result is a much more free pentatonic improvisation or extemporisation.
Pentatonic Songs and Stylistic Development
Fourthly, because the melody is pentatonic, it’s also a great opportunity to change the style. When I reach the chorus in this piano cover version, I move to a slight RnB style bass.
Pentatonic Song Reharmonisation
Finally, pentatonic songs allow re-harmonisation. I add the dominant chord (once I am in the key of C, that’s the chord of G), some blues notes, and an augmented 5th chord to create much more harmonic grit. The result is a more individual and personal take on this wonderful song. The original song also only uses 4 chords. In the original key they are: Bb, Cm, Gm, Eb.
The Pentatonic Song Piano Cover
Finally, put it all together and here’s my piano cover version of Roar by Katy Perry!
@KatyPerry
The Maestro Online Library
The Maestro Online subscription library includes courses that enable you to improvise on or cover a song whilst learning theory and technique.
Celebrity masterclasses by experienced names, such as Madonna’s keyboard player, take you to an even higher level.
The Maestro Online Piano Lessons (Zoom or Face-to-Face)
If you would like some contemporary pop piano lessons that still include much pedagogy and technique, visit:
www.the-maestro-online.com/pianolanding
Self-study piano courses and celebrity piano masterclasses
We have celebrity masterclasses from the likes of the pianist to Will Young, the Jacksons and more. Visit Music Courses Online and Music Masterclasses for more details.
Subscribe Today
For 1-1 music lessons (Zoom or in-person) visit The Maestro Online Calendar
All Courses
Far cheaper than 1-1 lessons + a great add-on-
Annual: £195.99
-
All Piano Courses
-
All Organ Courses
-
All Singing Courses
-
All Guitar Courses
All Courses + Masterclasses + Exam Practice Toolkits
Best value-
Over £2000 total value
-
Annual: £299.99
-
All Masterclasses
-
All Exam Practice Toolkits
-
All Piano Courses
-
All Organ Courses
-
All Singing Courses
-
All Guitar Courses
All Courses + Masterclasses Exam Practice Toolkits
+ 1 hour 1-1 Lesson-
Monthly 1hr Lesson
-
All Exam Practice Toolkits
-
All Masterclasses
-
All Piano Courses
-
All Organ Courses
-
All Singing Courses
-
All Guitar Courses
