CHAT

Friday, December 30

Route 66 American history embedded in this tune.

[My version played at Golden Buddha, April 2012] No vocals on this one. Includes bass on left hand and original instrumental solo part.

Piano lessons is a bit of strange idea when teaching piano since we're not really involved in the piano as much as, in this case, American history. The story of the highway that stretched from New York to LA is forever preserved in the song made famous by Nat King Cole, Route 66. [Wikipedia article] Here's Nat King Cole's 1946 version with pictures of the old route today.



I find that singing along helps learn to play it on the piano-- that multi sensory exercise obviously has an impact on memory and enjoyment. That's why I encourage students of all ages to sing the song to learn it. Play it again and sing along as follows. You'll notice the chords are embedded below. We'll consider that next, in the discussion.


Intro: F-F-F-F...etc



F A# F
If you ever plan to motor west
A# F
Travel my way, take the highway that's the best
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66

F A# F
It winds from Chicago to L.A.
A# F
More than 2000 miles all the way
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66



BRIDGE:
G (then no chord)
Now you go through St. Louie
A# (n.A#.)
Joplin, Missori
F
Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
A#
You'll see Amarillo
F
Gallop, New Mexico
C A#
Flagstaff, Arizona (Don't forget Winona)
F C
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino


F A# F
Won't you get hip to this timely tip
A# F
When you take that California trip
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66.


Solo-

Just solo on the Blues and Pentatonic scales in the Key of G.
(I may tab it out later)

BRIDGE:
G (then no chord)
Now you go through St. Louie
A# (n.A#.)
Joplin, Missori
F
Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
A#
You'll see Amarillo
F
Gallop, New Mexico
C A#
Flagstaff, Arizona (Don't forget Winona)
F C
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino


F A# F
Won't you get hip to this timely tip
A# F
When you take that California trip
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66.
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66.
C A# F
Get your kicks on Route 66.

Continue with a solo on the high notes in the key of G. then end on a G5 chord.

Enjoy ^_^
Can't play "Route 66"? Improve your playing via easy step-by-step video lessons!

[Discussion and updates] We'll look at the roman numeral chords and various piano versions.

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