The Truth About Practicing In All 12 Keys

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If you ask any serious Jazz musician, they will unanimously say you should practice everything in all 12 keys.

That can seem like an extremely daunting task, especially if you're a beginner.

There's no doubt that it can be extremely beneficial. But do you really have to practice absolutely everything in all 12 keys?

In this post I'll address the mysteries behind what I believe you absolutely should practice in all 12 keys vs. just a few different keys.

First we'll address what things you absolutely should, what things where only a few keys are sufficient, then the benefits of all 12 key practice and WHY.

1. What you absolutely should practice and know in all 12 keys:

• Scales / Modes - Any and all

• Voicings - Any and all: Left Hand, Comping Voicings, 2-Handed Voicings, Shells, etc.

• Common Chord Progressions - 2-5-1s, Turnarounds. Any and all variations, substitutions.

• Vocabulary / Transcribed phrases. NOT entire solos, but short pieces of vocab: Blues lick, 2-5 phrase, 5-1 phrase, Major chord phrase, Minor Chord phrase, etc.

• 1 - 2 of your favorite tunes, ones that are not too harmonically complex or long.

2. What you should practice and know in 3 - 4 different keys:

• A range of Standards, especially ones that have lyrics and are called often / popular with singers.

• Blues tunes in the keys of F, Bb, G, Eb and C, which are the most common Blues keys in Jazz.

• Rhythm Changes tunes. Besides the standard Bb, I suggest C and F.

• 5 - 10 tunes you know the most. This is a personal choice but you should know at least one tune in all 12 keys!

What are the benefits of practicing in all 12 keys??

If you look at even just a few Jazz tunes, you'll notice that there are progressions in many different keys!

Since Jazz uses so many chord progressions in all different keys, it's therefore essential you practice most things in all 12 keys.

You’ll find playing tunes in other keys can be fun, challenging and it will help you get better overall.

Doing so will help you avoid relying on muscle memory and play in a more original way, and ways that are unique to you.

For what keys to practice standards in, a good rule of thumb is:

One half step above or below, up or down a 4th, or up or down a minor 3rd from the original key.

Take note of versions with vocalists and what key they sing the tune in. It will often be at least a 3rd - 4th higher or lower than the original key.

NOTE: Bebop tunes are rarely called / played in other keys besides the original.

If you're just starting out or new to playing Jazz it is tedious at first, however the more you work on it the more it will start to flow and I promise is does get faster over time!

And the benefits are incredibly immense.

Start with simple things like a Voicing, small phrase or lick or a very simple tune with only 2 or 3 chords like "So What" or "Cantaloupe Island."

Either way if you're a musician, you should know any scale in all 12 keys.

You will have situations come up where you need to be able to transpose quickly.

Especially if you accompany vocalists, you will almost always be playing in keys that fit their vocal range, which are often in a totally different key than the original.

You’ll have situations come up where some tunes modulate through lots of different keys, even more “lesser used” keys.

Practicing things in all 12 keys is crucial to being a good jazz musician. It’s absolutely essential.

One crucial thing to note: Do not just transpose through say, the Circle of 4ths/5ths the same way every time; Mix up the order of the keys you do at random.

Why? Because what happens is you will get really good at C, F, Bb but then not be so good at less common keys like A, D, and E.

Always mix up how you play different keys. Play through the Circle fo 4ths clockwise and counter clockwise. Skip every other key. Choose keys in a totally random order.

Call To Action: This week I want you to learn one new voicing, one short lick/phrase, and one easy tune in all 12 keys.

Are you new to Jazz or Jazz piano and don't know where to start? Download my FREE guide and learn the 6 Steps for exactly where to start and what to focus on first.