Learn Easy Blues Piano (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Step 2: The Riff — "Crushing 3rds"

Our first right-hand riff is called “Crushing 3rds.” It uses note pairs that are a third apart — and gives that classic bluesy sound by sliding into them.

🎵 Tip: Sliding quickly from the Eb to the E gives that "crushed note" sound that’s iconic in blues piano.

Once you get the hang of it, try playing it over the C chord — and then with the full progression. To make it even more fun, try playing along with a blues band backing track.

 

The C Major Blues Scale

Next, let’s look at the scale that powers all these riffs and licks: the C Major Blues Scale.

C – D – Eb – E – G – A – C

This scale gives you that unmistakable blues sound, and even just running up or down the notes can sound great.

Practice playing the scale in a swung rhythm, starting with a chord in your left hand and bringing the scale in just after the beat. It’s a simple way to create authentic-sounding blues melodies without memorizing complex runs.

 

Lick 1 — "The Swinging Circle"

Now let’s dig into some licks.

Our first one is called “The Swinging Circle.” It loops around three notes of the blues scale in a circular motion that feels very natural once you're used to it.

 

Lick 2 — "Skipping Down"

Next up is “Skipping Down.” It has a bounce to it and features a syncopated rhythm that gives your playing a playful, funky feel.

Once you’ve learned the base lick, experiment with different endings — that small change can breathe new life into your phrases.

Bonus for Members 🎉

 

If you’re a member of Birds Piano Academy, you can download sheet music and backing tracks for everything in this lesson inside your account.

Not a member yet? You can get access to all kinds of piano courses, including blues and jazz, plus chord charts, eBooks, and more. There’s even a 7-day free trial.

 

 

 

 

Lick 3 — "Riff Extended"

This final lick is an extension of the first riff you learned — think of it as a longer, more expressive version of “Crushing 3rds.”

It includes a small “turn” underneath, which might feel awkward at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes a really expressive tool.

Putting It All Together — Mix and Match

Once you're comfortable with these riffs and the scale, it’s time to get creative.

Start improvising by mixing and matching the licks rather than repeating the same one over and over. This gives your playing more variety and keeps things interesting — without diving headfirst into full-on soloing (which can be intimidating for beginners).

Try alternating the riffs throughout the progression. For example:

• Start with “Crushing 3rds”

• Move into “Swinging Circle”

• Finish with “Skipping Down” or “Riff Extended”

This structured way of improvising makes it much easier to find your groove and build confidence.