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Created byJames Gaither

Last updated 6/2015

English

What you'll learn

- A greater understanding of musical structures and the ability to play them in a smooth manner.
Learning Hip Hop songs specially arranged for piano and keyboard
Learn how to play melodies and comp bass hand patterns simutaneously.
Detailed midi playback file with sheet music accompanies each lecture

Course content

5 sections • 62 lectures • 5h 27m total length

Course Intro and Piano Basics2:00
This is the introduction of "Hip Hop For Piano" which covers music theory, keyboard finger positioning, and musical scales.
C Major Scale3:09
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the C Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
G Major Scale2:31
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the G Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
D Major Scale2:46
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the D Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
A Major Scale2:15
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the A Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
E Major Scale2:44
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the E Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
B Major Scale3:07
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the B Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
F# Major Scale3:04
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the F# Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
C# Major Scale4:38
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the C# Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
F Major Scale2:17
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the F Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Bb Major Scale2:17
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Bb Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Eb Major Scale2:38
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Eb Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Ab Major Scale2:43
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Ab Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Db Major Scale3:04
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Db Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Gb Major Scale3:56
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Gb Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Cb Major Scale1:49
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Cb Major Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
A Minor Scale1:58
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the A Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
E Minor Scale2:30
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the E Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
B Minor Scale2:11
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the B Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
F# Minor Scale2:36
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the F# Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
C# Minor Scale2:18
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the c# Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
G# Minor Scale2:45
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the G# Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
D# Minor Scale3:07
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the D# Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
A# Minor Scale5:39
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the A# Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
D Minor Scale1:49
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the D Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
G Minor Scale2:16
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the G Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
C Minor Scale2:30
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the C Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
F Minor Scale2:13
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the F Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Bb Minor Scale2:36
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Bb Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Eb Minor Scale3:12
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Eb Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.
Ab Minor Scale4:54
In this lecture, you will be reviewing the Ab Minor Scale and included in this lecture:

- Video of the scale and chord structures

- Detailed chart of the key signature
- Quiz on the notes and chord structures of the scale.

Song Cry - Jay-Z (Produced by Just Blaze)10:32
The first lecture of the series, we will analyze the track "Song Cry" by Jay-Z which was produced by Just Blaze. The song is in the key of G Minor (Relative to Bb Major) and has a standard 4-bar progression. Along with the video instruction a midi of the track and sheet music will be used as study materials.
The Dynasty Intro - Jay-Z (Produced by Just Blaze)12:09
Our next lecture will focus on a rousing arpeggio of strings, dominant bassline, and beautiful harmony. This is found in "Dynasty Intro (Roc-La-Familia)" as it is the first song off of Jay-Z's "Roc-La-Familia - Dynasty 2001" album which was produced by Just Blaze. The key is F# Minor and accompanying sheet music and midi file will be included as study material.
The Roots - You Got Me (Produced by Scott Storch)8:47
Our next lesson on the East Coast Hip Hop style of production will be "You Got Me" by Philadelphia-based group, The Roots. Produced by Scott Storch, the song has a very jazz oriented vibe that is a wonderful fusion of Hip Hop and R&B. The chord progression in this track has a large ability for pianists or other instrumentalist to improvise and included in the lesson are sheet music and additional midi file for playback.
Big Poppa - Notorious BIG (Produced by Chucky Thompson)6:54
"Big Poppa" was a monster Hip Hop song produced by Chucky Thompson and Puff Daddy for the Notorious BIG in the mid-nineties. The song samples "In Between The Sheets" by The Isley Brothers and has very smooth and melodic chord progression. This particular track had a very large crossover appeal as it was able to bring great interest from Hip Hop and Non-Hip Hop listeners alike. Attached in this particular lesson are the accompanying sheet music and midi file.
Frontin - Pharrell and Jay-Z (Produced by Pharrell Williams)5:23
"Frontin" is a collaborative effort of Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes production group and Hip Hop Artist, Jay-Z. The songs is in D Major which gives it a light and airy feel along with a playful melody. Accompanying this lesson are the midi files and sheet music.
Diced Pineapples - Rick Ross (produced by Cardiak)5:58
Our 6th lesson will focus on a new and up and coming producer by the name of Cardiak. "Diced Pineapples" is an immensely popular song produced for Rick Ross which featured Drake and Wale. The song is in F# Minor and has a mere 4 chords for the totality of the track. However, there is enormous room for improvisation due to the nature of the key signature. Included in this lecture are the sheet music and midi file.
NY State of Mind - Nas - (Produced by DJ Premier)6:00
"NY State of Mind" was produced in 1994 by DJ Premier for the debut LP of Illmatic by Nas. The track translates perfectly to piano as the primary bass line is part of the c# minor key signature. This video lecture will show you how to play this song as you hear it on the original track. The midi and sheet music file is also included in this lesson.
The World Is Yours - Nas (Produced by Pete Rock)3:04
"The World Is Yours" was produced by Pete Rock for Nas. The song definitely translates perfectly to the piano as the chord progressions are very jazz-oriented. Included in this analysis, there is a midi and sheet music to follow along.
In The Morning - J. Cole (Produced by L&X)10:54
This lecture will delve into more recent producers, "In The Morning" was produced by L&X for Recording Artists Drake and J. Cole. The song is in Eb Minor and is composed of a mere two piano chords and a beautiful melodic walkdown. It is a wonderful piano solo piece and wonderful to play in an ensemble. In this lesson, the sheet music and midi file are included.
Overnight Celebrity - Kanye West (Produced by Kanye West)12:42
"Overnight Celebrity" is a Hip Hop piece produced by Kanye West which samples "Cause I Love You" by Lenny Williams. This production marked the a very crucial start of Super-Producer Kanye West's career. The song was sampled and was sped up on Kanye's track. The production has a beautiful string section and chord progression which will be analyzed in great detail in this lecture. Included in this lecture are sheet music and midi files.
Bad - Wale (Produced by Tiara Thomas and Kelson Camp)3:11
"Bad" is a song produced by Tiara Thomas and Kelson Camp for Hip Hop Artist Wale. The song contains a standard 3 chord progression and the guitar contained in the track translates wonderfully for the piano. This is a short lesson as the progression is fairly straight forward. The midi file and sheet music are included with his lesson.

Heads Ringing - Dr. Dre (Produced by Dr. Dre)5:48
"Keep Their Heads Ringing" is a Dr. Dre Production for the "Friday" film soundtrack. The chord progression has immensely dark undertones due to the nature of the key signature. We will analyze the melody and bass patterns in this lecture and it will include sheet music and midi file.
I Ain't Mad At Cha - Tupac (Produced by Daz Dillinger)18:58
"I Ain't Mad At Cha" is a song performed by Hip Hop Artist "Tupac Shakur". The track was produced by Daz Dillinger and samples "A Dream" by R&B Group DeBarge. As the key signature is Eb Major, this allows the chord the progression to have a very rich texture of dissonant, suspended, and other chord variants. Included in this lesson are the midi file and sheet music.
Xxplosive - Dr. Dre (Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel Man)4:39
"Xxplosive" is a Dr. Dre and Mel Man Production off of the "2001: Chronic" LP by Dr. Dre. The song has a very predominant bass pattern and fantastic melodic line. The song is in F Minor (relative Ab Major) and contains a "call/response" motif. Included in this analysis is the sheet music and midi file.
Still D.R.E (Produced by Dr. Dre, Scott Storch)7:08
"Still D.R.E" was the lead single by Dr. Dre off his LP "Chronic 2001". It is in the key of a minor and has a very strong right-hand staccato pattern. This is the penultimate West-Coast sound as it has hard bass line, powerful and airy melodic section, and accompanying string ensemble. This lesson will include sheet music and appropriate sheet music.
Lay Low - Snoop Dogg (Produced by Dr. Dre)2:42
"Lay Low" is a Dr. Dre track produced for Snoop Dogg and Tha Eastsidaz. It has a heavy piano-ridden motif and a very aggressive bass pattern. Once again, this translates wonderfully for piano solos and compositions. Included in this analysis are the proper sheet music and midi file.
Leave You Alone - Neyo and Young jeezy (Produced by Warren G)6:27
"Leave You Alone" is a collaboration of Hip Hop Artist, Young Jeezy and R&B Artist, Neyo.The song is in F# Minor and was produced by West Coast Hip Hop Producer and Pioneer Warren G. Much of the song is composed of 7th chords with the ability to have additional voicing groups or melodic lines added into the mix. This lesson will also include sheet music and proper midi file.

Another Round - Fat Joe and Chris Brown (Yung Ladd)7:19
Within this lecture, we have our first Southern production which is "Another Round" produced by Yung Ladd for Fat Joe and Chris Brown. The key is in D Major and we'll explore these chord progressions and follow-up with the sheet music and midi file.
Aston Martin Music - Rick Ross (Produced by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League)4:26
Next we will be reviewing the Florida-based production team of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League which created "Aston Martin Music" for Rick Ross. It is a 3 chord progression that has varying staccato patterns and we will be reviewing them in this lesson. Accompanying material will be midi and sheet music file.
All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled (DJ Nasty and LVM)6:50
Lecture 20 will focus on another Florida-based production team, DJ Nasty and LVM as they produced "All I Do Is Win". The overall theme is fairly Anthem-oriented and actually has been arranged for numerous marching bands throughout the country. We will explore the heavy brass section in this track , as it produces a fairly powerful effect on listeners. The accompanying material will be sheet music and midi file.
Maybach Curtains - Meek Mill, Nas, John Legend, Rick Ross (Produced by Infamous)6:22
In Lesson 21, we will focus on "Maybach Curtains", which was produced by Infamous in our Southern Hip Hop Production Section. The production of this track accentuates John Legend's vocal range as well as create a bold backdrop for the prose of Meek Mill, Rick Ross, and Nas. Ultimately, we will discuss the chord progression of the song and add in accompanying sheet music and midi file.
Bag Of Money - Rick Ross and T-Pain (Produced by Beat Billionaire)9:57
Beat Billionare is another Southern-based producer and created "Bag of Money" for Rick Ross and T-Pain. This is a bold track that has a prominent string section, heavy use of synthesizers, and a great use of melodic tension. Included in this lesson are the midi file and accompanying sheet music.
Dufflebag Boy - Playaz Circle and Lil Wayne (M16)10:08
As we continue with our Southern Hip Hop Section, "Dufflebag Boy" was a collaboration between Playaz Circle and Lil Wayne. We explore the dominant and prominent chord structures in this song for piano and included in the lecture are sheet music and appropriate midi file.
Lollipop - Lil Wayne (Produced by Deezle and Jim Jonsin)17:23
In this lecture we will be going over "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne which is in D Minor. This track was produced by Deezle and Jim Jonsin based out of New Orleans and Florida respectively. We will review this chord progression and melodic section in this lesson and follow-up with accompanying sheet music and midi file.
Love Me - Lil Wayne feautring Drake, and Future (Produced by Mike-Will-Made-It)4:23
"Love Me" is a track produced by Atlanta-based producer Mike-Will-Made-It and features Lil Wayne, Drake, and Future. In this lecture we will discuss the melodic chord structures of this song and accompany the whole lesson with sheet music and midi file.
Ready - Fabolous and Chris Brown (Produced by The Runners and Monarch)7:44
Lecture 26 focuses on production style of The Runners and Monarch in their collaboration of "Ready" for Hip Hop Artist Fabolous and R&B Artist Chris Brown. The structure has a very open and light feel as it seems to be the motif for modern Southern Hip Hop Productions. We will review all of the notes for the song and you will have the proper sheet music and midi file to accompany the lesson.
Look What You've Done - Drake (Produced by Chase N. Cashe)9:23
Rounding out the last portion of our Southern Hip Hop Production Style section, our attention will be directed towards "What You've Done" as it was produced by Chase N Cashe. The track samples "Never Scared" by the R&B group Playa. The piano melody is fairly prominent in this song and is great for solo instrumental pieces.

Included are the midi file and downloadable sheet music.

From Time - Drake and Jhene Aiko (Produced by Noah Shebib and Chilly Gonzalez)8:33
First in the international style of Hip Hop Production, "From Time" produced by Noah Shebib will be our first lecture. Compared to their American Contemporaries, a classical, minimalist, and dissonant blend can be heard in this production as the melody is light and haunting, then balanced by a dominant bass pattern. Included in this lecture are sheet music and midi.
Swimming Pools - Kendrick Lamar (Produced by T-Minus)10:13
In our lecture, we will be reviewing Kendrick Lamar's "Swimming Pools" which was produced by Canadian-born producer T-Minus. The liberal use of horns and expert timing of the synthesizer and drum tracks in this song provide an uneasy feeling within the user which coincides with Lamar's lyrics. Included in this lesson are sheet music and midi files.
Moment 4 Life - Nikki Minaj (Produced by T-Minus)6:15
Our final review of International Hip Hop Production will be "Moment 4 Life" which was produced by T-Minus for Nikki Minaj and Drake. We will discuss the ascending melodic pattern in the song as well as the following bass chords. Included in the lecture are sheet music and midi file.
Conclusion2:00

Requirements

Computer
Notation Software
Music Keyboard
Adobe Reader or FoxIT Reader

Description

This course is by far the easiest and most effective method to learn Hip Hop Songs and production styles on piano. Within mere minutes you will be playing popular songs on piano from the greatest Hip Hop Producers of today.

Piano for Hip Hop Fans is a course is geared towards musicians who have a love and passion for Hip Hop and want to learn the different regional styles for piano or keyboard. Whether it be West Coast, East Coast, Southern, or International styles, hours of lectures have your interests covered in this beautiful genre.

Lecture includes the following songs:

Song Cry - Jay-Z (Produced by Just Blaze)

The Dynasty Intro - Jay-Z (Produced by Just Blaze)

The Roots - You Got Me (Produced by Scott Storch)

Big Poppa - Notorious BIG (Produced by Chucky Thompson)

Frontin - Pharrell and Jay-Z (Produced by Pharrell Williams)

Diced Pineapples - Rick Ross (produced by Cardiak)

NY State of Mind - Nas - (Produced by DJ Premier)

The World Is Yours - Nas (Produced by Pete Rock)

In The Morning - J. Cole (Produced by L&X)

Overnight Celebrity - Kanye West (Produced by Kanye West)

Bad - Wale (Produced by Tiara Thomas and Kelson Camp)

Heads Ringing - Dr. Dre (Produced by Dr. Dre)

I Ain't Mad At Cha - Tupac (Produced by Daz Dillinger)

Xxplosive - Dr. Dre (Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel Man)

Still D.R.E (Produced by Dr. Dre, Scott Storch)

Lay Low - Snoop Dogg (Produced by Dr. Dre)

Leave You Alone - Neyo and Young Jeezy (Produced by Warren G)

Another Round - Fat Joe and Chris Brown (Yung Ladd)

Aston Martin Music - Rick Ross (Produced by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League)

All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled (DJ Nasty and LVM)

Maybach Curtains - Meek Mill, Nas, John Legend, Rick Ross (Produced by Infamous)

Bag Of Money - Rick Ross and T-Pain (Produced by Beat Billionaire)

Dufflebag Boy - Playaz Circle and Lil Wayne (M16)

Lollipop - Lil Wayne (Produced by Deezle and Jim Jonsin)

Love Me - Lil Wayne feautring Drake, and Future (Produced by Mike-Will-Made-It)

Ready - Fabolous and Chris Brown (Produced by The Runners and Monarch)

Look What You've Done - Drake (Produced by Chase N. Cashe)

From Time - Drake and Jhene Aiko (Produced by Noah Shebib and Chilly Gonzalez)

Swimming Pools - Kendrick Lamar (Produced by T-Minus)

Moment 4 Life - Nikki Minaj (Produced by T-Minus)

·Save time and money by learning remotely rather than travel to traditional music instruction

·A pressure-free approach to playing music, no judgment or stress involved with your musical journey.

·Take 20 minutes a day and watch your progress grow!

·Keyboard or a piano is all you will need to get started.

·Remote tutoring exists well past the course time.

·Do the lessons on your own time and adjust them according to your personal schedule.

To learn piano, one will only need a will and desire to practice and most importantly, have fun. The only physical requirements needed to finish this course would be: piano/electric keyboard, computer, and a printer. The visual method of this course will allow you to quickly ascertain music theory, piano fingerings, rhythm, cadences, and chord structures within a very short amount of time.

Pace yourself and enjoy the musical journey as you will be exposed to 20+ great years of Hip Hop songs arranged for piano!!

Pianist, James Gaither provides a detailed, chord-based, and relaxed music course that will span well over 3 hours of concise and detailed instruction. Class and coursework will be enjoyable as his teaching style is stress-free and is oriented to have users learn at their own pace.

The supplementary materials in this course will be midi files for playback and experimentation within most music production software and accompanying sheet music for each respective lecture.

A mere 20 minutes a day will have you playing like a professional in no time!

Who this course is for:

Musicians who are interested in playing Hip Hop Songs For Piano
Hip Hop Producers interested in learning melodic production styles over the past 20 years

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Course Introduction31 lectures • 1hr 28min

East Coast Production Style - (Right Hand Arpeggios and Melodic Emphasis)11 lectures • 1hr 26min

West Coast Hip Hop Production (Sticatto Patterns and Walking Bass Patterns)6 lectures • 46min

Southeren Hip Hop Production Style (Building Melodic and Harmonic Tension)10 lectures • 1hr 24min

International Hip Hop Production Style (A Classical Piano Approach to Hip Hop)4 lectures • 27min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: