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KeyboardMag.com >> This Month >> Rikki Dont Lose That Ostinato
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Build accompaniments over a repeating left-hand riff. Rikki Dont Lose That OstinatoThis month’s lesson is based on one of Steely Dan’s greatest hits, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.” Donald’s jazz influence is evident here, as the song draws from the ’60s Horace Silver standard, “Song For My Father.” Latin rhythms are the basis for these pieces, which include a repeating bass line doubled by piano (see Example 1). A repeating phrase is called an ostinato, and it can be very effective when creating left-hand bass lines. It’s fun to comp or solo while playing a left-hand ostinato, but many people get their wires crossed the first few times they try. It’s easier when you play the same rhythm in both hands, and it takes some practice if you want your right hand to work independently from the left. Before tackling Example 2 — which helps train your hands to play independently — learn about the E9, the dominant chord your right hand will play in that example. If ninth chords are new to you, be sure to practice Example 1 before moving on. The funny thing about extended chords is that once you’ve learned all of the extra notes, you needn’t play all of them in order to achieve the same sonic effect. In Example 2, your right hand plays only three of the five notes that make up the E9. Yet, with a little help from the left-hand ostinato, we still hear the basic flavor of the E9 chord. Play Audio and MIDIThese audio and MIDI files correspond to the lessons and Hot Riffs transcription beginning on page 40 of the May 2006 issue of Keyboard. All files performed by Michael Gallant. |
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