To learn the recurring piano part in “Love Lockdown,” I first recommend visiting Kanye’s blog at www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog Search on the site for “love lock down stems” and you’ll be able to hear and download each of the song’s individual tracks. This feature is meant for remixers, but it’s great for players, too! Download the piano tracks, and you’ll hear exactly what’s going on without having to listen around the vocals or drum tracks.
Like our previous pop lessons, the piano part involves the use of triads (three-note chords). In this case, we add an octave above the lowest note in each chord to make it sound stronger. As you play, keep your wrists from slouching, and make sure the fingers are gently curved.
“Love Lockdown” is in the key of C# minor, which uses the same key signature as E major, which happens to be the second chord you play. This example is similar to the part in the song, and has the left hand doubling the lowest chord tone on the lower octave. Also try playing the full chords with both hands, an octave apart, for some serious power. The first beat of each chord figure starts with an eighth-note rest. To come in at the right time, count out loud when first learning the piano part. The first chord in each measure comes in on the “and” after “one.” As always, start off slow, and shoot for an even rhythm before bringing it up to tempo.