Pink Floyd The Great Gig In The Sky Piano
Introduction
"The Great Gig in the Sky" is an epic song by Pink Floyd that features a powerful piano intro. The track is from the album Dark Side of The Moon, which was released in 1973. The piano arrangement has become a popular choice for musicians, and many aspiring pianists want to learn how to play it. In this article, we will break down the elements of the piano intro and offer tips on how to master the piece.
The Piano Intro
The piano intro of "The Great Gig in the Sky" is one of the most iconic pieces of music in the rock genre. It starts with a simple chord progression in the key of F# minor. The chords follow a descending pattern, with each one lasting for two beats. The progression is as follows:
F#m7 / B7 / E / A / D / G / C / F#m7
Once you have mastered these chords, you can start working on the melody. The melody features a series of eighth notes that are played with a swing rhythm. The notes are played in groups of three or four and are accented to create a sense of movement and momentum.
The melody starts on the first beat of the first chord (F#m7) and continues for two measures. It then repeats with a slight variation that accents different notes. The melody ends on the eighth note of the second measure of the last chord (F#m7).
Tips for Playing the Piano Intro
The piano intro of "The Great Gig in the Sky" is a challenging piece to master, but with practice and patience, you can become proficient. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Focus on the Chords
The first step in mastering the piano intro is to focus on the chords. Practice playing them in sequence until you can move between them smoothly. Once you have the chords down, you can start working on the melody.
Use a Metronome
The swing rhythm of the melody can be difficult to master. Using a metronome can help you develop a sense of timing and ensure that you are playing the notes with the correct rhythm.
Practice in Sections
Break the intro down into small sections and practice each one until you can play it flawlessly. Once you have each section down, you can start putting them together to create the complete intro.
Experiment with Dynamics
The piano intro of "The Great Gig in the Sky" features a range of dynamics, from soft and quiet to loud and powerful. Experiment with the dynamics to create a sense of tension and release.
Conclusion
The piano intro of "The Great Gig in the Sky" is a challenging yet rewarding piece to master. With practice and patience, you can develop the skills needed to play this iconic piece of music. Focus on the chords, use a metronome, practice in sections, and experiment with dynamics to create a powerful and memorable performance.
