![]() ![]() The absolute first name that you will find when doing any level of research into the world of Ragtime piano is Scott Joplin, and for good reason! Often dubbed the ‘King of Ragtime’ and is probably the most familiar name when it comes to the style, he is perhaps best known for his pieces such as ‘The Entertainer’ or ‘Maple Leaf Rag’, both of which are fantastic places to begin a ragtime journey. Using a fluttering combination of both on and off beat movements, players are able to mix rhythms between the right and left hands, which is what gives Ragtime that characteristic sound that is designed to make the listener move their feet and tap along. Meanwhile, the right hand in ragtime is reserved almost exclusively for playing syncopated melodies. ![]() The difficulty here is the jumps between the lowest notes and the higher end of the left hand movements, but this is often done in a rather structured manner, making it surprisingly easy to pick up once you have got the progressions mastered. The left hand represents that of the bass and percussion, with the lowest of notes aiming to replicate that of a tuba or larger brass instrument, whilst the upper movements of the left hand also represent that of steady drum patterns that keep the piece flowing in an ‘oom-pah’ rhythm. In Ragtime playing, each hand works independently, working in an almost marching like manner to keep a steady, jumping rhythm. As mentioned, the most iconic part of the ragtime playing style is that of jumping hand movements as the pianist tries to portray that of an entire band playing. ![]()
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