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How to Play Rap on a Piano

Hip-hop and rap have come a long way since their debut in the 1970s. Today, artists are experimenting with a wide array of instruments, from synthesizers to steel drums, and even string orchestras. Now, more than ever, piano is becoming an integral part of making rap music.

Things You'll Need

  • Piano or keyboard
  • Rap music (CDs, mp3s, etc.)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the pentatonic minor scale. This is a five-note scale that's used in almost all rock and rap music today. Learn it on whatever instrument you're most comfortable with, then transpose the notes to piano.

    • 2

      Rehearse the pentatonic minor scale in different keys and at different tempos until you're very comfortable with it. When you're ready to play rap on the piano, you should be able to look at any key on the piano and run up and down its pentatonic minor scale.

    • 3

      Study rap music by listening to different artists and a variety of songs. Learn their piano riffs and practice them on your own to get new ideas, and to get a feel for different beats and their various uses. Log onto 911Tabs.com to get a variety of piano tabs by selecting the "Piano tabs" tab near the top of the page, and search for the song you want to learn.

Music Basics

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