Arts >> Music >> Music Basics

How do you play freight train on piano?

To play "Freight Train" by Jerry Lee Lewis on the piano, follow these steps:

1. Starting Position:

- Hands positioned in a traditional C major position, with your left hand on the lowest octave and right hand on the middle octave.

- Press the C on the lower scale with your left thumb, and the E below middle C with your right index finger.

2. Verse:

- With a syncopated rhythm, keep your left thumb on the C in the lower scale, while playing a B with your right index, the E note with your middle finger, and the G# note with your thumb in ascending order with accents.

- Repeat the same syncopated rhythm for the A note with the right index finger, G with the middle finger, and F# with the thumb while the left hand stays on C.

3. Transition:

- With the left hand, slide from C to F in the lower octave, ending with your thumb on the F note.

- Simultaneously, play the G note on middle C with your right thumb, and add the B-flat accent with your index finger on the G note below.

4. Chorus:

- Keeping your left hand on the F, play the C-E-G scale with your right hand to create a "train horn" sound.

5. Bridge:

- Repeat the C-E-G scale with your right hand, keeping the left hand on F.

6. Ending:

- To finish, play the F note with your left hand, and strike down the C-E-G keys on middle C with your right hand, ending with a final C.

The syncopated rhythm and "train horn" effects are characteristic of the original "Freight Train" version. Practice to build speed and the "rocking" feel that typifies this famous piano-rock-and-roll classic.

Music Basics

Related Categories