Arts >> Music >> Songs & Lyrics

How to Play Dark Blue on the Piano

"Dark Blue" is track #6 of "Jack's Mannequin's" debut album "Everything in Transit." Written by one of alternative-rock's top artists Andrew McMahon, the song deals with the personal angst associated with coming of age. It begins with an ostinato pattern played in the middle register of the piano. The 16-note ostinato continues in the background throughout most of the piece. McMahon wrote the song as a side-project when he was a member of the band, "Something Corporate."

Instructions

    • 1

      Assume the "B Flat Hand Position" on the piano with your right hand by placing your pointer finger on Middle C, your thumb on B Flat, your middle finger on D and your ring finger on E Flat.

    • 2

      Say "In-di-an-a" out loud four times to get a feel for the rhythm of the ostinato pattern. The pattern consists of 16th notes in a 4/4 meter. Saying "Indiana" or "Pennsylvania" helps keeps the rhythm steady.

    • 3

      Play the 16th notes in this order :

      Eb Bb Eb Bb D Bb D Bb C Bb C Bb D Bb D Bb

    • 4

      Repeat the ostinato pattern throughout the song. The ostinato stops just before each chorus during the lyrics, "Slow down," and resumes during the verses. It also stops during the bridge and resumes during the song's tag.

    • 5

      Play two more measures of the ostinato to end the song, slowing down during the last measure. Finish by playing one last Eb and hold.

+:
+:

Songs & Lyrics

Related Categories