How to Play Honky Tonk Piano

Honky tonk piano playing is a more raucous form of ragtime music. It depends more on rhythm than melody, and is closely related to boogie woogie piano. Popular honky tonk piano players include Fats Domino and Jelly Roll Morton. The musical style was popularized in the 1950s by "Honky Tonk," the saxophone-tinged instrumental by Bill Doggett.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Listen to honky tonk piano. Fats Domino is the best example, but the sound can also be heard in the playing style of several New Orleans and southern musicians like Dr. John and Jo Ann Castle.

2. Locate a good rock or blues piano teacher. They'll show you the rudimentary honky tonk chords and songs that make up the basics of honky tonk piano.

3. Learn to play a bass line with your left hand and a few basic notes with the right hand. This will give you the honky tonk basics. Then put some energy into it, and always remember to play it a little wild and "dirty" to really capture the raucous, ragtime feel of the music.

4. Incorporate blues, ragtime and boogie woogie songs into your routine. These closely related styles will add depth and variety to your playing. There aren't many current songs that can be called "honky tonk" exclusively, so practicing related styles will help your overall playing.

5. Order instructional DVDs and sheet music from your local music store or an online retailer. Practice a few numbers and soon you'll be able to entertain family and friends with your renditions.