Advanced Blues Improvisation Based on Quarter Note Triplets

By Thomas Gunther

March 3, 2025

What you will learn from this article

In this article, I present a 5-step exercise series that will prepare you to employ some of the most exciting rhythmic concepts in your improvisations.

It includes a video tutorial and accompanying sheet music that you can view and download for free!

Background information for this training series

It may seem counterintuitive to find math in blues music, which is deeply rooted in feelings and emotions, yet it plays a significant role in how this genre functions.
In this article, I will demonstrate how some of the most dazzling blues rhythms are based on quarter note triplets and their subdivisions.

Since this may sound abstract and not very appealing just by reading about it, I decided to spontaneously improvise a blues piece based on this concept to provide you with an attractive example of what this can sound like. I also transcribed it after analyzing my own performance. Finally, I developed a five-step exercise series designed to prepare you to improvise in that style. In addition to blues and boogie, this rhythmic concept can be applied to various genres of music, especially jazz and Latin music.

How to get the most out of this blues piano lesson

I recommend watching the video tutorial first. After that, I suggest downloading the free sheet music, which includes the transcription of my spontaneous improvisation along with the five-step exercise series.

About the author

Thomas Gunther, also known as Thommy Günther in Germany, is a highly versatile jazz pianist, keyboardist, music producer, and educator with international recognition. He was born and raised in Germany, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Performing Jazz and Popular Music from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart.

After relocating to Chicago, Thomas quickly became the principal pianist for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by the esteemed music arranger and composer William Russo. In this role, he had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Randy Brecker, Body DiFranco, Archie Shepp, Jon Faddis, Cassandra Wilson, and Orbert Davis.

Currently, Thomas is an integral part of the Chicago music scene, performing with various groups both as a sideman and as a leader. He heads the Thomas Gunther Trio Plus and has toured Germany with the Thomas Gunther’s Taste Of Chicago Band. In addition to his performance career, he has produced, arranged, and recorded a substantial body of work, serving both in leadership roles and as a collaborator.

Thomas also provides music arranging and orchestration services for ensembles of all sizes, including contributions to the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. As an educator, he shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago. For more information about Thomas, visit https://www.ThomasGunther.com.