How to Play “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” on the Piano
Playing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” on the piano is a delightful challenge for both beginners and advanced players alike. This iconic song, made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” is a classic jazz standard that showcases the beauty and versatility of the piano. In this guide, we’ll explore various aspects of playing this timeless tune, from understanding the melody and harmony to mastering the rhythm and style.
Understanding the Song
“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is a jazz standard with a swing feel, typically in the key of Bb major. The song is structured in a 32-bar AABA form, with the A sections being the same and the B section being a bridge. The melody is smooth and lyrical, while the harmony is rich and complex, making it a perfect choice for piano improvisation.
Learning the Melody
The melody of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is a series of long, flowing notes that require a steady hand and a relaxed approach. To learn the melody, start by listening to the song and trying to sing along with it. Once you have a good grasp of the melody, you can begin to play it on the piano. Here are some tips to help you master the melody:
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Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo.
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Focus on playing the melody with a smooth, legato touch.
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Experiment with different dynamics to add expression to your playing.
Understanding the Harmony
The harmony of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is a key element of its jazz style. The song is based on a series of chord progressions that create a sense of movement and tension. To understand the harmony, you can use a chord chart or refer to the following table:
| Bar | Chord |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | Bb7 |
| 5-8 | E7 |
| 9-12 | A7 |
| 13-16 | Dm7 |
| 17-20 | G7 |
| 21-24 | C7 |
| 25-28 | F7 |
| 29-32 | Bb7 |
Once you’re familiar with the chord progressions, you can begin to play the harmony using a variety of techniques, such as block chords, broken chords, and arpeggios.
Mastering the Rhythm
The rhythm of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is a key element of its swing feel. The song is typically played in 4/4 time, with a swing feel that emphasizes the off-beats. To master the rhythm, you can use the following tips:
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Practice playing the rhythm with a metronome, focusing on the swing feel.
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Experiment with different rhythms, such as syncopation and rubato, to add interest to your playing.
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Listen to recordings of the song to get a sense of the rhythm and style.
Adding Style and Expression
One of the most rewarding aspects of playing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is adding your own style and expression to the music. Here are some tips to help you do that:
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Experiment with different articulations, such as staccato, legato, and tenuto, to add expression to your playing.
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Use dynamics to create a sense of contrast and interest in your performance.
