Good to hear Wordhammer! The 60s is e.g. when groove based soul jazz and jazz blues really took off. I've been infected quite heavily myself with the jazz organ blues flu since some time. Don't know when or if I'm gonna be cured, as it is such great fun to play walking bass lines with the left hand while soloing on top with the right :-) Just a few days ago I uploaded another 60s jazz blues called 'The Cat'. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi gilbert The ultimate jazz organ setup is an old all-tubed B-3 or C-3 with two all-tubed Leslie 122's connected. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore, so it's really great that we now also have a number of high quality clonewheels to choose from. Well, the original '62 Green Onions take was recorded with a simpler Hammond model: the M-3. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Brian! Good to hear that you find this camera perspective useful :-) Some time after recording 'onions' I started to record with the camera directly above the keyboard, to make it even easier see the hands movements and the fingerings. I feel it's easier to pick something up if I can see the players hands and fingerings, so that's why I record that way myself. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks oliver320! You will have great fun with the 'onions' groove in your band. This song is very suitable for adding to a band repertoire. Keep swinging, Rounder
Great sound Rounder. My oldies date to the 1950's (telling my age). I have listened to good music in West Virginia, New york, Illinois, Ohio, Alaska, Louisiana, North Carolina, Thailand, Arkansas, Guam, Germany, Florida, and Texas. I have to say your musical talent is right up there with the best of them.
Hi soundattacker Good to hear you're making great strides! Yes, it took some time putting the guide together, but it has been worth every minute as I'm now happy to see that many people have found the guide useful. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks SergeantReese! Good to hear that you find this pedal tone variation useful :-) The left thumb pedal tone can indeed make a difference, but it really depends on the keyboard. If the keyboard, like the Nord C1 organ (a Hammond B-3 clone) I'm using today, already have a full-bodied bass, the bass will be too boomy with a pedal tone. But the keyboard I used for this take, an Yamaha P-120 'jazz organ' setting, was a bit weak in the bass, so here it works out OK. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks 22lambo! From 0.39 on there are couple of grace notes. Try direct your focus to the note those grace notes are leading to. When the song (chords and bass line) goes up to C, the right hand plays: C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F. C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F. C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F. Eb (grace note), C. If it's easier you can try learning without those grace notes first (to get the timing right), and then add them as an embellishment. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks wahoospa! That's a great interview! :-) I saw it some time ago on another website. My new improved version of Green Onions, uploaded two weeks ago, is based on that interview when it comes to the 'trademark' chorded solo chorus and it's bass line. The solo on my new version is based on Booker T's solo from the 1962 original recording, and the the left hand bass line I'm playing during the solo is based on Lewie Steinberg's bass from the original '62 recording. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks AgentAndromeda! Good to hear that you have had use of this video for your own playing :-) You might be interested in checking out my newer, june 22, recording of this song. The new recording is closer to the original 1962 recording. Mostly the bass line and the chorded chorus, but also the solo is more copy-cat compared to this one. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Chiparoo Good to hear that you like my Green Onions take :-) Thanks! Green Onions is an oldie, but Booker T really knew what he was doing. The story says they were jamming in a studio while waiting for a singer that never turned up, and recorded the jam (Green Onions) instead. I'm mostly into jazz organ but just the other day I uploaded another oldie 'Can't help falling in love'. Goldfinger - that was the bad guy in the Bond movie, wasn't it? :-) All the best, and, Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks reak! The piano is an Yamaha P-120 with the 'jazz organ' setting, and the jazz organ patch on this digital piano sounds quite good. Not as the real deal of course (the Hammond B-3/C-3/A-100) but it's quite a good organ sample for being a digital piano.
Hi soundattacker There is often some kind of 'urge' or 'drive' in the sound of those old electric organs, that makes them fun to play even if they sometimes are limited in the sound, so I can understand you had a ball! Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks wamadeus! Good to hear that you have taken your time to compare both versions :-) If you are going to learn the song, please, go for the improved version, as it is much more accurate. The P-120 is a good keyboard, no doubt about that :-) A bit weak though in the bass at the jazz organ setting. That's why I played a pedal tone with my left thumb, to get a bit more oompf in the bass departement. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Jeff I recorded this song almost three years ago. At that time I didn't have my Nord C1. I don't think the C1 was even released back then. I used the 'jazz organ' setting on my Yamaha P-120 as that was the closest B-3 setting that keyboard had. As the song would be in all essential the same recorded with my C1, I havn't re-recorded the song. Not yet, anyway :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi BlackMetal Thanks! Good to hear that you have use of this video :-) You can't go wrong with a M-3. I believe that it was the model Booker T. used for the original Green Onions recording way back in 62. Keep swinging at your M-3, Rounder
Thanks jackboeldt! True. 'Onions' is part of the movie soundtrack. I sometimes wonder how many places this Booker T. & The M.G's classic has figured in? Movies, ads, compilations, countless of band performances, etc.
Thanks wesco! I kept this take at around the same tempo as the original 1962 recording (140BMP), but I do believe you're right. 'Onion' would sound good at uptempo too. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Matty Thanks! Almost every keyboard has some kind of organ setting, and then it will work out well playing Green Onions. And the keyboard doesn't have to be a full 88 key (like the Yamaha I'm using here). It's enough with a smaller 61 key keyboard to play this song with the bass line. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi subwoofer Good to hear that you have use of my guide. No plan here to stop playing yet. I hope I soon will find some time to record my next upload. Keep swinging in Chile, Rounder
Hi awaken This keyboard is an Yamaha P-120S, with the 'jazz organ' setting. My new version, uploaded just the other day, is played at the Nord C1 organ. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Allfadass! I have omitted the syncopated bass line and play it instead with straight quarter notes. This means my left hand is a bit simplified compared to the original electric bass guitar line. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi 22lambo From 0.35 there are also a couple of grace notes: Eb (grace note), F, F. F (grace note), Ab (grace note), Bb (grace note), C, Bb (grace note), Ab, F. F, F. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Qw3rtyX2 Thanks! I know how it feels. You listen to a song, and after a while realize you have it in a loop in your mind. I happened to me some time ago. I listened to an organ funk song by Reuben Wilson called 'Orange Peel'. The bass line and the riff really got stuck in me. After some time I understood that the only way out was to start playing the song myself, and so I did. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi scubanan Good that there still is some use of this earlier version. Then you might be interested in using this old version to see the keys, and my later version for the improved accuracy of the melody (as I didn't got some of the grace notes, phrasing, etc, down in this earlier version). The chorded chorus is also 'wrong' here. You might also be interested in using my later version to get the left hand bass line, as the bass line in this version is simplified. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thank onehandedkeyboardist! I have noticed (with a bit surprise) that quite a few people still prefer this older recording :-) even though my newer recording is more accurate and closer to the original '62 Booker T take. The upside with this old one as I see it is that it's easy to see here that Green Onions is totally playable even on a smaller single manual keyboard. I've just checked out your version and it's nice and wth great feeling! Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Farshid! I have sent my guide to your TH-cam message inbox. I learned the song by ear, by listening to the original take from 1962 many, many times. I've heard Mo' Onions. It is quite similar to Green Onions, but of these two songs I would say the 'magic' is in Green Onions :-) I can't answer if these two song are the only songs in their genre. There are many minor blues songs, but Green Onions is very easy to recognize. Maybe that's why it's rather alone? Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Andy! Good to hear that you have most of 'onions' worked out with the help of this video :-) You should have my guide for playing Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox by now. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks tragus! I have now sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox. The main difference between keyboard and guitar is the left/right hand independence and left/right hand coordination/timing in keyboard. Especially if you want to improvise to a walking bass line (like the Green Onions bass line or in boogie woogie or jazz organ). It's like splitting the brain. Very challenging in the beginning. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Jake! Booker T's more than 45 year old 'Green Onions' seems to be popping up in movie soundtracks now and then, and in ad's and probably other places as well. Green Onions must be an evergreen plant :-) Btw, you're a good piano player! Keep swinging, Rounder
@rounder2u I know there are quality instruments out there, but for me, the B-3 is the ultimate. After all these years, a Hammond with a Leslie really does it for me.
Thanks for sharing your great playing with the rest of us. You got me inspired to play a slightly convincing of the Baby elephant walk for my kids. They love it! Please send me your guide for this song when you are able. PS. your version of Coltranes Mr, P.C is marvelous.
Hi s695579 No, this is a digital piano. The model is Yamaha P-120. I just use the 'jazz organ' setting to get a sound a bit closer to a Hammond organ. Keep swinging, Rounder
Great job on Green Onions. I have a P120 also and never heard it sound so good. I would like to have a guide on how to play green onions as well. Thanks.
This is a very good cover! you have the perfect tone, and I couldnt do what your right hand is doing, let alone both hands! congratulations, i'll subscribe
Thanks MagosSaul! You're right: a band can enhance the groove. Btw, do you know the boogie woogie pianist Pete Johnson? One of the big three: Ammons, Johnson and Lewis. Pete Johnson recorded a boogie woogie called 'Kaycee Feeling' in 1944. It's has one of the best grooves I've heard. It's a solo piano piece. His swing/the groove is marvelous! He propels the drive within every bar with his left hand in a way that is really top-notch. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi pingpongboy You have it under your belt now. Great! That means we now can count in yet another player grooving at the keyboard with Green Onions :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi EeRocKK The 'jazz organ' setting that I'm using here on this Yamaha P-120 sounds quite good. The other sound that I belive is good on this keyboard is the 'grand piano 1' setting. I'm using a pedal tone with my left thumb to beef up the bass a bit :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi docholiday Yes, this arrangement (the right hand) of 'onions' is totally playable on guitar, except for just a few chords that will be awkward, e.g. the 'Ab min 6/F' chord. But as you said, you can still get the tonality, with just small adjustments. It would also be possible to do a fingerpicking 'Chet Atkins'-style version of 'onions' for solo guitar but that might take some time to arrange. Thanks for the jam invite! I'm heading for the airport right now :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks NorthernSoulKing! Sure you can play 'onions' on a Concorde! The Concorde is all solid state/transistors. No tonewheel. Maybe you will not get the exact Booker T sound, but it can sound good, yes. Please, check out my new improved recording of Green Onions, where play the song on my Nord C1, a Hammond B-3 clonewheel organ. For that video I have provided info about all drawbar registrations, sound settings, etc, which might be of help for you. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi magus aeris Thanks! Great to hear that you are willing to put in the time. I write more about this time aspect in my guide for learning how to play Green Onions, which you now will find in your TH-cam message inbox :-) I uploaded another song just the other day, so no plan of stopping yet. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Jammoko Good to hear that you are giving the left hand it's necessary central role. Just keep on practicing a lot, and now and then re-read my guide, and you will be getting the hang of it, I promise! I will pass on 'Time is tight' for now. I have thought about the song now and then but I havn't been able to come up with a suitable "one take, only organ" idea for the song without using a foot pedal board (which I don't have yet). Maybe it will be a future project. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks ramell! I have sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox. The guide is updated and based on my newer improved version of Green Onions, uploaded june 22. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi LinkBulletBill If you have gear to get a bass line sound full enough without the left hand thumb pedal tone you might try omit the thumb. I used the pedal tone only to beef up the bass line sound. The most tricky thing with this song I would say is to be able to keep a totally rock stable left hand at all times. The left hand is the boss. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi WarEagle Thanks! I have sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox, and I hope you will soon have the whole 'trademark' chorded chorus sorted out. Good to hear that you have had use of this video :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks customcopy! You will find my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox :-) Yes, I will try keep posting now and then. Btw, two weeks ago I uploaded my version of another oldie. 'The Silver Meter' from 1963. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks BurnFatNotOil! The Yamaha P-120 is not a million bells&whistles keyboard. It has just a few sounds. The Grand Piano setting is the best sounding, but the Jazz Organ setting is also quite good for being a standard digital piano. I've now sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks orggrindr! You have checked the sheet music out? I have just heard from a number of people that it's highy inaccurate, but I have not seen the official sheet music myself. My guide for learning how to play Green Onions is in your TH-cam message inbox now. I've though about 'Time is Tight', it's a good song! Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi scruztkl The Green Onions original recording from 1962 is in the key of F. It's a 12 bar blues progression in F minor. If you are interested, please, check out my new, uploaded june 22, improved recording of Green Onions. My both versions are also, like the original, in the key of F. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks HoDTulkas! It would be great to stand beside Booker T. and have a first hand view of him playing the trademark chorded chorus :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Richrads! Use the 'jazz organ' setting on your Yamaha P-120 and you'll have the same sound as I used for the video. You should have my guide for playing Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox by now I hope. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks synthystation! The P-120 can't compare with my Nord C1 or a B-3, but still, the 'jazz organ' setting in the P-120 is quite good. You have my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi soulrongang Thanks! Good catch, finding that Booker T. video! Highly recommended, as you said :-) What I can see from the first glimpse of that video is that the main difference from my version video is that Booker T. is using a more elaborate left hand. There are also some minor right hand differences from what I can see/hear. If I would re-record 'onions' I would, for sure, analyze that Booker T. video down in all it's atoms :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi soundattacker. If you've got the left hand going steady and independent and you don't have to think about it, I would say you have done the toughest part. I'm sure you'll have the solo parts under control also. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks rodhamkatis! Good to hear that you find this video helpful :-) You have my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox now. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi Laser Sorry, I have no single finger guide for 'onions'... I'm planning to record a new, hopefully improved, version of 'onions' though, played at my Nord C1, and with an overhead perspective (like my other C1 videos). The overhead view will make it easier to see what notes I'm playing and my fingerings. I'm also planning to add a number of low tempo video tutorials for parts of the song. Keep swinging, Rounder
Hi roadhummer Yes, the Green Onion bass line is a good backdrop for improvising. One way of doing it is to play one chorded chorus, two improvised choruses, one chorded chorus, two improvised, etc. Regarding what's in the guide: General practicing tips, and tailor-made tips regarding Green Onions. My guide for learning how to play Green Onions is in your TH-cam message inbox now :-) Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Mauricio! I have sent a copy of my Green Onions guide to your youtube message inbox. You also might be interested in checking out my newer and improved recording of the song. TH-cam link is provided in the video info text field above. Keep swinging, Rounder
Thanks Leavin! You're a part of the jazz orchestra I assume. I hope that you have the opportunity to play a few solo choruses with the orchestra as supporting backdrop, as Green Onions is a great song for improvising. Keep swinging, Rounder
You can see exactly how Booker T Jones does Green Onions, his composition, in the video section of Keyboard Magazine's website - highly recommended to anybody who wants to get this right. I couldn't enter the link in my comment as TH-cam will not show it, so you'll have to search it out yourselves. Rounder, my good man- looks like you've got it right on. Must have worked hard to get it. Hat's off to you, man!
Good to hear Wordhammer!
The 60s is e.g. when groove based soul jazz and jazz blues really took off.
I've been infected quite heavily myself with the jazz organ blues flu since some time. Don't know when or if I'm gonna be cured, as it is such great fun to play walking bass lines with the left hand while soloing on top with the right :-)
Just a few days ago I uploaded another 60s jazz blues called 'The Cat'.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
This is quite possibly the greatest organ rendition of Green Onions on the web. I highly applaud your skills. Long Live Sandlot!
Hi gilbert
The ultimate jazz organ setup is an old all-tubed B-3 or C-3 with two all-tubed Leslie 122's connected.
Unfortunately they don't make them anymore, so it's really great that we now also have a number of high quality clonewheels to choose from.
Well, the original '62 Green Onions take was recorded with a simpler Hammond model: the M-3.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Brian!
Good to hear that you find this camera perspective useful :-) Some time after recording 'onions' I started to record with the camera directly above the keyboard, to make it even easier see the hands movements and the fingerings.
I feel it's easier to pick something up if I can see the players hands and fingerings, so that's why I record that way myself.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks oliver320!
You will have great fun with the 'onions' groove in your band. This song is very suitable for adding to a band repertoire.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Great sound Rounder.
My oldies date to the 1950's (telling my age).
I have listened to good music in West Virginia, New york, Illinois, Ohio, Alaska, Louisiana, North Carolina, Thailand, Arkansas, Guam, Germany, Florida, and Texas. I have to say your musical talent is right up there with the best of them.
Hi soundattacker
Good to hear you're making great strides!
Yes, it took some time putting the guide together, but it has been worth every minute as I'm now happy to see that many people have found the guide useful.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks SergeantReese!
Good to hear that you find this pedal tone variation useful :-)
The left thumb pedal tone can indeed make a difference, but it really depends on the keyboard.
If the keyboard, like the Nord C1 organ (a Hammond B-3 clone) I'm using today, already have a full-bodied bass, the bass will be too boomy with a pedal tone.
But the keyboard I used for this take, an Yamaha P-120 'jazz organ' setting, was a bit weak in the bass, so here it works out OK.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks 22lambo!
From 0.39 on there are couple of grace notes. Try direct your focus to the note those grace notes are leading to. When the song (chords and bass line) goes up to C, the right hand plays:
C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F.
C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F.
C (grace note), Eb (grace note), F.
Eb (grace note), C.
If it's easier you can try learning without those grace notes first (to get the timing right), and then add them as an embellishment.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks wahoospa!
That's a great interview! :-) I saw it some time ago on another website.
My new improved version of Green Onions, uploaded two weeks ago, is based on that interview when it comes to the 'trademark' chorded solo chorus and it's bass line.
The solo on my new version is based on Booker T's solo from the 1962 original recording, and the the left hand bass line I'm playing during the solo is based on Lewie Steinberg's bass from the original '62 recording.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks AgentAndromeda!
Good to hear that you have had use of this video for your own playing :-)
You might be interested in checking out my newer, june 22, recording of this song. The new recording is closer to the original 1962 recording. Mostly the bass line and the chorded chorus, but also the solo is more copy-cat compared to this one.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi Chiparoo
Good to hear that you like my Green Onions take :-) Thanks!
Green Onions is an oldie, but Booker T really knew what he was doing. The story says they were jamming in a studio while waiting for a singer that never turned up, and recorded the jam (Green Onions) instead.
I'm mostly into jazz organ but just the other day I uploaded another oldie 'Can't help falling in love'.
Goldfinger - that was the bad guy in the Bond movie, wasn't it? :-)
All the best, and,
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks AbuAvital
I havn't checked it out in detail, but I believe there are quite a number of 'onions' postings at TH-cam.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks reak!
The piano is an Yamaha P-120 with the 'jazz organ' setting, and the jazz organ patch on this digital piano sounds quite good. Not as the real deal of course (the Hammond B-3/C-3/A-100) but it's quite a good organ sample for being a digital piano.
Hi soundattacker
There is often some kind of 'urge' or 'drive' in the sound of those old electric organs, that makes them fun to play even if they sometimes are limited in the sound, so I can understand you had a ball!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks wamadeus!
Good to hear that you have taken your time to compare both versions :-)
If you are going to learn the song, please, go for the improved version, as it is much more accurate.
The P-120 is a good keyboard, no doubt about that :-) A bit weak though in the bass at the jazz organ setting. That's why I played a pedal tone with my left thumb, to get a bit more oompf in the bass departement.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Very very nice reproduction of green onions, loved it.
Keep being awesome, good sir.
Going to play this at my schools concert! Super excited, thanks for showing us how you played it so well!
Hi Jeff
I recorded this song almost three years ago. At that time I didn't have my Nord C1. I don't think the C1 was even released back then.
I used the 'jazz organ' setting on my Yamaha P-120 as that was the closest B-3 setting that keyboard had. As the song would be in all essential the same recorded with my C1, I havn't re-recorded the song. Not yet, anyway :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi BlackMetal
Thanks!
Good to hear that you have use of this video :-)
You can't go wrong with a M-3. I believe that it was the model Booker T. used for the original Green Onions recording way back in 62.
Keep swinging at your M-3,
Rounder
Sweet video. One of the ALL time classic instrumentals. Booker T. would be proud
of your take on this.
Fantastic playing - just what I was looking for! I'd love a copy of your guide to playing this. Thanks for your efforts!
such a full sound, very nice very nice. yes one of the best one man covers i have heard of this song
Thanks jackboeldt!
True. 'Onions' is part of the movie soundtrack.
I sometimes wonder how many places this Booker T. & The M.G's classic has figured in? Movies, ads, compilations, countless of band performances, etc.
Thanks wesco!
I kept this take at around the same tempo as the original 1962 recording (140BMP), but I do believe you're right. 'Onion' would sound good at uptempo too.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
hey this was a great help. My friend just picked up a Hammond M3 and i'm learning how to play this for when we jam. thanks a bunch!
Rounder
Your guide is simply awesome! Thank you so much for your help on this.
"Wipe Out" would definitely be interesting!
Jeff
this guide is great and i would recommend it to anyone trying to learn green onions or just interested in playing this kind of organ music =)
Hi Matty
Thanks!
Almost every keyboard has some kind of organ setting, and then it will work out well playing Green Onions. And the keyboard doesn't have to be a full 88 key (like the Yamaha I'm using here). It's enough with a smaller 61 key keyboard to play this song with the bass line.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi subwoofer
Good to hear that you have use of my guide.
No plan here to stop playing yet. I hope I soon will find some time to record my next upload.
Keep swinging in Chile,
Rounder
Beautiful feel and tone. If you're still doing so I'd love your guide. Thanks for inspiring me to try this tune.
Hi awaken
This keyboard is an Yamaha P-120S, with the 'jazz organ' setting.
My new version, uploaded just the other day, is played at the Nord C1 organ.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Allfadass!
I have omitted the syncopated bass line and play it instead with straight quarter notes. This means my left hand is a bit simplified compared to the original electric bass guitar line.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Love the Green Onions, would really like that guide!
Thanks!
Hi 22lambo
From 0.35 there are also a couple of grace notes:
Eb (grace note), F, F.
F (grace note), Ab (grace note), Bb (grace note), C, Bb (grace note), Ab, F.
F, F.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi Qw3rtyX2
Thanks!
I know how it feels. You listen to a song, and after a while realize you have it in a loop in your mind. I happened to me some time ago. I listened to an organ funk song by Reuben Wilson called 'Orange Peel'. The bass line and the riff really got stuck in me. After some time I understood that the only way out was to start playing the song myself, and so I did.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
this is epic, i mean absolutly superb! yo even got all 3 grace notes in time XD that takes skill my man
Hi scubanan
Good that there still is some use of this earlier version.
Then you might be interested in using this old version to see the keys, and my later version for the improved accuracy of the melody (as I didn't got some of the grace notes, phrasing, etc, down in this earlier version). The chorded chorus is also 'wrong' here.
You might also be interested in using my later version to get the left hand bass line, as the bass line in this version is simplified.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thank onehandedkeyboardist!
I have noticed (with a bit surprise) that quite a few people still prefer this older recording :-) even though my newer recording is more accurate and closer to the original '62 Booker T take.
The upside with this old one as I see it is that it's easy to see here that Green Onions is totally playable even on a smaller single manual keyboard.
I've just checked out your version and it's nice and wth great feeling!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Farshid!
I have sent my guide to your TH-cam message inbox.
I learned the song by ear, by listening to the original take from 1962 many, many times.
I've heard Mo' Onions. It is quite similar to Green Onions, but of these two songs I would say the 'magic' is in Green Onions :-)
I can't answer if these two song are the only songs in their genre. There are many minor blues songs, but Green Onions is very easy to recognize. Maybe that's why it's rather alone?
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Andy!
Good to hear that you have most of 'onions' worked out with the help of this video :-)
You should have my guide for playing Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox by now.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks tragus!
I have now sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox.
The main difference between keyboard and guitar is the left/right hand independence and left/right hand coordination/timing in keyboard. Especially if you want to improvise to a walking bass line (like the Green Onions bass line or in boogie woogie or jazz organ). It's like splitting the brain. Very challenging in the beginning.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Jake!
Booker T's more than 45 year old 'Green Onions' seems to be popping up in movie soundtracks now and then, and in ad's and probably other places as well. Green Onions must be an evergreen plant :-)
Btw, you're a good piano player!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi fopper
I've checked your version out. Nice long groove version work! Great piece to play in a big band too. Keep it up!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
@rounder2u I know there are quality instruments out there, but for me, the B-3 is the ultimate. After all these years, a Hammond with a Leslie really does it for me.
Thanks for sharing your great playing with the rest of us. You got me inspired to play a slightly convincing of the Baby elephant walk for my kids. They love it! Please send me your guide for this song when you are able.
PS. your version of Coltranes Mr, P.C is marvelous.
Thanks korndog!
I feel relieved that the judge gave me stars instead of years :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi AriePenarie
Good to hear that you find this video useful :-)
Thanks!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi s695579
No, this is a digital piano. The model is Yamaha P-120.
I just use the 'jazz organ' setting to get a sound a bit closer to a Hammond organ.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Great job on Green Onions. I have a P120 also and never heard it sound so good. I would like to have a guide on how to play green onions as well. Thanks.
This is a very good cover! you have the perfect tone, and I couldnt do what your right hand is doing, let alone both hands! congratulations, i'll subscribe
Excellent. I know how to play this, but had not considered adding the extra note with the left hand pattern; it makes the sound a little fuller.
Thanks MagosSaul!
You're right: a band can enhance the groove.
Btw, do you know the boogie woogie pianist Pete Johnson? One of the big three: Ammons, Johnson and Lewis.
Pete Johnson recorded a boogie woogie called 'Kaycee Feeling' in 1944. It's has one of the best grooves I've heard. It's a solo piano piece. His swing/the groove is marvelous! He propels the drive within every bar with his left hand in a way that is really top-notch.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
oh my goodness it i was at church, I would start dancing to this. Good Job!
Hi pingpongboy
You have it under your belt now. Great! That means we now can count in yet another player grooving at the keyboard with Green Onions :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi EeRocKK
The 'jazz organ' setting that I'm using here on this Yamaha P-120 sounds quite good. The other sound that I belive is good on this keyboard is the 'grand piano 1' setting.
I'm using a pedal tone with my left thumb to beef up the bass a bit :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi docholiday
Yes, this arrangement (the right hand) of 'onions' is totally playable on guitar, except for just a few chords that will be awkward, e.g. the 'Ab min 6/F' chord. But as you said, you can still get the tonality, with just small adjustments.
It would also be possible to do a fingerpicking 'Chet Atkins'-style version of 'onions' for solo guitar but that might take some time to arrange.
Thanks for the jam invite! I'm heading for the airport right now :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks NorthernSoulKing!
Sure you can play 'onions' on a Concorde! The Concorde is all solid state/transistors. No tonewheel. Maybe you will not get the exact Booker T sound, but it can sound good, yes.
Please, check out my new improved recording of Green Onions, where play the song on my Nord C1, a Hammond B-3 clonewheel organ. For that video I have provided info about all drawbar registrations, sound settings, etc, which might be of help for you.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
While you're at it. I sure would like that guide too. Thanks,
Michael
Hi magus aeris
Thanks!
Great to hear that you are willing to put in the time. I write more about this time aspect in my guide for learning how to play Green Onions, which you now will find in your TH-cam message inbox :-)
I uploaded another song just the other day, so no plan of stopping yet.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi Jammoko
Good to hear that you are giving the left hand it's necessary central role. Just keep on practicing a lot, and now and then re-read my guide, and you will be getting the hang of it, I promise!
I will pass on 'Time is tight' for now. I have thought about the song now and then but I havn't been able to come up with a suitable "one take, only organ" idea for the song without using a foot pedal board (which I don't have yet). Maybe it will be a future project.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks TijmenDal!
You have my guide for learning how to play Green Onions now :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks ramell!
I have sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox. The guide is updated and based on my newer improved version of Green Onions, uploaded june 22.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi mtoaster
Glad to hear you like it. Thanks!
Hi baconboy
Good to hear that you like my version :-) Thanks!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
@rounder2u - got it, very well written. will dedicate myself to this for a while. thanks again.
Hi LinkBulletBill
If you have gear to get a bass line sound full enough without the left hand thumb pedal tone you might try omit the thumb.
I used the pedal tone only to beef up the bass line sound.
The most tricky thing with this song I would say is to be able to keep a totally rock stable left hand at all times. The left hand is the boss.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi WarEagle
Thanks!
I have sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox, and I hope you will soon have the whole 'trademark' chorded chorus sorted out.
Good to hear that you have had use of this video :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks customcopy!
You will find my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox :-)
Yes, I will try keep posting now and then. Btw, two weeks ago I uploaded my version of another oldie. 'The Silver Meter' from 1963.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Tmac!
My guide for learning how to play Green Onions should now be in your TH-cam message inbox.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks BurnFatNotOil!
The Yamaha P-120 is not a million bells&whistles keyboard. It has just a few sounds. The Grand Piano setting is the best sounding, but the Jazz Organ setting is also quite good for being a standard digital piano.
I've now sent my guide for learning how to play Green Onions to your TH-cam message inbox.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
This sounds awsome, Rounder! I would love to see your guid and try it. Thanks a lot.
Thanks orggrindr!
You have checked the sheet music out? I have just heard from a number of people that it's highy inaccurate, but I have not seen the official sheet music myself.
My guide for learning how to play Green Onions is in your TH-cam message inbox now.
I've though about 'Time is Tight', it's a good song!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi scruztkl
The Green Onions original recording from 1962 is in the key of F. It's a 12 bar blues progression in F minor.
If you are interested, please, check out my new, uploaded june 22, improved recording of Green Onions. My both versions are also, like the original, in the key of F.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks HoDTulkas!
It would be great to stand beside Booker T. and have a first hand view of him playing the trademark chorded chorus :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Awesome! One of my favorite songs of all time. Would you please send me your guide?
Thanks,
Harry
Hi bassman
Thanks!
I used a pedal tone with my left thumb to beef the bass up a bit :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
This is great! I'd love to learn this one. That guide of yours would probably be a help.
Thanks Richrads!
Use the 'jazz organ' setting on your Yamaha P-120 and you'll have the same sound as I used for the video.
You should have my guide for playing Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox by now I hope.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks synthystation!
The P-120 can't compare with my Nord C1 or a B-3, but still, the 'jazz organ' setting in the P-120 is quite good.
You have my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi soulrongang
Thanks!
Good catch, finding that Booker T. video! Highly recommended, as you said :-)
What I can see from the first glimpse of that video is that the main difference from my version video is that Booker T. is using a more elaborate left hand. There are also some minor right hand differences from what I can see/hear.
If I would re-record 'onions' I would, for sure, analyze that Booker T. video down in all it's atoms :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Great Tutorial, keep them rolling.
Would like that guide to this song.
Thanks,
Hi soundattacker.
If you've got the left hand going steady and independent and you don't have to think about it, I would say you have done the toughest part. I'm sure you'll have the solo parts under control also.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks rodhamkatis!
Good to hear that you find this video helpful :-)
You have my guide for learning how to play Green Onions in your TH-cam message inbox now.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi Laser
Sorry, I have no single finger guide for 'onions'...
I'm planning to record a new, hopefully improved, version of 'onions' though, played at my Nord C1, and with an overhead perspective (like my other C1 videos). The overhead view will make it easier to see what notes I'm playing and my fingerings. I'm also planning to add a number of low tempo video tutorials for parts of the song.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi docholiday747
Thanks!
Really good to hear that you might have some use of this video in your band :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hi roadhummer
Yes, the Green Onion bass line is a good backdrop for improvising. One way of doing it is to play one chorded chorus, two improvised choruses, one chorded chorus, two improvised, etc.
Regarding what's in the guide: General practicing tips, and tailor-made tips regarding Green Onions.
My guide for learning how to play Green Onions is in your TH-cam message inbox now :-)
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Nice playing! I too would be quite interesting in reading your guide, thanks.
Thanks Mauricio!
I have sent a copy of my Green Onions guide to your youtube message inbox.
You also might be interested in checking out my newer and improved recording of the song. TH-cam link is provided in the video info text field above.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Thanks Leavin!
You're a part of the jazz orchestra I assume. I hope that you have the opportunity to play a few solo choruses with the orchestra as supporting backdrop, as Green Onions is a great song for improvising.
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Would appreciate the Green Onions guide please.
Nice version.
Thanks
Del
sweet dude im playing this song in jazz band at school you do a really good job!
Thanks Ch00by3, and good to see you back here again :-)
Hi Rounder very impressed with your playing. Could you please send me a guide to playing green onions also. Many thanks in advance
wow superb, My 14 year old son would love to see the guide and learn this song.
Thanks
ian
Thanks greenmatrix!
That's a great feeling :-)
Keep swinging you too,
Rounder
Thanks Chiparoo!
Keep swinging in Seattle,
Rounder
You can see exactly how Booker T Jones does Green Onions, his composition, in the video section of Keyboard Magazine's website - highly recommended to anybody who wants to get this right. I couldn't enter the link in my comment as TH-cam will not show it, so you'll have to search it out yourselves. Rounder, my good man- looks like you've got it right on. Must have worked hard to get it. Hat's off to you, man!
Good to hear rt2sergio. Thanks!
Keep swinging,
Rounder
Hey Rounder, sounds great! Started learning this on my own but would love to get your guide. Thanks!