How to Play 'Best Part' by Daniel Caesar: A Complete Piano Tutorial

Introduction to 'Best Part' by Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar's 'Best Part' featuring H.E.R. is a beautiful, soulful ballad that has captured the hearts of many listeners. While the song may seem simple at first glance, its true beauty lies in the nuanced chord progressions and the ability to improvise and add personal flair to the performance. This tutorial will break down the song into three distinct variations, allowing pianists of all skill levels to bring this piece to life.

The Basic Structure

Before diving into the specifics of each variation, it's important to understand the basic structure of 'Best Part'. The song revolves around four main chords, with an optional fifth chord that serves as a transition back to the beginning of the progression. These chords form the foundation of the song, and mastering them is key to performing the piece effectively.

Variation 1: The Fundamental Approach

The Four Core Chords

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9)
2. A Minor 7 (Am7)
3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9)
4. B-flat Major 7 (B♭maj7)

Optional Transition Chord

5. G Minor 2 (Gm2)

Chord Breakdown

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9)

• Left hand: D (bass)
• Right hand: C#, E, F#, A

2. A Minor 7 (Am7)

• Left hand: A, E (bass)
• Right hand: G, C, D
• Optional: Add an A to the right hand for fuller sound

3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9)

• Left hand: G (bass)
• Right hand: F#, A, B, D

4. B-flat Major 7 (B♭maj7)

• Left hand: B♭ (bass)
• Right hand: F, A, D

5. G Minor 2 (Gm2) - Optional transition

• Left hand: B♭ (bass)
• Right hand: D, G

Playing the First Variation

To play the first variation, simply move through these chords in sequence. The rhythm and timing can be adjusted to match the original song or to suit your personal style. Remember, this basic progression is the foundation of the entire piece, so mastering it is crucial before moving on to more complex variations.

Variation 2: Adding Complexity

The second variation builds upon the first by introducing some subtle changes and additional notes to create a richer sound.

Chord Progression for Variation 2

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9) - Same as Variation 1
2. A Minor 9 (Am9) to A Minor 11 (Am11)
3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9) with a melodic line
4. B-flat Major 7/9 (B♭maj7/9) to G Minor 2 (Gm2)

Chord Breakdown

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9)

• Played the same as in Variation 1
• Hit this chord twice

2. A Minor 9 (Am9) to A Minor 11 (Am11)

• Am9:
  • Left hand: A, E, A
  • Right hand: C, E, G, B
• Am11:
  • Left hand: D, A
  • Right hand: C, E, G, B

3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9) with melodic line

• Left hand: G (bass)
• Right hand: B, D, F#, A
• Melodic line: F to G in the right hand

4. B-flat Major 7/9 (B♭maj7/9) to G Minor 2 (Gm2)

• B♭maj7/9:
  • Left hand: B♭ (bass)
  • Right hand: C, E♭, F, A
• Gm2:
  • Left hand: B♭ (bass)
  • Right hand: D, G

Playing the Second Variation

This variation introduces more movement between chords and within the right hand. The transition from Am9 to Am11 adds depth, while the melodic line in the G Major 7/9 chord creates a sense of forward motion. Practice moving smoothly between these chords and focus on the subtle changes in the right hand to master this variation.

Variation 3: Refined and Nuanced

The third variation offers yet another way to approach the chord progression, with slight alterations that add sophistication to the performance.

Chord Progression for Variation 3

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9) with F# in the bass of the right hand
2. A Minor 7 (Am7) - Same as Variation 1
3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9) with added F# on top
4. B-flat Major 7/9 (B♭maj7/9) to G Minor 2 (Gm2) - Similar to Variation 2

Chord Breakdown

1. D Major 7/9 (Dmaj7/9) with F# bass in right hand

• Left hand: D (bass)
• Right hand: F#, A, C#

2. A Minor 7 (Am7)

• Played the same as in Variation 1

3. G Major 7/9 (Gmaj7/9) with added F#

• Left hand: G (bass)
• Right hand: B, D, F#, A (with F# at the top)
• Optional lead-in: Use A natural before resolving to the chord

4. B-flat Major 7/9 (B♭maj7/9) to G Minor 2 (Gm2)

• Similar to Variation 2, with the same ending

Playing the Third Variation

This variation focuses on subtle changes in voicing and note placement. The altered D Major 7/9 chord with F# in the bass of the right hand creates a unique sound, while the added F# at the top of the G Major 7/9 chord adds brightness. The optional lead-in using A natural before the G Major 7/9 chord creates a smooth transition between chords.

Bringing It All Together

Now that you've learned three distinct variations of the chord progression for 'Best Part', it's time to bring them all together and create a cohesive performance.

Tips for a Polished Performance

1. Practice Each Variation Separately: Before attempting to combine the variations, make sure you're comfortable playing each one individually. This will help you internalize the different chord voicings and transitions.

2. Smooth Transitions: Focus on creating smooth transitions between chords and variations. This is especially important when moving between different inversions or when adding melodic lines.

3. Dynamic Control: Pay attention to the dynamics of your playing. The song has a gentle, intimate feel, so avoid playing too forcefully. Use a light touch and vary the volume to add expression.

4. Pedaling: Experiment with the sustain pedal to create a flowing, connected sound. Be careful not to over-pedal, as this can muddy the harmonies. Try half-pedaling or changing the pedal with each chord for clarity.

5. Rhythmic Flexibility: While it's important to maintain a steady pulse, don't be afraid to add some rhythmic flexibility to your playing. This can help capture the relaxed, soulful vibe of the original song.

6. Listen to the Original: Familiarize yourself with Daniel Caesar's original recording. Pay attention to the phrasing, dynamics, and overall feel of the song to inform your interpretation.

7. Combine Variations: Once you're comfortable with each variation, try combining them within a single performance. You might use Variation 1 for the verses, Variation 2 for the chorus, and Variation 3 for a bridge or outro.

8. Add Personal Flair: Don't be afraid to add your own personal touches to the performance. This might include small melodic embellishments, rhythmic variations, or even improvised sections between chord changes.

Advanced Techniques

For pianists looking to take their performance of 'Best Part' to the next level, consider incorporating these advanced techniques:

1. Chord Extensions

Experiment with adding additional extensions to the chords. For example:

• Try adding a 13th to the D Major 7/9 chord (add B to the right hand)
• Explore using a 13th on the G Major 7/9 chord (add E to the right hand)

2. Voice Leading

Pay attention to voice leading between chords. Try to move each finger as little as possible when transitioning from one chord to another. This creates a smoother, more connected sound.

3. Inner Melodies

Develop inner melodies within the chord progression. This can be done by emphasizing certain notes within each chord or by adding passing tones between chords.

4. Rhythmic Variation

Experiment with different rhythmic patterns in both hands. You might try syncopated rhythms in the left hand or add gentle arpeggios in the right hand.

5. Improvisation

Once you're comfortable with the chord progression, try improvising melodies over the top. Use the notes from each chord as a guide, and experiment with different scales that fit the harmony.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Learning to play 'Best Part' can present some challenges, especially for pianists who are new to jazz and R&B-influenced chord progressions. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:

Challenge 1: Difficult Chord Shapes

Some of the chord voicings, particularly those with added 9ths and 11ths, can be challenging to play accurately.

Solution: Break down each chord and practice it in isolation. Start by playing the notes individually, then build up to playing them together. Practice transitioning slowly between chords until you can do so smoothly.

Challenge 2: Maintaining Rhythm

Keeping a steady rhythm while navigating complex chord changes can be tricky.

Solution: Practice with a metronome set to a slow tempo. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. You can also try practicing the left-hand rhythm separately before combining it with the right hand.

Challenge 3: Balancing Melody and Harmony

It can be challenging to bring out the melody while still maintaining the rich harmonic structure of the song.

Solution: Practice playing the melody alone, then gradually add in the supporting harmonies. Focus on bringing out the top note of each chord, as this often carries the melody.

Challenge 4: Pedaling

Overuse of the sustain pedal can make the harmonies muddy, while too little can make the performance sound choppy.

Solution: Practice without the pedal first to ensure clean transitions between chords. Then, experiment with different pedaling techniques, such as half-pedaling or changing the pedal with each chord change.

Conclusion

Mastering Daniel Caesar's 'Best Part' on the piano is a rewarding experience that can greatly enhance your skills in chord voicing, rhythm, and improvisation. By learning the three variations presented in this tutorial, you'll have a solid foundation for performing the song and the tools to add your own personal touch.

Remember that the key to a great performance lies not just in playing the right notes, but in capturing the emotion and feel of the original song. Take your time to internalize each variation, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas.

As you become more comfortable with the chord progressions and techniques discussed in this tutorial, you'll find that you can apply these skills to many other songs in the R&B and soul genres. The rich, jazzy chords and smooth transitions you've learned are staples of this style of music.

Keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process of bringing this beautiful song to life on the piano. With time and dedication, you'll be able to create a performance that captures the essence of 'Best Part' while showcasing your own musical voice.

Happy playing!

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXNz1LZTWU