Billy Joel - Master Of The Key Change

Let's explore She's Always a Woman, Anthony's Song, Uptown Girl, Vienna, and Honesty to look at the way Billy Joel weaves us in and out key centers, using motifs, bass lines and subtle tricks of music theory.

Video recorded using
Earthworks SV33
Korg SV-1

[StratsRUs]

You are a knockout.This video is a prime example of why you stand apart from the rest.
You sing the song, feel the song, appreciate the narrative, lyric, melody AND can explain the theory.
Amazing ! The full real deal.

[challism]

Billy is absolutely the master of the bridge. He has stated that the bridge is his favorite part of the song. He is such a musical genius.

[sub-jec-tiv]

He really has that almost Bach-like ear for leading tones. It makes the music sound as if it has always existed, and Joel just uncovered it. Like the sculptor ‘uncovering’ the sculpture with their chisel.

[Avery_]

Part of Billy Joel's genius is knowing the importance of musical surprise in a song. Damn great lyricist, too. Thanks for honoring him, Aimee.

[robbiesanford]

As a self taught piano/keyboard player for over 40 years, I really love your videos!!! I'm a HUGE Billy fan and have played all the songs you went through, EXCELLENT job!!!! I look forward to more from you!!!! Thanks!

[timball]

Genius! I never heard that idea of “changing her mind” flipping back to the original key. Ah, man!!!

[lpadron]

He's a one man Beatles. There was a stretch from the late 70's through the end of the 80's where every album was a perfect blend of melodies, styles and genres. If anyone's the great american songwriter it's Billy Joel.

[DavidWoodsGuitar]

As a self-taught guitarist, there is no better challenge than taking a Billy Joel song and making it work on acoustic guitar.
Thanks, Aimee for covering the master.

[shop]

It's some top notch writing. Up with the finest of timeless works.
Because it contains classical runs. Open melody. Great intervals. Harmony.
Then his lyrics and great voice. . . it's all so well done. Like a song that was always there.

[christophercoughlin]

He is a brilliant, brilliant composer of music and lyrics. Took me years to appreciate how good he is.

[matthewgoldberg]

Aimee the bridge at 21:08, with the descending bass line, is Jobim’s “How Insensitive” in key of Gm.
Gm D/F# Fm6 C/E Eb6. Also Chopin’s Prelude in Em #4

[octatonicgardenmarcospi]

You should arrange an interview with him before Rick Beato does it. And, please, with you two at the piano. Great analysis!

[quailstudios]

Billy Joel has always been one of my favorite artists/songwriters. His singing style changes from song to song and his writing is brilliant.

[-Mark_F]

Great video. Always loved Billy Joel from the start. Still to this day (some ~40 years later) finding that some of his lyrics still apply to things in my life.

[ragingriccor]

These songs alone are showcase Billy Joel’s phenomenal songwriting technique. Not to mention Zanzibar and Rosalinda’s Eyes.

[randomgraham]

I just started my journey of learning music theory and trying to learn to read music as a beginner guitar player, and despite being overwhelmed I find your videos informative.

[MartinMichiels]

You've got a great singing voice ! Thanks for this wonderful video !

[Stevenb]

I learned piano playing Billy Joel songs. Bought sheet music for his first 6 albums because Sears sold each album on cassette for $3. Not a bad way to learn. Terrific video.

[Assisi]

This might be the only tutorial on youtube that made me tear up. (Yeah, Billy Joel does that to me.) Great job of relating his ideas across his oeuvre.

[jackharriet]

Thanks Aimee for such an illuminating and beautiful video, and acknowledging the genius of Billy Joel. It seems that he never quite gets enough of this type of appreciation and he deserves it. Musically he's up amongst the very best.