Stride

:This article is about the musical style. For the term as used in computer programming, see Stride of an array.

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Stride is a type of piano playing, used primarily in jazz. The distinctive technique was originated in Harlem in or about 1919 by Luckey Roberts and James P. Johnson. It is influenced by ragtime but features more improvisation, blue notes, and swing rhythms than its predecessor.

Related Topics:
Piano - Jazz - Harlem - 1919 - Luckey Roberts - James P. Johnson - Ragtime

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The pianist's left hand plays a four-beat pulse with a bass note on the first and third beat, and a chord on the second and fourth beats, while the right hand plays (usually improvising) melodies and harmonies. The name "stride" comes from the "striding" left-hand movement which characterizes the style. This technique is one of the most difficult styles of jazz piano playing and continues to influence contemporary piano players.

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Noted stride players include:

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• James P. Johnson
• Luckey Roberts
• Willie The Lion Smith
• Art Tatum
• Fats Waller
• Pete Johnson