Stride

Stride is a type of piano playing, used primarily in jazz. The distinctive technique was originated in Harlem

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 was partially influenced by ragtime but is a jazz piano idiom, features improvisation, blue notes, and swing rhythms which its predecessor did not. The practitioners of this style were mislabeled ticklers but practiced a very full jazz piano style that made use of classical devices.

The pianist's left hand may play a four-beat pulse with a bass note or tenth interval on the first and third beats, and a chord on the second and fourth beats, or an interrupted bass with 3 single notes and then a chord while the right hand plays melodies and chords. The over simplistic name "stride" comes from the "striding" left-hand movement. Pedal technique further varies the left hand sound. Stride is one of the most difficult styles of jazz piano playing, takes years to master, and is often confused with other jazz piano where the left hand alternates. One does not play "some" stride, but plays a full several minute piece in the idiom, with many variations along the melodic line. Understanding of multiple tension and release is a must.