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Piano Tutorial: Scott Joplin - Maple Leaf Rag (in 4 ways)

In this viewer’s request tutorial I play Maple Leaf Rag in 4 different ways.
#Scott Joplin #Maple Leaf Rag #piano tutorial

The sheet music in the “swing” version based on Joplin’s piano roll can be downloaded (free) from Google Drive.

Time codes:

  • 1:31 Change the time value of the melody notes
  • 9:30 Syncopate the meter
  • 16:20 Added embellishments

Please note: This new Maple Leaf Rag edition is based on a transcription of Joplin’s piano roll but edited in such a way as to make the embellishments more practical to play at a moderate to fast tempo.

Even though Maple Leaf Rag was written in 2/4 meter I prefer to play it in 4/4 meter, because (to me) the phrases arch best in 4/4.

Free public domain edition of original published score.

In these recordings, I use the harmonic pedal (only) in resonance half-position. The harmonic pedal was invented by Denis de la Rochefordière.

Performances