Learn Piano Online Chord Progressions
In basic terms, when chords progress from one to another, this is known as a chord progression. However, the phrase has come to be interpreted as having a more specific meaning. You see, certain chords tend to gravitate toward others more, and this results in chord patterns that we can count on to occur rather predictably in our songs. These patterns are commonly known as chord progressions as we know them.
For example, in the key of C Major, a C Major chord is often following by a G Major chord, which often resolves back to the C Major chord. Thus we have the progression:
Cmaj >> Gmaj >> Cmaj
In relation to the key of C Major, the Cmaj is the I chord (we say "one chord") and Gmaj is the V chord (we say "five chord) because the letter name of the first chord, which is C, otherwise known as the root, is the first note of the C Major scale, which is the corresponding scale to the key we are in. Also, the root of Gmaj is the fifth note in that scale. By the way, when referring to the degrees of a scale, Roman numerals are generally used, which explains the I and V being used rather than 1 and 5.
Using these Roman numerals, we can refer to this particular chord progression as:
I >> V >> I
Thinking in terms of these numbers is helpful when playing this chord progression in another key. You see, since music is a perfect mathematical system, all you need to do is find the I and V of any major scale to play this I >> V >> I progression in that key.
There are many chord progressions that occur over and over again. As a matter of fact, they occur so often in songs that when you are aware of them, you are able to predict their occurance in music that you hear. This is how the ability to play piano by ear develops. Become familiar with chord progressions, learn to look for them in songs that you hear and play, and be receptive to hearing them when they occur.
As an example, one other very popular chord progression is:
I >> VI >> IV >> V (1 >> 6 >> 2 >> 5)
Familiarity with these progressions certainly helps with reading as well. How? Because if you are aware of them, you actually anticipate their occurance. Yes, quite often, you can actually predict which chord will come next before your eyes are actually affixed on it. The more experience you gain, the more your predictions will be correct!
By the way, the three chord in each key that are likely to occur more often than others are the I, IV, and V. These are known as the primary chords. Learning these chords in each key is absolutely conducive to setting yourself in the right direction when it comes to playing by ear. Even if playing chords is completely new to you, you can gain a familiarity will these primary chords in all 12 of the major keys (and actually start playing by ear with them) using this popular manual, which is very affordable. Just remember that it's not a book to be read in an armchair, as you won't find pretty pictures or diagrams. Print it out, take it to your piano or keyboard, and follow the steps. Again if you're totally new at piano or playing chords, this little manual can serve as a breakthrough for you. You could be singing "Happy Birthday" to a whole new beginning for yourself! (You'll know what I mean when you get involved with it : o))
Even by knowing a few basic chord progressions, you open the doors for yourself when it comes to playing by ear and reading more efficiently. Here is an example of how you can start using this information to your advantage with just a portion of what you have just read:
Based on that first progression above, which is I >> V >> I, let's think of applying it to the key of C Major. So we have
Cmaj >> Gmaj >> Cmaj.
Question:
If you were to make a prediction, which chord would you most likely expect to follow a Gmaj chord the majority of the time when playing a song in the key of C Major?
Now, refer back to songs that you are already familiar with or sheet music for songs in the key of C Major that you have in that piano bench and see if your prediction is correct!
Remember...
Always...
ALWAYS...
PLAY WITH PASSION!
Musically,
Dave
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Dave Longo is the creator and owner of PianoAmore.net, a site devoted to showing the
adult piano student how to unleash "The Creative Genius Within." Reach your musical
potential by taking advantage of the many piano learning tools at the site.
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