Learn Piano Online Practicing Chords
There's so much to think about when it comes to playing piano chords, including
triads, 7ths chords, major, minor, diminished, augmented, 9th chords, 11th chords,
13th chords, chord inversions. Not only that but actually using them is another
thing! It can be so overwhelming - if you allow it to.
But an idea is to learn a tiny bit and then use what you learned in the context
of a musical idea. That idea does not have to be anything elaborate - that's not
the point. What is important is that you are incorporating what you learn into
something. Training yourself to do that on a regular basis will turn your "practicing"
into "practical action"... you see, you're actually using learned material for the
purpose it is meant to be learned. This can be equated to adding a new word to your
vocaublary. Learning a new word is one thing, but one doesn't go chanting a word on
its ownover and over again (usually!). Instead, that word is used in context.
To take this a step further, consider the act of looking up a new word in the dictionary.
First, you learn the definition of the word. Following that is usually a phrase or
sentence in which that word is used. This enforces the understanding of the word. That
makes sense, would you agree? Well, I encourage the same type of act when learning,
say, a new chord. Let's consider an example:
Let's say that you just learned a G Major triad for the first time. Your playing G B D
with your left hand, right hand, or both. Okay, you've learned the chord. Now, put
it in the context of something. Play the full chord with your left hand. While you're
holding that chord down, play the chord in your right hand one note at a time,
changing the order of those notes as you proceed. Become playful with those notes.
Be rhythmical with them. Reverse by playing the full chord with your right and playing
the chord one note at a time with your left. When playing the notes one at a time in
either hand, have fun with dynamics by playing some of the notes louder than others.
Repeat some of the notes before moving to the others. In other words, experience what
it really feels like to use that chord in a musical context.
Find a song in a piece of sheet music that uses the G Major chord. It doesn't have to
be at the beginning of the song. When you find a G Major chord symbol, play the chord
with your left hand and play the melody shown with your right. Take it further by perhaps
getting involved with a program which will show you how to play both the chord and melody
with your right hand in a way which adds some style to what you are playing. Yes, you can
play just one measure but learn to be very musical in your approach! Learn in little segments.
It's a great way to make practicing a joy rather than a chore and a bore!
Finally, give yourself credit for what you've done. Smile and rejoice! Your own belief in your
personal ability will be "on steroids" before you know it!
Each and every minute of your time at the piano or keyboard should be enjoyable. And why not?
Isnt' that why you're sitting at the instrument in the first place?
Remember...
Always...
ALWAYS...
PLAY WITH PASSION!
Musically,
Dave
===================================================================
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.
===================================================================
Return to Piano Articles
Go to Learn Piano Online Home Page