"Play Piano Chords Like a Pro - Literally!"

If you're going to have all the fun you're capable of at the piano, then mastering piano chords is where it's at. No doubt about it. It's good to start with the basics, of course, like major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads...

From that point, you shouldn't waste much time before getting a handle on seventh chords, too, which will come easier to you with a knowledge of triads.

However, if you really want to explore your potential... if you really want to have fun at the piano to the point where you can fully appreciate yourself as a player, you absolutely must take things beyond this level. Most do not. Those that do? They stand out from the crowd.

You see, there are many different levels of what we could refer to as harmonic texture. And within these levels are even more...

For example, if you know how to play a major triad, that's one texture. Playing C,E, and G on the piano is not a major challenge and it produces a result that is pleasing to the ear. Now, add a 7th and you've got C,E,G,B... which is a C major seventh chord with quite a bit more character than that triad you started out with.

Well, it certainly doesn't end there... add to that a 9th and you've got C,E,G,B,D... which is a major ninth chord. Now, this sounds more interesting than that seventh.

Okay, we can add a 11ths and 13ths, too. But let's say we just take one of these options, like that C major ninth chord. Well, what if we take that C,E,G,B,D and play around with the arrangement of those notes.

For example, how about taking that C and that G and play them an octave lower... then play some more games with the other chord members... the harmonic texture just keeps changing and changing - and we're only talking about major chords!

It gets better and better, too, with experience. And that's how a pro player approaches piano chords - with a real sense of experimentation... along with using concepts that have already proven to work time and time and time again throughout the decades.

With some guidance, there's no limit to what you can achieve creatively.

Any person who sits and plays a few piano chords for fun has the capacity to absolutely amaze himself or herself, but all too often they place limitations on themselves. If only they would take that next step and allow their curiosity to lead them to what is really possible.

The mastery of piano chords is "what separates the men from the boys," as they say. Truly, I hope you have that spark within you. Actually, you do have it - what I really mean is that I hope you allow it to breath. Because you are capable of so much. You really are.

I've been involved with playing with chords ever since I was a young child and it's been an ongoing adventure of learning ever since them. I feel grateful, too, that I can share some of what I know with you via certain tools like the one referred to above.

Sit at that piano and start somewhere. The "secret" - and it's not really a secret, but it's simply a technique that most do not utilize - is to stay curious and act on that curiosity.

Any new learning information you can get your hands on, do it! It will pay off. Then use what you learn - get the most from your sessions at that piano. Never judge yourself as you proceed - just be willing to have fun (most important) and learn something new.

The study of piano chords should be at the top of your list. When it is, so much falls into place for you. Be curious, explore, experiment, play, smile, and repeat the process over and over again!

Return from Piano Chords Mastery to Piano Lessons Home