 Slash Chords Got
You Tangled Up?
  A while back, I had shared a Piano Wiz session that focused on slash chords. If slash chords are new to you, then I would like to suggest that you take a look at that session here. If you've followed me for a while, especially if you've been involved with ProProach at all, you know that I place a heavy emphasis on learning a concept and then "over-using" it to the point where you've really got a handle on it. Since we're on the subject of slash chords, I was contemplating a way by which you might really get through the challenge of becoming acquainted with them and using them to a point where your confidence level is a lot higher than it is right now. I thought that it would be great if you were to consider taking a song that you are likely very familiar with and seeing these slash chords in context. Whether it takes you you a few minutes to get a grasp on this or it takes weeks is not significant. What is important is that you take an proactive approach to understanding them and playing them so that you can can ultimately experience the confidence that goes hand in hand with being able to apply slash chords without second thought. A great song to take on as a tool for the purposes of studying these slash chords and gaining an understanding of how they are used in context is the infamous Piano Man by Billy Joel. Exploring the slash chords in that song not only will lead to familiarization with the chords themselves but how and why they are used to begin with. For example, the first four measures present a lesson in themselves. Notice how the lowest tone (the note to the right of each slash) of each of these chords represents part of a descending line - C, B, A, G. This makes for a very "flowing" line, resulting in a very pleasing musical effect. At other times, a composer will use a slash chord simply for the sound texture that it creates. You are invited to explore the chords to this now legendary song by visiting here. Depending on your current level of chord understanding, you may spend more or less time investigating how the chords in this song are put together. If these chords are totally new for you, then use the song to first familiarize yourself with the chords themselves. As you become more acquainted with them, place more of a focus on how they are used in context and then consider why the composer opted to use slash chords rather than not... keep in mind, there's usually a reason :o) Remember... Always... ALWAYS... PLAY WITH PASSION!  Take advantage of this special ProProach promotion while it lasts! (Would you pay a piano teacher $2.08 a week to transform your piano playing?)  |
