With all the variations in notes, timing and alterations, recent studies have shown that the ‘well’ of music can never be exhausted. The combinations that can theoretically exist are so close to infinite as to make no difference. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that you can come up with new music relatively easily.
By ‘chording’ a song at a piano, you can invent all types of new music simply and effectively. It sounds easy, and it’s actually easier to do in practice, and you don’t need to be a concert pianist in order to do it! When I use the phrase ‘chord a song’, what I am referring to is the ability to play roughly three or four chords on a piano whilst someone else sings the tune.
Did you know, for example, that all of the songs we have listed below (along with scores of hundreds more) can be played by using just a few chords? The only thing you really have to know how to do is play a couple of very basic chords and be able to move rhythmically back and forth between them.
*Auld Lang Syne
* Amazing Grace
* Kum By Ya
* Silent Night
* Joy to the World
*Jingle bells
*Happy Birthday
All you have to do is learn a few chords, and suddenly your musical portfolio will be massively extended. By simply adding one more chord to any of these easy-to-play songs, you will be opening the door to countless combinations of music.
These are just a few of the reasons why you should learn ‘chord piano’:
1) Once you have the knowledge, you may well feel obliged to pass it on – and you’ll find that once you have mastered a few chords, imparting that knowledge to the kids or a friend is pretty easy. Also, the majority of piano teachers don’t teach chords, so you can have an advantage over them.
2) Similarly, you can also play popular Christmas Carols at the Holidays – wonderful for bringing the family together at this special time.
3) You can play normal everyday songs to the kids (like Happy Birthday) while they sing along!
4) You can go as high as you like – once you have mastered the first three chords, then you’ll find it easier to learn more – and the more you learn, the more opportunities for creating great music are open to you.
5) It’s so easy! As we demonstrated above, it’s not about learning infinite numbers of chords and sequences. Learning three is enough to get you started in a big way.
6) Hand-eye co-ordination – the more you play, the more co-ordination that exists between your eye and your hands. If you can go one step better, and learn to read sheet music whilst you play then your co-ordination will be superb.
7) Piano playing is great for the brain – it helps to keep your mind active, and recent studies have shown that people who are more musically minded have more effective thought processes later in life.
8) It’s a great way of socializing – whether you’re in a group of friends or a family environment, its terrific when you can play confidently and effectively for those around you.
9) It’s wonderful therapy for the stress of life. Imagine if you could come home from a hard day at work and unwind by tickling the ivories! Music is well known for its therapeutic qualities, and when you can play it yourself, even more so.
10) Finally, and by no means least, piano playing is a load of fun!
Being able to play the piano is great for you and for those around you, however you choose to do it. And there really is nothing stopping you starting today – learn those first three chords and see where it takes you!
Copyright 2009 Lauren Paltrow (Stage Pianist)
Tags: how to learn piano chords, how to play piano chords, learn piano chord, learn piano chords, learn piano keys, learn piano notes, learn the piano chords, learn to play piano chord, learn to play piano chords, learning piano chord, learning piano chords, play piano ch