How To Construct Basic Chords on the Piano
The easiest way to start learning how to build chords is to practice their constructions in the key of C Major. You're just playing all white keys.
All you have to do is play every other white key to create a 3-note chord. A 3-note chord is called a triad. A 4-note chord is called a 7th chord. And a 5-note chord is called a 9th chord.
Now you have the option of playing your chords in one hand or you may use both hands! It depends upon the sound you want to produce.
How to Improvise Melodies
There's something irresistible about a real melody. If you can convince the listener that they're hearing a melody when you improvise, they will stay riveted to every note.
Well, you can - and it's not really that difficult. The one element that is common to almost all good melodies is: repetition.
To your success,
Mr. Ron
http://www.mrronsmusic.com
Repetition. Repetition and more repetition. I'm referring specifically to the repetition of ideas (motifs, as they are often called). Sometimes the idea is repeated exactly as it occurred the first time, as in the Holiday tune "Jingle Bells."
More often, the motif occurs higher or lower than it did originally. The notes are different but the rhythm and the shape of the line remain intact, as in "Happy Birthday." This type of repetition can be defined as "pitch-shifting."
What I'm describing here is a process often called motific development: the spinning out of ideas through the use of repetition, pitch-shifting, and extension.
So that's it... if you want your improvisations or solos to sound like a melody, you need to use a lot of repetition.
Ironically many musicians avoid using repetition for fear of sounding repetitious, i.e., boring. You bore a listener if you try to elicit the same emotional reaction from him/her two or three times in a row, but that's not what you're doing when you repeat an idea.
When you first introduce an idea, it's new. The listener waits with open anticipation to hear how the idea spins itself out. But when you repeat the idea, their reaction is very different. Now they can gain a certain sense of control, by connecting what they're hearing to what went before.
Just listen to some of your favorite songs, and you will definitely hear repetition!
Ron Worthy is the owner of http://www.mrronsmusic.com. He is a Music Eductor and Performer. His site offers online piano instruction for all ages. He specializes in Rock, Pop, Blues and Smooth Jazz Piano disciplines.
Every searching artist wants to get there. It's that magical... Read More
One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the... Read More
Do you want to learn how to play chords on... Read More
Playing the ModesWhen I used to use this pack with... Read More
Do you ramble on endlessly with your improvisations? If so,... Read More
New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often... Read More
It's no secret that virtually everyone loves music in some... Read More
I was 17 at the time (the Beatles era), and... Read More
Is your heart in the music? If so, it won't... Read More
When you read music you are deciphering the printed page... Read More
There are so many areas in life where one must... Read More
While many people think that the mixing of the separate... Read More
All through the age's music and spirituality as served hand... Read More
Way back in November I found myself at the Casby... Read More
The Kasabian concert at the Kool Haus seemed like a... Read More
Music is the art of arranging sounds in periodic time... Read More
Cultures around the world since the beginning of time have... Read More
"Music isn't just learning notes and playing them, you learn... Read More
While it probably doesn't seem like this would help -... Read More
In the late 1940's, the 45-RPM record replaced the 78-RPM... Read More
If you are just starting out learning guitar one of... Read More
Mistake #1 - Thinking about what you're going to playA... Read More
A New Breed of Aspiring Songwriters Is In The Making.... Read More
Author Interview with Ryan Thomson, seacoast New Hampshire resident, and... Read More
Three battles at the end of the 8 Mile movie... Read More
Disregard the popular image of rappers with their ghetto blasters,... Read More
If you've ever looked at a flower garden, not only... Read More
The idea that studying music improves the social development of... Read More
Some people think composing is this miraculous thing that only... Read More
I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More
I have always believed that success, in practically any subject... Read More
Now, that you are familiar and likely connected with online... Read More
Piano playing doesn't have to be boring. There's no law... Read More
"The real communicating artists seek unique expression. They are not... Read More
What exactly is a Gong?The gong is a musical instrument... Read More
"The difference between success and failure is information," notes Ritch... Read More
You've got your recording (or songwriting) contract in hand and... Read More
Buying a digital piano could be a very delicate attempt,... Read More
Everyone has a talent. For Miami, Okla.'s, Brian Beauchamp, it's... Read More
Do you remember the movie, Groundhog Day? In this wonderful... Read More
How many times have you turned to music to uplift... Read More
Almost everyone has heard about the massive crack down on... Read More
New York born singer songwriter Michael Alan, who records with... Read More
President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House... Read More
The steel-stringed acoustic guitar is usually credited with being developed... Read More
To avoid any sort of injuries when playing guitar a... Read More
Music courses are a great way to learn about virtually... Read More
Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound... Read More
Interviewed by Scott G (The G-Man)G-Man: When people think of... Read More
One of the rules of practicing we all hear over... Read More
The guitar is considered the friendliest musical instrument there is.... Read More
Both of these timbers make great soundboards on flat top... Read More
Have you ever been told that you were good at... Read More
Steven: Maybe more than any other guitarist ever, you're inextricably... Read More
Do you ramble on endlessly with your improvisations? If so,... Read More
Well, you love music so much that you have decided... Read More
Not since the heyday of Dance/Pop Artists like Taylor Dayne... Read More
"My 6 year old daughter really loves the piano and... Read More
It is believed that the custom of dining in began... Read More
Let's face it, the wildfire spread of web-based portals designed... Read More
Marshall Mathers, was born October 17, 72, and could be... Read More
How do you begin a piece of music? That's a... Read More
For most of us, making any major purchase, such as... Read More
These practice tips were written for fiddlers. I've used them... Read More
One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the... Read More
(1) The BMG Music Service offers the best deal you'll... Read More
Music & MP3 |