Description

There are four chords in every key which are used more often than any others.

They are called the tonic (I), the sub-dominant (IV), the dominant (V), and the super-tonic chord (ii). Most songs begin and end on the tonic so it functions as. The other 3 chords are used to provide contrast to the tonic. Learn what the four main chords are in every key, and guess what — you’ve got the magic key to which chords are likely in a song. You’ll also learn to match your melody note to these 4 chords, so you can harmonize virtually any simple song.

There are many songs you can learn with 3 or 4 chords in them, in fact if you’re not afraid to improvise a little, you can play any song with less than 3 chords if this is what you prefer to do.

There are many music books that are specially arranged so that pianists who aren’t confident enough in their ability to tackle multi-chord changes within a song can use. These books may not show the music as the composer intended, but they do allow for a player who is still learning techniques to make music that sounds good.

What you need to remember about song playing is that you can change the chords at will. If you prefer to only use 1 or 2 chords and can improvise the tune on what’s in the music, then you can do this. You will end up with a harmony that isn’t as interesting as one with a myriad of chords in it, but if you can play it confidently without hesitating, then it will sound better than one with many chords that your fingers stumble over.

If you’re not confident about chord changes and prefer to use only 3 or 4 chords, then you should learn some chord techniques such as suspensions and anticipations that will allow you to use the few chords you are sure of to better effect. Just by moving a finger here or there during the chord playing you’ll add an additional interest that will make the music you play sound more complicated than it actually is! In turn this will raise your own confidence level and motivate you to experiment more with the music.

Learning major chord structure is something that should be part of your everyday practice session. As you become more confident playing these chords you’ll find that you aren’t afraid to choose songs that have many chord changes in them. Until you have that confidence play the chords that you are familiar with and concentrate on getting them right. Involuntarily hitting the wrong notes in the chord can create a completely different sound, perhaps in a way that completely throws your entire piece of music into an unintended discord, by keeping the chord progression simple even an inexperienced pianist can create good music that doesn’t hurt the ear of those listening!

Whether you are just starting out with learning to play the piano, or are a little more experienced but still feel that you don’t have the confidence in your ability to create music requiring many different chord changes in your music, you can find music at the level you require it. On the other hand, if you prefer to improvise, just confidently play the chords that fit naturally with the harmony line. Add some interest with passing notes, and appoggiaturas and listeners will enjoy your playing as much as they would one with a complicated chord progression that’s played with hesitation.

Don’t let lack of chord confidence put you off playing. Continue to practice chord changes, but in the meantime enjoy playing pieces of music with a minimum amount of chords that allow you to strengthen your skill base with these chords as well as increase your confidence in your ability as a pianist.

This course contains an Instructional Audio CD and DVD video & “Most-Used-Chords” Sheet

Below is a list of just a few of the songs you can play: