How to Play Piano Using a Few Chords


Try Emusic FREE for 14 days, keep the 25 Free songs even if you decide not to continue.

How many chords do you need to create a piece of music? Would you believe that it doesn't really matter and that whole pieces of music have been created using just one chord? For example, if you play a D minor 7 chord, you could use the bass note D to create a drone effect and anchor the whole improvisation. It could last for a few seconds or many minutes.

The important thing is were you in the moment when you created it? If you were, then it will be a good piece of music. If you weren't it will be notes in the air without communication. What communicates is your feeling. It's your feeling that gets across through the notes. The notes themselves are meaningless if you are not present behind them.

I usually do not use more chords than 4 or 5 when creating. I use the chords of a certain Key, for example A major and stay within that key until the piece is done. I may change to a different key, but I will always begin with the intention of staying within one, always keeping the possibility open for change. Remember the power of limits, especially in music.

When you have too many choices it can be overwhelming and will stop you from being able to go forward. That's why learning to play in 4 and 8-bar phrases is important. It gives you the limit of chord changes. New age music is mostly a static music meaning that the chords do not change too much. In fact, you can have the same chord going on for 8, 16 and even 24 bars or more. The amount of change is dictated by personal taste and that you will acquire after you freely experiment with the music.

Remember that attitude is the number one thing. You must allow the music to tell you where it wants to go or you will most likely freeze up and stop the forward momentum. That's why I always tell students the principles for creativity must come first. Without that you are really starting on shaky ground.

So, don't worry about how many chords to insert in your music. For a good example of chord changes, look at my book "New Age Piano Made Easy." It's filled with 84 exercises completely comprised of different chord changes in all 12 keys.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!


MORE RESOURCES:

Check-In And Get Free Music Downloads With New App
PSFK
By Emma Hutchings on February 8, 2012 Nightlife app Buy Me A Drink has partnered with Wantickets to provide information about events and ticket purchasing access for their users. They will be rewarded with free song downloads, which will provide them ...



Library now offers free music downloads
Port Orchard Independent
By BRETT CIHON Partnering with Freegal, a service that allows access to music online, the Kitsap Regional Library now offers free, downloadable music to all library members. Under the partnership, users will be able to download up to three songs a week ...

and more »


Kitsap libraries offer free music downloads
North Kitsap Herald
Kitsap Regional Library has joined Library Ideas' network of public library websites that offer free access to songs from Sony Music's catalog. The service, called Freegal, allows KRL to increase the size and diversity of its collection by offering ...



Shazam Revolutionizes the Super Bowl with More than One Million Giveaways from ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Use Shazam while watching the Super Bowl to win cars, get free music downloads, receive gift cards, donate to charity and enter sweepstakes for other giveaways! NEW YORK, Feb 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Shazam(R), the world's leading media discovery ...

and more »


The Drum

Shazam! Aim your phone at the Super Bowl TV ad, win two Toyotas
The Drum
Super Bowl Viewers were also able to "shazam" free music downloads, gift cards, donate to charity and enter sweepstakes for other giveaways. Even Madonna's half-time show was covered. In last years's Superbowl there was just one Shazam ad.

and more »


Syrian women, backbone of the revolution
FRANCE 24
And Argentine tax payers rewarded with free music downloads. By Electron Libre The women of Deraa, where the Syrian uprising began back in March, took to the streets on Saturday, calling for the release of their husbands, brothers or sons currently ...

and more »


Free song downloads at library, 3 a week
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Music lovers who are also library card holders now have access to free music downloads through the Allen County Public Library. The service – called freegal – was launched this month, said Stacey Pearson, who heads the Art, Music and Media department ...



Free MP3 Downloads of the Best Dubstep, Best Techno, and Best House Music on ...
MarketWatch (press release)
18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- www.pumpyouup.com announces the release of their New Year's music collection of free music downloads. The New Year's theme is techno flavored with a touch of dub. The collection includes a variety of dubstep, trance, ...

and more »


Product Placement News

Guvera Entertainment Launches 'My Soundtrack' Facebook App
All Access Music Group
My Soundtrack looks to drive brand-to-consumer engagement with music, allowing FACEBOOK followers and fans to enjoy and share music, stream without limits, and earn free music downloads. "It is without question that music communicates with our hearts ...
Guvera Entertainment Launches My Soundtrack(TM) Facebook AppMarketWatch (press release)

all 10 news articles »


Kellie Pickler Helps Launch Road to the Ram Jam Series
Great American Country (blog)
The Road to the Ram Jam series will bring country fans closer to their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes, free music downloads and the chance to enter to win trips for two to the Ram Jam concert.
Kellie Pickler Joins Road To Ram Jam For The USOLook To The Stars

all 5 news articles »

Google News

Free Music Download Sites (Home Page) |   Free MP3 Downloads  |   RSS Feed  |   Artists  |   Music Resources  |   Music Downloads