How to Construct Chords and Improvise


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

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.


MORE RESOURCES:

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 »


Sony Music Rewards Timely Taxpayers With Free Music Downloads
PSFK
By Alice Chan on January 12, 2012 Buenos Aires' tax collection bureau (ARBA) and Sony Music Argentina have partnered up to reward punctual taxpayers with free music downloads. The initiative – ArbaTracks aims to encourage prompt tax filings and ...



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 »


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 ...



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 »


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 »


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 »


Malawi music free downloads web launched
Nyasa Times
By Kimpho Loka, Nyasa Times Malawian musicians now have a new platform to promote their music further, thanks to the coming of One Malawi Music, a free-music downloads website. A brainchild of Timve Media Group (TMG), the website allows registered ...

and more »


Ram Truck Brand Presents 'Road to the Ram® Jam' All-Star Country Music Series ...
Sacramento Bee
It will help bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through country radio stations nationwide, free music downloads, ...

and more »

Google News

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