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:

Yorba Linda Library to offer free music downloads
OCRegister
Patrons of the Yorba Linda Library will soon be able to download tunes from Sony Music's massive catalog, which includes artists from ...

and more »


Songgy.net Celebrates One Year Providing Free Music Downloads and Streaming ...
PR Web (press release)
Premier Internet destination for music and movies in two languages marks a successful first year. This summer, Songgy.net commemorates one full year as the ...



Clower wins Innovation in the Classroom Award
In-Forum
He, along with fellow police officers he recruited, have been greeting students as they enter the school parking lot and handing out free music downloads to ...



Massive Transformation
Bisnow
... Than Photons" is scheduled for release early next year. See www.facebook.com/councilbluffs for free music downloads, band information, and concert dates.



C-Store Field Report (July 30, 2010)
In-Store Marketing Institute (subscription)
An instant-win component handed out $5 store cards to 350 winners and free music downloads from Universal Music to 10500 others. ...



TIMELINE-China approves Google search page
Reuters
Aug 2008 - Google launches free music downloads for users in China to better compete with market leader Baidu Inc (BIDU.O). March 2009 - China blocks access ...

and more »


Kilkenny bands sought for national battle of the bands
Kilkenny Advertiser
There is also plenty of free music downloads so log on today and start enjoying new music from around the world!



Free fun during the Seattle summer
Seattle Times
Go to www.seattle.gov/arts (click on In the Community, then Seattle Presents) for the rest of the concert lineup as well as free music downloads. ...

and more »


Apple Insider

Apple interested in offering instant product research via iPhone
Apple Insider
They could also offer free music downloads, or advertisements related to the product. In one depiction, scanning a cup of Starbucks coffee offers the user ...

and more »


Reality TV Calendar

Big Brother 12: First Competition Pics And Today On The Live Feeds
Reality TV Calendar
Along with the feeds you get $10.00 worth of free music downloads every month. Free access to other Reality shows and free movies. ...

and more »

Google News

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