| The first thing most students think they have to learn | | | | the simple triad. Why piano teachers have their |
| when playing keyboards is note reading. But not only is | | | | students learn triads first, I'll never know. But when you |
| note reading unnecessary...it's a hindrance when you | | | | learn this chord position first, it allows you to create a |
| really want to play piano like a pro. Why? Because | | | | open vented sound that is perfect for today's |
| pros use chords. And chords are much, much easier | | | | contemporary styles. Jazz, New Age, etc.. These |
| to learn than reading sheet music. | | | | styles can be created easily using the open position |
| While chords will help you play like a pro fast, it all | | | | piano chord. |
| depends on the kind of chords you play. | | | | The way to play these chords is relatively easy. It may |
| For example, most fledgling piano students think they | | | | take a few minutes for your hands to get used to |
| will begin by playing triads. And for most piano | | | | because this chord structure really stretches your |
| teachers, this is the chord structure taught at the | | | | hands. Here's how it works. The left hand gets the |
| beginning. While there is nothing at all wrong with triads | | | | root note, the fifth, and the seventh. The right hand |
| (all western music is built on this) it just won't give you | | | | gets to play the third, seventh, and third again. So, if we |
| a modern sound. | | | | were to play a C Major 7 chord, it would be spelled |
| A chord structure I have my beginning students learn | | | | like this: LH - c, g, b RH - e, b, e. This looks a lot more |
| first, the open position piano chord, uses both hands | | | | complicated than it actually is and when you see it laid |
| right away to create a modern sound! | | | | out for you on a keyboard diagram, you'll immediately |
| The benefit of using both hands right away is that you | | | | see how easy it actually is to play! |
| can vary the tones between hands to create a rich, | | | | To play the piano like a pro, don't start with triads; try |
| beautiful sound that can NEVER be accomplished with | | | | the open position piano chord. You won't be sorry! |