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Unlocking The Secrets Of Piano Chord Voicings

If you love playing standard songs on the piano but find yourself stuck using the same basic chords, you’re not alone. Many aspiring pianists wish to elevate their sound but don’t know how to transition from simple chords to professional-sounding harmonies. This is where understanding piano chord voicings comes in.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the world of chord voicings, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of basic piano chords. Most pianists start with major and minor chords, typically triads and seventh chords. However, these foundational elements are just the beginning. To create a richer sound and bring your music to life, you need to explore the different ways these chords can be voiced.

What Are Piano Chord Voicings?

Piano chord voicings refer to the arrangement of the notes within a chord. Instead of simply playing the notes in their root position, voicings allow you to manipulate the order and spacing of notes, leading to a more sophisticated sound. For example, a C major chord can be voiced in various ways, each offering a different tonal quality and emotional impact.

Why Voicings Matter

Using chord voicings can dramatically enhance your playing. By changing how you voice chords, you can achieve a more professional sound that captures the listener’s attention. This is particularly important for genres like jazz and pop, where intricate harmonies can make a song stand out. Learning to apply voicings will not only improve your skills but also deepen your understanding of music theory and harmony.

Discovering Your Unique Sound

One of the most exciting aspects of mastering piano chord voicings is discovering your unique sound. As you explore different voicings, you’ll start to develop your style and preferences. This journey of self-discovery is what makes playing the piano so rewarding. You’ll find that you can express yourself more fully, creating music that resonates with both you and your audience.

Learning Through Listening

To truly grasp the concept of chord voicings, listening is key. Spend time listening to professional pianists and pay attention to how they use voicings in their playing. Take notes on specific songs you admire and analyze the chord structures. This practice will not only inspire you but also provide a practical framework for your own playing.

Getting Started with Voicings

Ready to jump into the world of piano chord voicings? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Experiment with inversions: Try playing chords in different inversions. For instance, rather than playing a C major chord as C-E-G, try E-G-C or G-C-E. Each inversion has its unique sound and can enhance the progression.
Use extended chords: Incorporate 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths into your playing. These extensions add depth and complexity to your harmonies.
Explore dropped voicings: A dropped voicing involves taking the lowest note of a chord and dropping it an octave. This technique can create a fuller sound and allow for smoother transitions between chords.
Practice common voicings: Familiarize yourself with common jazz voicings and chord progressions, such as the 2-5-1 progression, to develop a foundational understanding of how professionals create their sound.

ProProach: Your Path to Chord Voicing Mastery

If you’re serious about transforming your piano skills, consider exploring ProProach, an innovative online program designed specifically for aspiring creative pianists. This comprehensive program will guide you through 25 lessons focused on piano chord voicings, giving you the tools to elevate your playing to the next level.

Who Can Benefit from ProProach?

ProProach is perfect for you if:

You enjoy playing standard songs on the piano but feel limited by basic chords.
You’re familiar with 7th chords and want to learn how to enhance your sound.
You desire to explore the harmonic richness that professional pianists achieve.
You’re a hobbyist looking to have fun with expanding on your ability
You would like to enhance your cocktail piano playing skills

If this sounds like you, then ProProach could be a game-changer in your musical journey.

Instant Access to Knowledge

With ProProach, you gain instant access to video lessons that break down each voicing technique clearly and concisely. The program’s structure allows you to follow along at your own pace, ensuring that you grasp each concept thoroughly before moving on to the next. The combination of graphics and practical demonstrations makes learning engaging and effective.

Commitment to Your Growth

As the creator of ProProach, I am dedicated to helping you succeed. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can explore the program risk-free. If you don’t find it beneficial, you can receive a full refund within the first 30 days. This commitment to your growth reflects the passion behind the program. To further express my commitment to your success, I will make myself available for your questions as you proceed. I absolutely love talking about this topic, so I want you to know that I’m just an email away!

Take Action Today

Don’t let your piano playing stagnate! If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level and learn how to create beautiful, professional-sounding harmonies, I encourage you to check out ProProach. With the special offer currently available, you can access the entire program for just $67, nearly 50% off the regular price. This is a fantastic opportunity to invest in your musical journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering piano chord voicings is a game changer for any aspiring pianist. By expanding your knowledge and skills, you’ll not only enhance your playing but also discover a deeper appreciation for the art of music. Whether you want to entertain friends or pursue a more professional path, understanding voicings will set you apart. Embrace this journey and let your creativity shine through!

Easy Piano Tutorial: Just Play, Ya Big Baby!

Easy Piano Tutorial: Play It, Baby! Welcome to this very easy piano tutorial which is not likely what you would expect. The main goal here is to have fun and feel totally free while playing the piano. If you’ve ever felt hesitant or anxious about playing, this post is for you! Let’s dive into how you can embrace a nonjudgmental approach to tickling those ivories and truly enjoy the experience.

Embrace the Fun: Let Go of Reservations

Most beginners face a common barrier before they even play their first note: the fear of not knowing what to play. This reservation often prevents them from having fun at the piano. “I don’t know what to play!” This thought lurks in their minds, setting up unnecessary conditions for playing. Many people walk past the piano in their living room several times a day, never sitting down because they don’t see themselves as pianists. They believe they need a certain amount of knowledge to play. But here’s the truth: you don’t.

Play Like a Child: Fearless and Free

Have you ever watched a baby or very young child sit at a piano for the first time? Do they look afraid or confused? Not at all! They press their hands and fingers on those keys without any reservations. There’s no worry about playing a song or knowing what they’re doing. They simply accept the sounds they create and revel in the moment. The amazement in their eyes as they press the white keys, the black keys, the lower ones, and the higher ones is a sight to behold. They are living in the moment, completely intrigued by the sounds they are producing. Self-judgment isn’t even a remote possibility for them. This positive experience is a result of their open, curious, and nonjudgmental approach to playing.

Nurture an Accepting Attitude

The main point here is that overthinking should not get in the way of your enjoyment. Sure, if you eventually decide to learn piano techniques and music fundamentals, you’ll find yourself playing more familiar sounds. But training yourself to be fully accepting of your efforts and having fun on the keys, like a big baby, will make your ongoing experience more free and wonderful. By nurturing this accepting attitude, you create a positive and enjoyable relationship with the piano. Right this very minute, you don’t need music, you don’t need direction… you don’t need to be concerned about using the right fingers on the right notes… you don’t need to have an concern whatsoever… just play!

Just Do It, Baby

So, the next time you walk by that piano or go to dust it, sit down and let your fingers explore the keyboard with a smile on your face. Embrace the mindset promoted in this easy piano tutorial and play like a big baby, free from judgment and filled with joy. Let that original piano improvisation roll off your fingertips. Remember, the most important part is to have fun and feel free. Happy playing!

Blues Music For Piano: 50 Songs To Have Fun With

Are you ready to explore the soulful world of blues music on the piano? If you’ve been taking lessons or have picked up some concepts on your own, it’s time to take your skills to the next level with the help of a comprehensive songbook. Enter First 50 Blues Songs You Should Play on the Piano by Hal Leonard – your ultimate guide to mastering the blues on the piano.

Discover the Classics

Featuring a curated selection of 50 iconic blues songs, this book is designed to help pianists of all levels dive into the rich tradition of blues music. Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an intermediate player seeking new challenges, this book has something for everyone.

A Blues Pianist’s Essential Repertoire

Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in this must-have collection:

Ain’t No Sunshine
All Blues
At Last
Baby Please Don’t Go
Basin Street Blues
The Birth Of The Blues
Blueberry Hill
Boogie Woogie Stomp
C-Jam Blues
Caldonia (What Makes Your Big Head So Hard?)
Cow Cow Blues
Cross Road Blues (Crossroads)
Darlin’ You Know I Love You
Early In The Mornin’
Every Day I Have The Blues
Fever
Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You
Got My mojo Working
Help Me
Hidden Charms
How Long Blues (How Long, How Long Blues)
I Ain’t Got You
I Can’t Be Satisfied
I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good
I Got Love If You Want It
I’d Rather Go Blind
Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t (Ma’ Baby)
It Hurts Me Too
Kansas City
Key To The Highway
Kidney Stew Blues
Let the Good Times Roll
My Babe
Night Train
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Please Accept My Love
Pride And Joy
Route 66
Saint James Infirmary
St. Louis Blues
See See Rider
Sitting On Top Of The World
(They Call It) Stormy Monday (Stormy Monday Blues)
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin’ All the Time)
A Sunday Kind Of Love
Sweet Home Chicago
Tanqueray
Things Ain’t What They Used To Be
The Thrill is Gone
West End Blues

A Great Variety

From blues standards like “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Stormy Weather” to gritty blues classics such as “Cross Road Blues” and “Got My Mojo Working,” this book covers a wide range of styles and moods. Each song is presented in a simple and streamlined arrangement, making it accessible for pianists of varying skill levels.

For Both Readers & Improvisors

If you prefer a more structured approach, you’ll appreciate the written-out arrangements provided for each song. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore your creativity, you can use the chord symbols provided above the melody to improvise and make each song your own.

Unleash Your Inner Blues Pianist

This collection by Hal Leonard is known for its easy-to-follow arrangements that capture the essence of each tune while providing a solid foundation for further exploration. With this collection, you’ll have everything you need to embark on a musical journey through the heart and soul of the blues.

So why wait? Pick up your copy of First 50 Blues Songs You Should Play on the Piano today and start making beautiful music with the timeless classics of the blues. Whether you’re playing for yourself or entertaining friends and family, these iconic songs are sure to impress and inspire. Let the blues come alive on your piano keys and unleash your inner blues pianist. The joy of playing blues piano is just a few chords away. Dive in and let the music take you on a journey you’ll never forget.

look inside

First 50 Blues Songs You Should Play on the Piano
Simply Arranged, Must-Know Collection of Blues Favorites. By Various. Easy Piano Songbook. Blues. Softcover. 184 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.293318).

Tutorial For Piano Beginners

Always wanted to have some fun at that piano or keyboard of yours without the fuss of reading or learning a bunch of theory? I get it. You just want to be able to sit and make some music. Look no further! This tutorial for piano beginners offers a completely different approach that will have you making music at the piano in no time, without the need for traditional music reading. Within seconds, you’ll be playing…

This Tutorial for Beginners Requires No Reading

No music knowledge whatsoever? Put together by the creator of Rapid Piano Mastery, this set of tutorials is a game changer. Music is meant to be felt and experienced, not just read from a page. That’s why this approach emphasizes hands-on learning and creativity from the very beginning.

Why choose this particular set of tutorials?

Instant Access: Gain immediate access to four videos that will have you playing instantly
No Music Reading Necessary: You don’t need to know how to read sheet music before you can start playing the piano. With these tutorials, you’ll be making music within seconds. You won’t be reading anything. All your attention will be on those piano keys.
Unlock Your Creativity: This set of tutorials encourages experimentation and improvisation, empowering you to express yourself freely on the piano.
Share the Joy: Spread the word about our innovative tutorials and help aspiring pianists that you know unlock their musical potential.

Get Being Creative at the Piano Starting Now!

Ready to take the first step? Simply enter your first name and email below to gain instant access to this tutorial for piano beginners.:

Spread the Word

Don’t keep this to yourself! Share this post with friends, family, and anyone else who’s passionate about music. Together, let’s inspire a new generation of creative pianists and make beautiful music accessible to all.

Unlock your potential, unleash your creativity, and discover the joy of piano playing. This tutorial for piano beginners will serve as the kickstart that you need. Sign up now and let the music begin!

Why You Don’t Need A Piano Chords Chart

Breaking Free from Dependency

Mastering the piano is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and one common tool often touted as essential is the piano chords chart. But what if I told you that relying on such a crutch might actually hinder your progress rather than accelerate it? Becoming overly reliant on a piano chords chart may not be the wisest path toward piano mastery.

The Illusion of Convenience: The Pitfalls of Dependency

At first glance, a piano chords chart appears to offer a convenient shortcut to mastering chords. It lays out the finger positions for various chords, seemingly simplifying the process. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Relying solely on a chart fosters a dependency on external aids rather than developing internal understanding and skill. True mastery of the piano involves not just replicating chords but understanding their construction and being able to create them on demand.

Breaking the Chains: Liberating Yourself from the Chart

Imagine the freedom of being able to summon any piano chord at will, without glancing at a chart. This level of mastery is attainable, and it begins with breaking free from the constraints of dependency. While a piano chords chart may serve as a temporary guide, the ultimate goal should be to internalize the knowledge and techniques necessary to form chords independently. Some programs even sell for hundreds of dollars, yet still have you relying on chord charts, which makes little sense. Instead, aspiring pianists should focus on understanding chord construction and developing the skills to create chords independently.

Rapid Piano Mastery: Unleashing Creativity

Rapid Piano Mastery is more than just a program; it’s a philosophy centered around empowering pianists to unleash their creativity. Rather than being shackled to a piano chords chart, this course equips students with the tools to understand chord construction and explore endless creative possibilities. Picture yourself effortlessly navigating through a favorite piece of sheet music, encountering unfamiliar chords with confidence and improvising to suit your mood. That’s the essence of Rapid Piano Mastery—a journey toward fluency and creativity.

Learning by Doing: The Power of Practice

One of the most effective ways to internalize piano chords is through consistent practice. By actively engaging with chord progressions, experimenting with different positions, and incorporating them into your playing, you gradually build a deeper understanding of how chords work. This hands-on approach not only reinforces muscle memory but also fosters a stronger connection to the music you create.

Embracing Challenges: Growth Through Exploration

Challenging yourself to learn chords without relying on a chart may initially seem daunting, but it’s through these challenges that true growth occurs. As you delve deeper into chord formation and mastery, you expand your musical palette and develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of harmony. Embrace the journey of exploration and discovery, knowing that each chord type you master brings you one step closer to piano proficiency.

Embodying the Scenario: Unlocking Creativity in the Moment

Imagine you’re playing through a favorite song, fully immersed in the melody, when suddenly you encounter a chord that’s unfamiliar. In that moment, reaching for a chord chart will disrupt the flow of your playing and break the spell of creativity. Instead, imagine the satisfaction of being able to produce that chord at your fingertips, seamlessly integrating it into your performance and infusing it with your unique style and emotion. That’s the power of mastering piano chords without dependency on charts.

Embracing Mastery, Rejecting Dependency

In conclusion, while a piano chords chart may seem like a helpful aid, its utility is limited in the pursuit of true mastery. Relying on external tools inhibits growth and stifles creativity. Instead, aspiring pianists should focus on understanding chord construction and developing the skills to create chords independently. Rapid Piano Mastery offers a pathway to break free from dependency and unlock the full potential of piano playing. So, next time you encounter a challenging chord, embrace the opportunity to learn and create, rather than reaching for a chart. After all, true mastery lies not in following a chart but in charting your own musical journey.