Automatic Control of Chords

CORRECT PRACTICE IS INDISPENSABLE!

Your success or failure at the keyboard may well hinge on how quickly and accurately you can memorize a new chord. To be really efficient at this you must use your eyes, your ears, and the muscles of your hands. You must learn a chord so that you can recognize and play that chord the next day without hesitation. Let me explain how to practice to gain this three-way control.

VISUAL CONTROL - After playing a chord, take your hands off the keyboard. Then return to the chord remembering visually where the fingers were positioned. Notice particularly the pattern that was formed by the black and white keys and the location of the melody and root notes. (No two chords look exactly alike.)

Repeat this procedure at least four or five times to learn a chord visually. And, as you are playing the chord, say its name OUT LOUD. You must associate the name of the chord with the actual notes you are playing, if the chord symbol is to have any real meaning later on.

TACTILE CONTROL - As you are playing the chord, try to feel it muscularly. Play each note of the chord, one note at a time, so that you use the muscles of the hand. You will develop a muscular memory for chords.

AURAL CONTROL - Listen to the chord. You'll want to know its sound so you can instantly recognize and use it later on ... "by ear"!

http://www.mrronsmusic.com/playpiano.htm

P lay Piano Like a PRO! Proven Tips, Tools and Strategies (that anyone can learn) to Play Rock, Pop, Blues, R&B and Smooth Jazz Piano.

http://www.mrronsmusic.com/playpiano.htm http://www.playpianotonight.com/default2.htm



People are Turning to Meaningful Songs for Emotional and Spiritual Relief:

A New Breed of Aspiring Songwriters Is In The Making.... Read More

50 Cent G Unit

His lockjaw delivery makes him look as gangsta as Marlon... Read More

The Various Countries - A Rant About Country Music

It is no secret that over the past couple decades... Read More

Lori Nuic Sparkles

A soulful vibe along with an amazing voice is what... Read More

How Many Songs Are In Your Pocket?

The portable MP3 player continues to be the hot item... Read More

Hip Hop History

Rap music originated as a cross-cultural product. Most of its... Read More

Origins of the Mathers Family

Eminem's roots can be found in Scandinavia through his mother... Read More

So You Wanna Learn How To Start a Record Label?

Well, you love music so much that you have decided... Read More

Polychords and the Jazz Improviser: How to Practice & Apply Polychords to Improv

In the world of music, many Jazz improvisers and Classical... Read More

Creating Caverns - an Improvisation Exercise

In a recent post to my Yahoo group, I mentioned... Read More

Tips for Buying Digital Pianos and Keyboards

Buying a digital piano could be a very delicate attempt,... Read More

Why Play Guitar?

As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced with... Read More

Spectral Muses Revisited: The Channeled Melodies of Rosemary Brown

Rosemary Brown (1916-2001) was a middle-aged South London widow, making... Read More

Prepare for the Master (CD Mastering)

Many artists are still confused as to what goes on... Read More

Paint Your Own Musical Landscapes!

I don't know why, but I find the idea of... Read More

How To Find The Right Guitar Teacher

Finding a good teacher is not always easy, at any... Read More

Inspiration Wanted - Apply Within!

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for music students is... Read More

A Brief History of Fender Guitars

Perhaps no other guitar maker has touched the hearts of... Read More

Building Your Digital Music Collection

The previous two Tech Tips took a look at eight... Read More

Play Too Loud And Well Cut The Power!

"Turn it down!"How often have you heard that command in... Read More

Creating Your Own Unique Music

Have you ever dreamed of penning your own compositions? Writing... Read More

Solid-Bodied Gretsch Corvette Guitar

The Solid-bodied Corvette (not to be confused with the Corvette... Read More

Managing Your Time, when Music isnt Your Day Job

You CAN do everything.Repeat.You CAN do everything. What you cannot... Read More

The Acoustic Guitar

The steel-stringed acoustic guitar is usually credited with being developed... Read More

A Guitar Lesson To Help You Test Your Note Knowledge

In this guitar lesson we look at a great way... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: