Why Should I Learn Piano Chords?
With the massive amount of variations in timings, notes and alterations, we now know that the ‘well’ of music can never be exhausted. The combinations of piano chords that theoretically exist is so close to infinite that makes no difference, so it seems more than reasonable to assume that anyone can conjure up new music relatively easily.
By ‘chording’ a song at a piano, you can invent all types of new music simply and effectively. It sounds easy, and it’s actually easier to do in practice, and you don’t need to be a concert pianist in order to do it! When I use the phrase ‘chord a song’, what I am referring to is the ability to play roughly three or four chords on a piano whilst someone else sings the tune.
To demonstrate how easy this really is, take a look a t the list of songs below. Did you know that all of these (along with hundreds more) can be played with the utilization of just a few chords? All you have to do is learn a couple of basic chords and then move back and forth between them rhythmically.
*Auld Lang Syne
* Amazing Grace
* Kum By Ya
* Silent Night
* Joy to the World
*Jingle bells
*Happy Birthday
All you have to do is add one more chord to the basic chord of any of these, and you will open the door to another thousand combinations of music. Just by learning a few chords you can extend your musical portfolio in a massive way.
There are many reasons why you should learn ‘chord piano’, and these are just a few of them:
1) It’s so easy! As we demonstrated above, it’s not about learning infinite numbers of chords and sequences. Learning three is enough to get you started in a big way.
2) You can go as high as you like – once you have mastered the first three chords, then you’ll find it easier to learn more – and the more you learn, the more opportunities for creating great music are open to you.
3) You can play normal everyday songs to the kids (like Happy Birthday) while they sing along!
4) Similarly, you can also play popular Christmas Carols at the Holidays – wonderful for bringing the family together at this special time.
5) Once you have the knowledge, you may well feel obliged to pass it on – and you’ll find that once you have mastered a few chords, imparting that knowledge to the kids or a friend is pretty easy. Also, the majority of piano teachers don’t teach chords, so you can have an advantage over them.
6) Piano playing is great for the brain – it helps to keep your mind active, and recent studies have shown that people who are more musically minded have more effective thought processes later in life.
7) It’s a great way of socializing – whether you’re in a group of friends or a family environment, its terrific when you can play confidently and effectively for those around you.
8) It’s wonderful therapy for the stress of life. Imagine if you could come home from a hard day at work and unwind by tickling the ivories! Music is well known for its therapeutic qualities, and when you can play it yourself, even more so.
9) Hand-eye co-ordination – the more you play, the more co-ordination that exists between your eye and your hands. If you can go one step better, and learn to read sheet music whilst you play then your co-ordination will be superb.
10) Finally, and by no means least, piano playing is a load of fun!
Just learn those first three chords and see where it takes you! Being able to play the piano properly is actually really good for you, and for those around you. And the main thing is, there is absolutely nothing stopping you starting right now, today.
Copyright 2009 Lauren Paltrow (Stage Pianist)
