Piano By Chords: An Incredibly Simple Way to Learn Piano

Playing the piano by chords is a technique that allows you to accompany yourself and others while singing or to play songs solely on the piano. This method relies heavily on understanding piano chords, their structure, and how they relate to each other in a song.

If you aren’t necessarily looking for a fully comprehensive piano learning system and are instead just wanting to be able to quickly learn to play recognizable tunes for yourself and others, then you are in the right place.

In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about playing piano by chords.

Understanding Basic Piano Chords

A chord is a group of three or more notes played together. The most basic piano chords are called triads, which consist of three notes. The root note is the base of the chord. The major or minor third is the second note, and the fifth note completes the triad. For instance, in a C major chord, the notes would be C (root), E (major third), and G (fifth).

Major chords have a happy and bright sound, while minor chords sound sad and dark. The difference between a major chord and a minor chord lies in the third note. In a major chord, the third is a major third above the root, while in a minor chord, it’s a minor third.

Major and Minor Chords

Let’s dive deeper into major and minor chords. The C major chord is one of the easiest to play, as it involves only white keys. To form a C major chord, place your thumb (if you’re using your right hand) or your middle finger (if you’re using your left hand) on the C note and then add the E and G notes.

To form a C minor chord, you would lower the E to an E flat (a half step down). The notes for a C minor chord are C, E flat, and G. The E flat is played on a black key, illustrating that black keys are crucial in forming different chords.

The D major chord is another common chord. It consists of the notes D (root), F# (major third), and A (fifth). The D minor chord, on the other hand, contains the notes D, F, and A.

Diminished and Augmented Chords

Diminished chords and augmented chords add more color to your music. A diminished chord is a minor chord with a lowered fifth, which gives it a tense sound. An augmented chord is a major chord with a raised fifth, giving it an unresolved, floating feeling.

Chord Symbols and Piano Chord Charts

Chord symbols are shorthand notations that represent different chords. For instance, the C major chord can be represented as C, and C minor chord as Cm. A diminished chord is usually symbolized by a small circle (°), and an augmented chord by a plus sign (+).

Piano chord charts are extremely helpful for beginners learning piano chords. They visually represent the keys you need to press to play each chord.

Playing Songs Using Piano Chords

Being able to play piano chords opens up a vast repertoire of songs. Most pop songs use common chords and simple chord progressions. Chord progressions are the order in which chords are played. A very common progression in pop music is the I-V-vi-IV progression. In the key of C, this would be: C major chord, G major chord, A minor chord, and F major chord.

Advanced Concepts: Seventh Chords and More

As you become comfortable with basic chords, you can start exploring more complex structures like seventh chords, which add a fourth note to the triad. This note is a seventh above the root note.

Understanding piano intervals, or the distance between notes, will also help you build and recognize chords. The more you practice, the better you get at recognizing different chord progressions, and the easier it becomes to play songs by ear.

The Best Way to Learn to Play Piano By Chords

The Piano By Chords program, a part of the Piano Play It system, is a comprehensive and unique learning approach that simplifies the process of learning piano. This program stands out due to its focus on teaching piano by chords, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to quickly start playing songs they love without needing to read notes.

The program is holistic, offering seven courses and four eBooks that cover a vast array of topics. These range from piano chords for beginners and accompaniment for intermediate players, to solo piano playing, blues, improvisation, and music theory. This wide coverage ensures that students get a well-rounded understanding of different aspects of piano playing.

What Separates This Program From Other Courses

David Yzhaki, a renowned YouTube piano tutor with 30 million views and 79,000 subscribers, endorses the program. His endorsement adds credibility and assures students that they are receiving high-quality instruction.

The Piano By Chords program is not just about theory; it provides practical lessons using grooves and popular songs. This approach allows students to apply what they have learned, reinforcing their knowledge and skills while keeping the lessons fun and engaging.

The program’s focus on expanding chord vocabulary and exploring challenging grooves from various genres not only improves technical skills but also enhances musical creativity. It provides guidance on playing by ear, which is a valuable skill that enables musicians to play songs without sheet music.

There is also an emphasis on music theory, including scales, harmony, and chord progressions. Understanding these elements is crucial as it forms the foundation for writing music and improvising in a jam session.

With the Piano By Chords program, you will not only learn how to play piano but also how to arrange popular songs at different skill levels. This feature is especially beneficial for those who aim to perform or write their own music.

The program also includes three Christmas eBooks, each featuring 20 Christmas songs at different difficulty levels. This bonus content is a delightful perk, allowing you to entertain your family and friends during the holiday season.

Satisfaction Guarantee

For those who are skeptical, the program offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that you can try it risk-free. Additionally, the program provides personal support from professional piano teachers, meaning help is always at hand whenever you encounter difficulties.

In conclusion, the Piano By Chords program is the best way to learn to play piano by chords because of its comprehensive content, practical approach, focus on chord-based playing, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player looking to enhance your skills, this program has something to offer you; and the fact that there are always discounts running makes it a cost-effective option compared to traditional piano lessons.

FAQs About Piano Chords

What are piano chords?

Piano chords are three or more notes played at the same time, creating a harmonic sound. Chords are an essential part of playing piano, and understanding how to play chords is crucial for every pianist.

What are major piano chords?

A major chord is a type of chord consisting of a root note, a major third, and a perfect fifth. For example, the C major chord is made up of the notes C E G. This C chord is based on the C major scale.

What is a minor chord?

A minor chord is a type of chord consisting of a root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. For instance, the A minor chord is made up of the notes A, C, and E. Based on minor scales, another example would be E minor, with the notes being E G B.

What is a diminished chord?

A diminished chord is a type of chord consisting of a root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth. For instance, the C diminished chord is made up of the notes C, E-flat, and G-flat.

What is an augmented chord?

An augmented chord is a type of chord consisting of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth. For example, the E augmented chord is made up of the notes E, G-sharp, and B-sharp.

How do you play piano chords?

To play piano chords, you have to press all the notes of the chord simultaneously with your fingers. The best way to start is by learning the beginner piano chords, such as C major, A minor, and E major chord, or any other common piano chords.

What is a root note?

A root note refers to the first and most fundamental note of a piano chord. It is the note from which the other notes of the chord are built.

What is a chord symbol?

A chord symbol is a written abbreviation of a piano chord. It is usually a letter or a combination of letters, followed by a number, indicating the chord’s quality and type.

What is a major triad?

A major triad is a type of chord consisting of a root note (frequently the bass note), a major third, and a perfect fifth. These three note chords are the basic structure of major chords.

What is a piano chord chart?

A piano chord chart is a visual representation of all the chords that a pianist can play. It typically shows the notes of the chord and the position of the fingers on the piano keys. It is an essential tool for learning chords and applying them in playing melodies and popular songs.

Practice and Patience

Learning piano chords takes time and practice. Start with basic piano chords and gradually move to more complex ones. Use piano chord charts to help you, and don’t forget to practice chord progressions. Playing songs you love can make the process more enjoyable.

Playing the piano by chords is a rewarding skill that will enrich your music playing abilities. Whether you want to play pop songs, accompany yourself while singing, or even start your journey into music composition, understanding piano chords is a crucial first step.

Summary of Learning to Play Piano by Chords

Mastering diatonic chords allows you to create beautiful melody lines, while understanding the concept of half steps can help you transition smoothly between chords.

The study of minor triads and 7th chords adds depth and complexity to your music, giving you the tools to play everything from a melancholy ballad to an upbeat pop song.

As you learn chords, you’ll come to appreciate the importance of the middle tone and the richness that comes from playing more than one note at a time.