How to Quickly Create Chords without Memorizing a Chart
In the book Teach Yourself to Improvise with Chords you are given a process of a few steps to create chords. Using a process – a way of thinking – you create chords without having to memorize or refer to a chart!
Intervals: How to Feel Them!
Play the PERFECT 5th on all the white keys from middle C up to A:
B is Different
Play the PERFECT 5th on all the black keys
B Flat is different
Summary
To help you remember, this is what you’ve just learned:
- The definition of a chord
- The definition of an interval
- The name (location designation) of the intervals in a major scale
- There is a thinking process of a few steps used to create chords
- Only two steps are needed to create chords used most frequently
- The two SHORTCUT INTERVALS to remember: major 3rd and perfect 5th
- How to create, feel, and hear the PERFECT 5th interval on all white keys and all black keys
MIND-BLOWER: When you played all the perfect 5ths on all white and black keys, you were playing 2/3rds of the most common chord used and you played it IN ALL KEYS (SCALES) WITHOUT KNOWING THE KEY SIGNATURES! When following this process, you automatically incorporate the necessary sharps or flats needed in the scales that use them – without even thinking about them!
Next week the major 3rds will complete the perfect 5ths to make the most commonly used chord.
The process to create chords is really easy!
View the books on Amazon:
Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students.
Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.
She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”
