So, you’re considering or already playing the piano using the chord approach. However, you may feel overwhelmed by the variety of chord types.
There are minor piano chords, major piano chords, and diminished piano chords. There are also 9th chords, flat 5 chords, and other chords that are difficult to explain.
The good news is that you don’t have to learn piano chords in this complicated way. There is a much simpler method, and it revolves around something called open position chords.
For those who have been following my articles, you know that I’m a strong advocate of chord structures. I like them because they allow you to use both hands simultaneously to create a modern-sounding seventh chord.
Now, why are seventh chords so important to start with? Because this chord type serves as the foundation for ALL contemporary chords, without exception.
By starting with this chord structure and learning it in all 12 keys, you establish a solid foundation to build upon. This approach prevents confusion. For example, in the key of C major, we have 7 chords: C Major 7, D minor 7, E minor 7, F Major 7, G7, A minor 7, and B diminished 7. The last chord (B diminished 7) is rarely used but is included for your reference.
Once you grasp these chords in the key of C major, you simply move down the circle of fifths. The next key is F major, and so on.
By starting with just seventh chords, it becomes much easier to incorporate extensions. For instance, if I wanted to build a C Major 9 chord, I simply add the ninth (the D note), and that’s all there is to it.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
