Just 3 Chords? No Way!

A student wrote me an email about the lesson "Ocean Dreams." Here it is:

"Dear Edward, I can't believe that you're using just 3 chords for this piece. It sounds like it uses much more material. Please tell me how you did it!"

Here's my answer - Dear B. First, thanks for listening to my free lesson. To answer your question, the secret to getting the full sound you hear in this piece is not in how many chords are used. It's in how the chord is voiced! Notice in the lesson that your left hand is very much open and covers a full octave of the keyboard.

This is what creates the full sound you hear! My right hand is playing melody notes pretty close to the left. Also, I use the principles of repetition and contrast to maintain interest. For example, you'll notice that there is a beginning section where the melody repeats. Then another section is added (still only using the same 3 chords) with a contrasting melody. Then back to the first theme so the whole piece can be broken down into what's commonly know as ABA form (even though this piece was improvised).

Using repetition and contrast, we create music that has a definable form or shape. ABA form is very, very common and is used in almost all genres of music, especially New Age. This is why I always say that you don't need a lot of material to create with. If you understand and use time tested principles, you can use just 3 chords and create an entire piece of music. I hope this answers your question. Regards, Edward Weiss.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lesson s.html for a FREE piano lesson!

---

You Cant Force Play

A student once asked me; "How come sometimes the music... Read More

How to Be in the Moment when Playing Piano

Your best music will always come when you are in... Read More

Growing and Keeping Loyal Fan Support

Fan support for musicians is a two way street. You... Read More

The Music Industry and Its Lack of Talent

So it has come to this... what we see overrides... Read More

Modal Theory for Guitar Players - Part 1

IntroductionThe fact that you are holding this in your hands... Read More

Getting Rhythm - Three Tips for Guitar Beginners

If you are just starting out learning guitar one of... Read More

Musical Improvisation Basics - 8 Vital Things To Remember

This article discusses 8 vital things to remember as improvisers... Read More

Learning To Play The Piano With Chords

Learning piano chords can help you in all your piano... Read More

Singing: The Tonic of Life

Most people these days would associate singing with the popular... Read More

Taps; Piping Military Honors: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers

It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and... Read More

Vintage Guitar Collectors Can Still Find Deals

If you're a recent vintage guitar collector, the stories you've... Read More

Effective Band Rehearsal

If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging,... Read More

Top 50 Music Quotations

Discover the phenomenonal complexity of music and reflect on the... Read More

Where To Download Music On The Internet

Virtually all of you have probably heard of the RIAA's... Read More

These MIDI Tools Are Music To My Ears

Curious about MIDI? Want to find out what tools are... Read More

Copyright Basics for Songwriters

Should you copyright your song? If you're a songwriter, sooner... Read More

Play Piano As Fast As Possible!

One of the rules of practicing we all hear over... Read More

Turn It Up: Plugging Into The Perfect Guitar And Amp Settings

Yowza! Did you hear that hideous noise? It sounded like... Read More

Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music

We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves... Read More

Guitar Players...Learn About The Point Of Discipline

Have you ever started learning a lick or exercise and... Read More

Shopping For Your First Drum Set

Your first drum set purchase is very exciting! You have... Read More

Structure Of A Successful Music Website

Ideally each page of your website should serve a specific... Read More

Prepare for the Master (CD Mastering)

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

The Gong - An Instrument Everyone Can Play

What exactly is a Gong?The gong is a musical instrument... Read More

How Many Chords Are There, Anyway?

Since chords (the main component of harmony) are one of... Read More