Comments on: Your Help Needed! CHORDS 101 Feedback!!!

By: computer

computer — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:28:04 +0000

This design is wicked! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:22:34 +0000

I have a chord on a lead sheet that I do not know how to voice on the piano. It is a Bb2(#4). Can you help me out on this?

Thanks so much,
Stephanie

By: Rollie Aquino

Rollie Aquino — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:25:27 +0000

Hi, Chris!

Thanks for all the goodies.
I’m from the old school and although I’m starting to begin to like video (DVD) demonstrations of the lessons, I still would like to see the notation of the techniques that I see or watch on the video. I find I learn faster and could apply better the lessons to other songs. I print them out and compile them into a folder, which I keep by the keyboard or piano. for fast (easy) retrieval.

More power to you,
Rollie

By: Birdy

Birdy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:36 +0000

Hi Chris!:)

I was woundering if you knew something about “bar music”(smooth jazz).
I have been looking for some chords or some simple, but yet smooth listening, songs i could play just to learn how to play in that style.
I am working on reading the chords at once without “thinking” I am a trompet player, so i know much about music. As i play mostly Classic on my trumpet, i really wanted to learn jazz piano, but then i found the “bar music” or lounge music, and i really like it, because its so relaxing. Any tips? Thank you very much !
Love
Lasse

By: Chris Marx

Chris Marx — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:14:22 +0000

Hi Dee!

Fast fingering

Ummm… practice? Thats the trick to doing anything faster.

Practice it slowly A LOT, then you’ll be able to do it faster…

Scales might help a bit… but not for playing specific songs like you’re asking about.

Also MAKE SURE to use the correct fingering for the song. If you try and play Flight of the Bumblee with one finger, its going to be much slower than if you use all your fingers. Using bad fingering can really slow you down, so try to avoid using the same fingering twice.

I can’t really summarize every fingering lesson in an email, but practicing scales should help and thinking to yourself, “how can I use my fingers to play this faster” Fingering is not rocket science, just force yourself not to be sloppy. Plan out which fingers you’re going to use!

Good luck Dee!

Chris Marx

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:37:59 +0000

Hey ! How are you? I just wanted to ask if you know ( I’m sure you do :)) any “techniques” for fast fingering(wow that must sound weird lol) ? Like in this “Flight of the bumblebee” piece?? Do you see what I mean?? I don’t play piano professionaly so I don’t really know how to call it…but then I’m sure you know what i mean. I have this piece where i have to “drive” my fingers very fast through almost the whole piano so I’d really appriciate any advice from you or from anybody. Please write me. Peace, Dee

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:50:57 +0000

Chris,
Somewhere in all your work you ask if we like the digital piano above you actual keyboard, my answer is a big YES! I can see the keys better on that board due to them being highlighted in blue.
I hope you continue to use it,
Thanks for everything,
Greg

Hi Greg!
It takes extra time and preparation to put in, but I’ll keep using it!

Thanks!
Chris Marx

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:36:27 +0000

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the terrific site and all your time, I appreciate that.
Before I found you I have memorized all the maj, min, aug, dimished chords but I dont really understand how the scales are. Or when someone says,”use the g flat scale”, my question is how do I figure out what it is? Or the b flat scale, etc, etc.
Finally, how do you recommend I use your site, I am interested mainly in blues and boogie woogie, should I click on lets say, blues and follow every lesson or something else?
Thanks again for your time,
Greg

Hi Greg!

Thanks
Sounds like you’ve already covered a lot of ground with the chords.

Scales all have the same structure.
Gflat major scale has the same structure of half steps that a C major scale has.
Major Scales are:
Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step.
I think of it like this: WWHWWWH

That should get you started, but keep bugging me with more specific questions you have so I can know what to make a video on.

I don’t really have an organization method for the blog that is better than those “CATEGORIES” yet.
Clicking on blues will bring you to all the blues related links.
ALSO try using the table of contents link at the top of each page.
http://fastpianolessons.com/blog/table-of-contents/
The problem is you’ll find some lessons that are in the blues category, also in the rock category…

I’m working on some dvds and booklets that will be very organized and solve that problem though…
Thanks Greg!
Chris Marx

By: D

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:43:22 +0000

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the videos!

And I have a question about playing the piano for accompaniment. I just want to learn how to play while I sing. If you could make a video about this that would be great.

Hi D!
I’m working on some videos right now to help out.
I’ll send an email when they’re done.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
Simplify what your hands are doing so you can focus on your singing.

I can only focus on one thing at a time well. If I’m playing with two hands AND singing, then 2 of the 3 things need to be on autopilot. In other words, I practice them so much that I don’t have to think about them. Then I can focus on the the 3rd thing.

Try to stick with chords in the right hand and the left hand plays a bass note or line.
Then if the singers stop or rest, I’ll put in some melodic fills… but I try not to do that at the same time they’re singing.

Thanks!
Chris Marx

By: Blake

Blake — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:46:53 +0000

Hi Chris! I really enjoy your videos, I also loved the video I found on Norah jones Dont know why. I really love her work and it would be fun if you could do one or two more of her songs! but if you dont no harm done I am still a big fan of your leasons!!!!!!!