Unlocking the Power of the Triplet (Part One)

Unlocking the Power of the Triplet: LadyDpiano



It's been a little crazy around here celebrating my birthday today and our anniversary. Plus, tomorrow is the Super Bowl... Needless to say, a very busy time for me. I've been taking a look at some of your emails that have been pouring in and mostly many of you are requesting phat chords. Some want beginner tips on playing the piano. Perhaps short articles are better than the long ones. We'll see...

I was reading an article recently by Dr. Damani Phillips. He included some exercises that might help you build upon simple, rudimentary concepts in ways that may help you unlock refreshing new options.

"The careful manipulation of something as simple as a triplet can be used to significantly to expand the creative palette." -- Dr. Damani Phillips

Unlocking the Power of the Triplet

Basic Rules

1. With the exception of appropriate treatment of eighth notes (swung or straight), notes should not be "stylized" and the prescribed rhythm of focus should not be altered in any way (with exception of making space to breathe). Also, all notes should be slurred together unless indicated differently. Removing these expressive aspects from the exercise allows the student to focus exclusively on the sound and feel of the rhythm being used, making quality note choices, and proper application of articulation (when necessary).

2. In the beginning, note choices should be primarily diatonic with only the occasional use of chromatic passing tones or leading tones. This forces you to consider both rhythm and harmonic/melodic content as equally important. Once rhythmic mastery and harmonic accuracy are demonstrated, this rule can be relaxed.

3. Avoid the use of digital patterns. Many popular patterns will work well in this context, but this concept works best when applied to lines that are based in linear melody.

4. Avoid repeated Notes

 The Process


 If you haven't already tried this, steps 1 and 2 are a great way to get you thinking about connecting chord changes in a new way. I suggest that the exercises be applied over a slower rhythm. This will allow you to focus your mental energy on the rhythmic challenges of the exercise with diminished concern for potential issues in grappling with the harmonic progression of the tune. Only after achieving complete comfort in applying these exercises at a slower tempo should they be attempted over faster tunes. I have chosen a simple major ii7-V7-I as the backdrop for the examples given here.

 Step 1: First, establish a baseline comfort with the rules listed above (and your chosen tune) by working to generate a line of flowing quarter notes over your chosen chord progression. Chromatic approach tones are permitted, but should be kept to a minimum as you acclimate yourself to this process:

Am7 = C to G (octave above middle C). Then play A below the C back up to E above C.


DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC

D7 = F#, D, B, A (Descending)


DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC

Gmaj7 = G steps down to F#, reach up to D then down to C.


DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC

Gmaj7 = B, A, G, D


DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC

If playing running quarter notes initially proves to be difficult for you, it is also acceptable to start with half notes as your first step in the process and gradually work towards quarter notes.

To be continued! Part 2 next time...

You may be interested in 300pg Home Course Book

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"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

10 Quick Tips About Piano Practice

How To Practice The Piano: LadyDpiano
commons.wikimedia.org

 Mailbox Monday


Question: The children don't know how to practice their songs. Can you help?

Yes, thanks for asking this frequent question that is so common with many households.

I have written at least three articles on the subject. So, without copying and pasting all the information here in this blog post, I thought I'd share the links with you to look at in your free time.

I hope they will be helpful in your discipline as an artist to visit the piano each day and make the most of your piano lessons at home.

In 2005 I wrote: How To Practice The Piano In Five Easy Steps

In 20011 I wrote: Practice Tips

In 2015 I wrote: 10 Quick Tips About Piano Practice

 I decided to share the latest one with those in the beginner's corner.

1. Practice warm-ups first. When your hands are warmed-up properly, you will be able to approach a new song with greater ease and with less mistakes. Lack of tension produces more beautiful tones. Use scales and finger exercises for your warm-up. Always use curved fingers.
2. Practice slowly. Your brain cannot retain music information in detail when you play fast. It is necessary to play slowly and carefully at all times. Don't push your speed. Take it slow and steady. Play each warm-up slowly at first. When you can play smoothly and evenly you may gradually increase speed.
3. Practice short passages. Each day practice just one passage, and practice it very carefully and thoroughly. In the long run, this makes for a better practice session. When you have a short piece or song to work on, you will not feel overwhelmed.
4. Practice at the same time. First thing in the morning you are refreshed and ready to go. For others, school and homework come first. Follow up with a practice session in the afternoon or early evening.
5. Practice chart. A practice chart or journal is a record of your practice sessions, including what you practice and for how long. At the end of each practice session, write down exactly which piece you studied and the number of minutes spent on it. Make a specific list, set goals and try to meet them. Check each goal as you complete it. Make practicing a game or challenge.
6. Practice with correct fingering. Learn a song with the sequence of notes stepping up and down the keyboard. Learn the form of the movements to play the piece comfortably. Learn to be fluent in responding to finger numbers. If you are consistent with your fingering, you will be very secure and confident when playing in front of others. I can't emphasize good posture enough because it makes playing easier and enjoyable.
7. Practice right where you left off when you made a mistake. Students always start from the beginning of a song. They become very good at playing the beginning of a piece, but tend to be less proficient towards the end. Start over at the measure where you hit the wrong note.
8. Practice counting out loud. Counting out loud is good advice for the beginner student, especially during slow practice in the early stages of learning a song. It is an effective way to develop your sense of rhythm. Hearing your voice and your hands helps you with coordination between two hands as well as the timing of the piece. Counting the beat will help you play rhythms correctly. Counting out loud gets much easier with practice.
9. Practice each hand separately to the end. Take a few measures and within that segment play the Left Hand several times until you can play it comfortably with a rounded hand. Do the same with the Right Hand. Next play both hands slowly until you can play the segment comfortably before advancing to the next section. Decide if you want to practice each line or a couple of measures 2-3 times. Use a little weight when dropping into a key to make louder tones.
10. Practice looking at the music. As much as possible, try not to look down at your hands but look at your sheet music. It's fine to occasionally look down at your hands, especially after the piece has been learned. When you look at your hands just try to remember where you are on the sheet music, and do not move your head. Just move your eyes. When you look back up at the sheet music it will be easier to find your place on the sheet music.


All the best,






 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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How to Play Whom Shall I Fear



Whom Shall I Fear: Chris Tomlin l LadyDpiano


 If you're new to playing the piano and you'd like to learn an easy worship song, this ones for you! The verse is a simple I-IV-vi progression in the Key of C. The chorus is vi-V-I.

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

Words and Music by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Scott Cash
Album: Burning Lights

Key: C
Time: 4/4 Moderately


Chris Tomlin: YouTube Video

Whom Shall I Fear: Chords and Lyrics


Whom Shall I Fear: Chords & Lyrics

Intro

Csus  Dm  C/E  Fsus2

Verse
C
You hear me when I call

You are my morning song
F2
Though darkness fills the night

It cannot hide the light
Am7         F2
Whom shall I fear


Verse 
C
You crush the enemy

Underneath my feet
F2
You are my Sword and Shield

Though trouble lingers still
Am7         F2
Whom shall I fear


Chorus
Am7        G      C
I know Who goes before me
Am7        G        C
I know Who stands behind
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side
Am7         G         C
The One who reigns forever
Am7     G         C
He is a Friend of mine
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side


Verse 
C
My strength is in Your name

For You alone can save
F2
You will deliver me
              G7sus
Yours is the victory
Am         F2    Am
Whom shall I fear
F          Gsus4
Whom shall I fear


Chorus
Am7        G      C
I know Who goes before me
Am7        G        C
I know Who stands behind
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side
Am7         G         C
The One who reigns forever
Am7     G         C
He is a Friend of mine
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side

[ Tab from: http://www.guitaretab.com/c/chris-tomlin/335780.html ]
Bridge
     F2             C
And nothing formed against me   
    G
shall stand
C                            F2
You hold the whole world in Your 

hands
            C             Am7
I’m holding onto Your promises
G        F2
You are faithful
        G
You are faithful
      F2            C
And nothing formed against me 
     G
shall stand
C                           F2
You hold the whole world in Your 

hands
            C         Am7
I’m holding onto Your promises
G       F2
You are faithful
        G
You are faithful
        Am7   G
You are faithful



Chorus
Am7        G      C
I know Who goes before me
Am7        G        C
I know Who stands behind
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side
Am7         G         C
The One who reigns forever
Am7     G         C
He is a Friend of mine
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side


Chorus
Am7        G      C
I know Who goes before me
Am7        G         C
I know Who stands behind
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G      C
Is always by my side
Am7         G         C
The One who reigns forever
Am7     G         C
He is a Friend of mine
Am7        F2
The God of angel armies
          G     C
Is always by my side


Outro
Am7        F
The God of angel armies is always 
            C
by my side


DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC



DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
DbEbGbAbBb
CDEFGABC
                                                   root                        min3             5th             min7



Guitar Chord Tutorial: Whom Shall I Fear



Intro: C - F2

VERSE 1
C
You hear me when I call
                   C/E
You are my morning song
F2
Though darkness fills the night
                       Am7
It cannot hide the light
            F2
Whom shall I fear

VERSE 2:
C
You crush the enemy
               C/E
Underneath my feet
F2                          
You are my sword and shield
                             Am7
Though troubles linger still
            F2
Whom shall I fear

Chorus
 
 Am         G/B       C      
I know Who goes before me
 Am/C       G/D       C/E
I know Who stands behind
 Am/E          F     F2
The God of Angel Armies
 F         G       C  
Is always by my side
  Am          G/B      C    
The One who reigns forever
Am/C      G/D       C/E
He is a friend of mine
Am/E          F2
The God of Angel Armies
 F         G      C
Is always by my side

VERSE 3
C
My strength is in Your name

For You alone can save
F2
You will deliver me
                     Am7
Yours is the victory
            F2    Am7
Whom shall I fear
F2          G
Whom shall I fear

Bridge
    F                  C           G
And nothing formed against me shall stand
C                               F
You hold the whole world in Your hands
              C        Am7      G
I'm holding on to Your promises
        F2
You are faithful
        G
You are faithful   (2x)
        Am7      G/B
You are faithful 
 
Chorus 1
 
Chorus 2 
 C
I know who goes before me
G/B
I know who stands behind
Am7
The God of angel armies
F
Is always by my side
C
The One who reigns forever
G/B
He is a friend of mine
Am7
The God of angel armies
F
Is always by my side

End
Am7          F2
The God of Angel Armies
                     C
Is always by my side

Burning Lights

Hope you enjoy the worship song!

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest, too!

-- LadyD

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Learn To Play This Is Living: Hillsong


Hillsong Young and Free: LadyDpiano


 

Title: This Is Living 

Artist: Hillsong Young and Free 

Album: This Is Living EP [2015] 

 My cousin's son is in the band. He is the one wearing the blue/black sweater. This Is Living has a Dance Pop rhythm with 4/4 time signature. Here it is in E. I really like this one. Trying to get used to the rap part! :-) What do you think?
 
A - B - C#m - F#m7 A - B - C#m - F#m7 

Verse 1

 
 A                     B
   I wake up, knowing there's a reason.
C#m                    F#m7
   All my dreams come alive,
             A          B
Life is for living with You,
               C#m     F#m7
I've made my decision.
 

 Verse 2

 A                           B
   You lift me up, fill my eyes with wonder
C#m                        F#m7
   Forever young in Your love
                 A             B
This freedom's untainted with You
             C#m       F#m7
No moment is wasted

Pre-Chorus 
 
 A               B
See the sun now bursting through the clouds
C#m                       F#7sus
Black and white turns to colour all around
A                  B              C#m
All is new, in the Saviour I am found

[Hook]
                    F#7sus - A - B - C#m
This is living now
F#7sus                 A - B - C#m - F#7sus
This is living now

Verse 2
 
A                               B
   You lead the way, God You're right beside me
C#m                      F#m7
   In Your love, I'm complete
                     A           B
There's nothing like living with You
              C#m           F#m7
This life You created I choose

Pre-Chorus
 
 A               B
See the sun now bursting through the clouds
C#m                       F#7sus
Black and white turns to colour all around
A                 B              C#m
All is new, in the Saviour I am found

[Hook]
                    F#7sus - A - B - C#m
This is living now
                    F#7sus - A - B - C#m
This is living now

Chorus 
 
 F#7sus       A                    B
You take me higher than I've been before
          C#m                        F#7sus
It's Your perfect love that sees me soar
              A              B
God, Your freedom is an open door
         C#m                   F#7sus
You are everything I want and more

Rap: Lecrae
  
Amaj7 - B5 - C#5 - F#5
Amaj7 - B5 - C#5 - F#5
Amaj7 - B5 - C#5 - F#5
A - B - C#m7 - F#7sus
A - B - C#m7 - F#7sus

Hook
                    F#7sus - A - B - C#m
This is living now
                    F#7sus - A - B - C#m
This is living now

Chorus 
 
 F#7sus           A                  B
You take me higher than I've been before
          C#m                        F#7sus
It's Your perfect love that sees me soar
               A              B
God, Your freedom is an open door
         C#m                   F#7sus    E5
You are everything I want and more 

With the introduction, play the A in the right hand, E-A-C#. Sometimes play it with C#-E-B.
Play the B in the r.h., D-F#-B and C#m with E-G#-B. Lastly, for F#m7 in the right hand you will want to play C#-F#-B.

I think it's a real cool song, very upbeat! Listen to it on YouTube:



 You may be interested in learning how to sing like a pro. Check out, Vocal Mastery System. Also,
HearandPlay offers a great DVD, Advanced Guitar 301.

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-- LadyD

  "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

How To Play I Want To Be Where You Are

I Just Want To Be Where You Are: LadyDpiano
Wisteria Flower Tunnel in Japan


 A beautiful worship song that I  have loved to play with the worship team in the past, is a song by Don Moen called,  I want To Be Where You Are. It was written in 1989 and it's in the Key of G with 4/4 time signature. Here's the chord chart that I found in my music library.


Verse 1 

G              Am7                        G2/B  C
I just want to be where you are

                D                 C/G  G  
Dwelling daily in Your presence

Em7                   Am7                 G2/B   C
I don’t want to worship from afar

                  D                              G  C/G  D/G  G
Draw me near to where You are

 Verse 2 

                    Am7                     G2/B  C
I just want to be where You are

                D                 C/G  G  
In Your dwelling place forever

Em7                  Am7                          G2/B   C
Take me to the place where You are

                      D                            G  C/G  D/G  G
Cause I just want to be with You


 Chorus 

                              Am7   C/D
I want to be where You are

                            D/G  G    D/E
Dwelling in Your presence

Em                       Am7    C/D
Feasting at Your table

        D                    D/E   Em
Surrounded by Your glo - ry

     D    D/C       C     C/D
In Your pre  -  sence

                         G       Bm/F#        Em   Gmaj7/D
That’s where I always want to be

C         D          Eb        F                       G
I just want to be, I just want to be with You

 Bridge 

   D/F#  Em    D/E  Em
O my    God

                       Am                         C/D  D/C
You are my strength and my song

        Bm                        Em
And when I’m in Your presence 

                    Am                           C/D
Though I’m weak You’re always strong


 Ending - Verse 2 

                   Am7                        G2/B  C
I just want to be where You are

                 D                  C/G   G  
In Your dwelling place forever

Em7                   Am7                        G2/B   C
Take me to the place where You are

               D       Eb            F                       G   G2/B   C
I just want to be, I just want to be with You

               D       Eb            F                         G
I just want to be, I just want to be with You



I'm sure you can play the song from the chord chart but I thought I'd post some slash chords and share with you how I play the song. There's a lot of third intervals in the melody to give the song that added harmony because the words are so beautiful to sing and listen to.

"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

G = GD/GB        I just want to
Am7 = AC/EA   be where you are
G2/B = BA/DG
C = CC/EG        dwelling dai-
D = DD/F#A      ly in Your
C/G = G/CE       pres-
G = G/BD          ence

Em7 = EG/DB   I don't want to
Am7 = AC/EA   worship from afar
G2/B = BA/DG
C = CG/CE        draw me near
D = DD/F#A     to where You
G = GB/DG      are.
C/G = GG/CE
D/G = GA/DF#

G = GB/DG       I just want to
Am7 = AC/EA  be where You are
G2/B = BA/DG
C = CC/EG        in Your dwell
D = DD/F#A     ing place for
C/G = G/CE      ev-
G = G/BD         er

Em7 = EG/DB  Take me to the
Am7 = AC/EA  place where You are
G2/B = BA/DG
C = CC/EG        I just
D = DD/F#A     want to be with You.
G = GB/DG
C/G = GG/CE
D/G = GA/DF#

G = GG/BDG   I want to be where
Am7 = AC/EGB You are
C/D = DC/EGD  dwelling in Your
D/G = GD/F#A  presence
G = GD/GB
D/E = E/DF#A

Em = EB/G       feasting at Your
Am9 = AC/EB  table
Am7 = AG/CEA
C/D = DD/GCD  sur-
D = DA/F#D      rounded by Your
D/E = EB/F#A    glor-
Em = EE/GB       y

D = DD/F#A      In Your
D/C = CD/F#A  presence
C = CC/EG
C/D = DC/EA   that's where I
G = GB/GD      always want
Bm/F# = BD/F#A to be
Em = EB/EG
GMaj7/D =  DB/F#, G, F#, D

C = CG/CE      I just want
D = DC/F#A    to be
Eb = EbBb/EbG I just want
F = AC/FC         to be with
G = GB/DG    D.S. al Coda

Coda

G = GB/DG
C/G = GG/CE
D/G = GA/DF#
G = GB/DG         O
D/F# = F#A/DA  my
Em = EB/EG       God
D/E = EA/DF#A
Em = EB/EGB   You
D/F# = F#D/DA are
Em/G = GB/EB  my
Am = A/EC       strength and my
C/D = DC/EA   song
D/C = CA/DF# and
Bm = BB/F#D  when I'm in Your pres
Em = EB/F#A, EG  ence though I'm
Am = AA/EC    weak You're always strong.

C/D = DG/         I just want to
Am7 = AC/EA  be where You are
G2/B = BA/DG
C = CC/EG        in Your dwell-
D = DC/F#A      ing place for-
C/G = G/CE       ev-
G = G/BD          er

Em7 = EG/DB   Take me to the
Am7 = AC/EA   place where You are
G2B = BA/DG
C = CC/EG        I just want
D = DD/F#A      to be
Eb = EbBb/EbG  I just want
F = AC/FC          to be with
G = GB/DG         You.

You may be interested in purchasing some Gospel Core Essential dvds. If so, click here

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 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King
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