Piano Lesson: Improvising Melody

Image by liquidsunshine49 via Flickr

Introducing the Pentatonic Scale

The Pentatonic scale is probably the most widely used scale in the world. It can be found in all kinds of music, particularly popular and folk music, from countries as far apart as China and Peru. The Pentatonic scale is formed of notes 1 2 3 5 and 6 of the major scale. Starting on C this produces C D E G A - a five note scale, hence the name penta-tonic. If you know your scales that makes finding another pentatonic scale easy - it's just a major scale with two notes missing - notes 4 and 7!

For more information on pentatonic scales,visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentatonic_Scale

You can Google Pentatonic Scales and Improvising Melody for free articles on line. I have received many letters from students asking me for tips on runs and riffs for the right hand. My response has always been do you know your scales? Let's start with the Pentatonic Scale. For the beginner, you might want to take a look at this short tutorial that I found to be very helpful and informative. Plus, DeepWaterMusic offers a background tape that you can jam along with here on their video. Enjoy improvising with the Pentatonic Scale and let me know how you do with your practice session. Just 5 mins. of your time is well worth the investment of piano practice... your on your way to improvising!


Piano Lesson: Improvising Melody



DeepWaterMusic.net. Free Worship Piano Lesson from the publisher of "Pop Piano For Worship: The 30-Day Crash Course". As Seen In WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE!

Best,
LadyD






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No Weapon- Fred Hammond

I love the song No Weapon by Fred Hammond. I can listen to it over and over... same for you? Fred Hammond's No Weapon Formed Against Thee Shall Prosper is based on the scripture Isaiah 54:17. The song is in the Key of Ab. I wanted to share the piano chords with you along with this great piano tutorial by hns music on YouTube. You will learn so much from this great teaching video and you probably will find yourself wanting to emulate his playing style, very smooth and a pleasure to hear.
Listen for the tritones, so professional!

* No Weapon



* No Weapon Lyrics and MP3

(Chorus)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work


God will do what He say He would do
He will stand by His word
And He will come through
God will do what He say He would do
He will stand by His word
And He will come through

God will do what He said He would do
He’s not a man that He should lie
He will come through
God will do what He said He would do
He will stand by His word
He will come through

(Bridge)
Oh I won’t be afraid of the arrows by day
From the hand of the enemy
I can stand my ground with the Lord on my side
For the snares they have set will not succeed

(Repeat Chorus)

Don’t be afraid
Of the arrows or the snares
Set by your enemies
If you believe it say, ooo, Ooo

There just ain’t one,
There just ain’t one weapon, no
There just ain’t one
There just ain’t one weapon, no

http://www.actionext.com/names_f/fred_hammond_lyrics/no_weapon.html

* No Weapon Chord Chart


No Weapon-Chords
By: King David, M.U.S.I.C

No Weapon-Fred Hammond Key:Ab

Eb/Eb-Ab-Bb-Eb.............No-o-o
Ab/Eb-Ab-C...............weapon
G/Eb-G-Bb...............formed a-
F/Eb-Ab-C..................gainst me
Eb/Eb-G-Bb..................(filler) shall
Db-F-Ab/C-F-Ab................prosper
C-C-Eb-Ab....................no
B/F-Ab-Db.....................it
C/Eb-Ab-C.....................won't
Db/F-Ab-Db.............work
Eb/Eb-G-Bb................(filler)
F/Db-F-Ab...................(filler)
G/Eb-G-Bb.....................No
Ab/Eb-Ab-C...................weapon
C-G-Bb/E-Ab-Bb-Eb..................formed a-
F-C-Eb/Eb-Ab-C......................gainst me
Eb-Ab-C/F-A-C..................(filler) shall
Db-F-Ab/C-F-Ab.....................prosper
C/C-Eb-Ab...................no
Bb/Db-F-Ab.....................it won't
Eb/Db-Eb-G-Bb...................work

Ab/Eb-Ab-C....................God will
C-G-Bb/E-Ab-Bb-Eb................do, what He
F-C-Eb/F-Ab-C.................said He will
Eb-Ab-C/F-A-C................do. He will
Db-F-Ab/C-F-Ab...............stand by His
C/Bb-Eb-Ab..................word
Bb/F-Ab-Db......................He
C/Eb-Ab-C.......................will
Db/F-Ab-C................come
Eb/Eb-G-Bb.......................through
*repeat above chords. When you get to through the 2nd time. Go to :For I
Eb/Db-Gb-Bb................won't be afraid of the
F/C-F-A.................arrows by
F/C-F-A.....................day
G/Eb-G-Bb.....................from
A/C-F-A.........................the
Bb-F-Ab/Db-F-Bb..................hand of my
Ab/Eb-Ab-C..........................ene-
Gb/Db-Gb-Bb.....................my. I can
Eb/Db-Gb-Bb...............stand my ground with the
F/C-F-A................Lord on my side
G/Eb-G-Bb...................(filler)
A/C-F-A......................(filler) For the
B-F-Ab/Db-F-Bb................snares they have set will
Eb/Eb-G-Bb....................not succeed
*Go to :No weapon. The modulation come on- God will do. Raise everything 1/2
step to A natural.
*Play the chorus chords for: There just ain't one. There just ain't one weapon
,no(vamp)

I hope that this blesses you.

http://www.earnestandroline.com/Music/Chords/noweapon.html

* Related Video Tutorials of different playing styles on No Weapon:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L752tr-QE3w


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWJkHQchVPA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyN3hJ--e_s

Christian sheet music - piano, vocal, karaoke, and more at Sheet Music Plus.







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Sounds of the '50s

Image via Wikipedia

Are you familiar with the sounds of the '50s? Have you heard the Doo-wop-Doo-wop style?
Early rock and roll piano styles are easy and fun to play. Music of th 1950s simplified the more complicated rhythms of 1940s blues and boogie-woogie, and made them more accessible.

To get you started on playing in this style, I've combined an introduction (which can be repeated as a vamp) with an 8-bar section. The chords of the intro are built on the first (I), sixth (vi), fourth (IV) and fifth (V) degrees of the C Major Scale. Many songs of the '50s such as "Silhouettes on the Shade" and "The Book of Love" use just these chords in the same I-vi-IV-V-I progression. The next section is based on an 8-bar blues and uses only three chords- I, IV, and V. "Blueberry Hill", popularized by "Fats" Domino, is an example of this type of tune.

Notice how smoothly the chords change. This is accomplished by keeping the "common tone" of C in the pinky of the right hand whenever possible. Also notice that the real "action" is in the bass line which should be brought out in your performance. In the 8-bar section, the left hand arpeggiates the chords of the right hand. After you can play it in C, work it out in other keys such as Bb, F and G major.

Bar 1: C/E G C, B/E G C, A/E A C, G/E A C (r.h. chords, C then Am)

Bar 2: F/F A C, D/F A C, E/F A C, F/F A C, G/F A C, G/F G B, A/ F G B, B/F G B (r.h. chords, F then Gsus4-7)

Bar 3: C/C E G, D/ F C, E/G C, F/ A C, E/G C, D/F C (r.h. chords C then F)

Bar 4: C C/E then play r.h. notes C then CB, CBb, GC, G#C (r.h. chords C then C7)

Bar 5: F/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C (r.h. chord F)

Bar 6: F/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C (r.h. chord F)

Bar 7: C/E G C, E/E G C, G/E G C, E/E G C, G/E G C (r.h. chord C)

Bar 8: C/E G C, E/E G C, G/E G C, E/E G C, G/E G C (r.h. chord C)

Bar 9: G/ F G B D, B/F G B D, D/F G B D, B/F G B D, D/F G B D (r.h. chord G7)

Bar 10: F/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C, A/F A C, C/F A C (r.h. chord F)

Bar 11: C/E C, D/F C, E/G C, F/A C, E/G C, D/F C (r.h. chords C then F)

Bar 12: C C/E G C (r.h. chord C)

Hope you enjoy playing the doo-wop sounds of the '50s. Chord chart above played with 12/8 time signature so that you hear and feel those 12 eighth notes played in the r.h. per measure with your l.h. bass line. Feel free to add those bluesy devices to the right hand part.

All the best,
~ LadyD

Related Topics:


http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html


http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html


http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2008/08/esbjrn-svensson-trio.html


http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2007/10/jazz-101-blast-off.html

More info:
The Fifties
I VI II V7
/ / / / / / / /
[Key of C: C A- D- G7 ] / = One beat

http://web.mac.com/ashby_stokes/iWeb/Ashby%20Stokes/Instructional_files/Table%20B%20Chords.htm
Try moving this chord progression to another key. It should sound like a typical 50’s song in any key. For more common cord progressions, see:
* General Chord and Scale Study: 12 bar blues

http://www.medallions.com/ashbystokes/GeneralMusicInfo.htm



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Martha Munizzi: Forever You're My King

Do you like the upbeat Martha Munizzi songs or the slow worshipful ones? No matter what you choose, one thing for sure that we can all agree upon is her great voice and awesome stage presence that defines her music ministry in spirit and in song!

Audible Faith says, "Martha Munizzi has been the best-selling independent artist in Christian music. With No Limits Martha is firmly established as a top level artist."
Listen to her Mp3 at:

http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/cd200474

*Integrity Music
Martha Munizzi

Catch the energy and passion in one of the most anticipated album of 2006. Grammy and Dove Award nominated and Stellar Award winner Martha Munizzi is back with this incredible 2 CD set of electrifying new LIVE worship. Recorded Live At Bethany World Prayer Center In Baton Rouge, LA.

* Review by John Ausmus

What can I say about an album by Martha Munizzi? She has had two Top 5 Billboard Gospel albums and has been recognized by Grammy, Dove and Stellar with nominations from each organization. She has toured extensively, ministered in mega-churches, with mega-ministers, appeared on TV, and the list of accomplishments goes on and on. Martha has an incredible voice and an even more incredible passion to bring to her audience her heart for praising Jesus.

Martha's music on No Limits is alive with positive confession and exuberance, delivered to a live audience that eats up her every word. The feel of a live concert is captured well as she engages the crowd often with words that exhort and uplift.

The musicianship is also top notch. It's a big band, with no less than three keyboards in action. And the arrangements are inventive, not your typical I - IV - vi - V chord progressions. She often has the feel of a club singer, and that's not to disparage her, it's just that she is comfortable singing with a big band and backup singers, as well as alone with a piano playing jazz chords.

I'll confess that I don't attend a black gospel church, nor do I particularly call this style of music my own. A music reviewer's code of ethic is to critique music based on how he felt the artist did in communicating their message and passion. In that respect, I have to grade Munizzi's "No Limits Live" an A. Her passion is unquestioned. Her message is that we have a relationship with Jesus and He provides for us.

When you come across an album that offers different styles and perspectives for worship, I think it's important to be gracious. God's kingdom swells with so much diversity, as His people come to Him from so many different places. How one person worships, another may find dry. The truly important review comes from God Himself.

My church is just at the beginning of moving from the suburbs into the city. Reviewing this album has been a great teaching tool to me, because it reminds me that I may one day be sitting next to people for whom this style of worship is the expected norm. I must say that I am richer for it. You may be as well.

http://www.worshipmusic.com/38602.html?wm_source=sq_38602

* Forever You're My King Lyrics

Forever You're My King
by Martha Munizzi
Written by James Mitchell
Album: No Limits- Live
I love You forever
With all my heart
I love You forever
Forever You're my King
I'll serve You forever
With all my heart
I'll serve You forever
Forever You're my King
I'll praise you forever
With all my heart
I'll praise you forever
Forever You're my King
Forever You're my King
Forever You're my King

http://www.higherpraise.com/lyrics/anniversary/k/kim_burrell/kim_burrell-forever_youre_my_king.html

* Chords TO Forever You're My King by Martha Munizzi

C/E-G-C I
D/F-G-C LOVE
D/F-G-B YOU
E/G-C-E FOR-EV
F/F-A-D VER
G/E-G-C WITH
G/G-C-E ALL
G/C-D-G MY
G/B-D-G HEART
*BASS WALK UP(A,B,C)
C/E-G-C I
D/F-G-C LOVE
D/F-G-B YOU
E/G-C-E FOR-EV
F/F-A-D VER
G/E-G-C FOR-E
G/D-G-B VER
G/C-F-A YOU'RE
G/D-G-B MY
C/E-G-C KING
*KEY CHANGE TO Db*
Bb/Db-F#-Bb
C/ Eb-Ab-C
Db/F-Ab-Db MY
Eb/F#-Ab-Db SHEL
Eb/F#-Ab-C TER
F,F#/ Ab-Db-F FOR,EV
F#/F#-Bb-Db VER
Ab/F-Ab-Db IN
Ab/Ab-Db-F TIME
Ab/Db-F-Ab OF
Ab/C-Eb-Ab STORMS
*BASS WALK UP(Bb,C,Db)*
Db/F-Ab-Db MY
Eb/F#-Ab-Db SHEL
Eb/F#-Ab-C TER
F,F#/Ab-Db-F FOR,EV
F#/F#-Bb-Db VER
Ab/F-Ab-Db FOR-E
Ab/Eb-Ab-C VER
Ab/ Db-F#-Bb YOU'RE
Ab/Eb-Ab-C MY
Db/F-Ab-Db KING

KEY CHANGE TO Eb(SKIP D)
C/Eb-Ab-C
D/F-Bb-D
Eb/G-Bb-Eb YOUR
F/Ab-Bb-Eb MER
F/Ab-Bb-D CY
G/Bb-Eb-G FOR-E
Ab/Ab-C-F VER
Bb/G-Bb-Eb SHALL
Bb/Bb-Eb-G FOL
Bb/Eb-G-Bb LOW
Bb/D-F-Bb ME
Bb/F-Bb-D EEEEEEE
Eb/G-Bb-Eb YOUR
F/Ab-Bb-Eb MER
F/Ab-Bb-D CY
G/G-Bb-Eb FOR
Ab/Ab-C-F E
Bb/Bb-Eb-G E
Bb/Ab-C-F VER
Bb/ G-Bb-Eb FOR-E
Bb/F-Bb-D VER
Bb/Eb-Ab-C YOU'RE
Bb/F-Bb-D MY
Eb/G-Bb-Eb KING

THEN YOU HAVE(IN SAME KEY AS Eb):
ALL THE GLORY AND THE HONOR
BELONGS TO YOU
ALL THE GLORY AND THE HONOR
THEN:

Bb/G-Bb-Eb FOR-E
Bb/F-Bb-D VER
Bb/Eb-Ab-C YOU'RE
Bb/F-Bb-D MY
C/G-C-Eb KING
REPEAT TWICE THEN:
Eb/G-Bb-Eb HOLY
C/Bb-Eb-G HOLY
Bb/D-F-Bb HO-
Bb/Eb-G-Bb LY
Ab/Eb-Ab-C LORD GOD AL-
Bb/Eb-G-Bb MIGH
Bb/Bb-Eb-G TY
C/G-C-Eb GOD
Eb/G-Bb-Eb IN
Ab/Eb-Ab-C THREE PER
C/C-E-G SONS
F/C-F-Ab BLES-
F/Ab-C-F SED
Bb/Bb-D-F TRI-
Eb/G-Bb-Eb NITY




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How To Play A Minor Third

With the changing of the leaves, experiencing cooler nights in California and seeing Halloween decorations all about, my ears turn towards those minor sounds. From wikipedia you can learn a bit about minor thirds:

"A minor third is a musical interval of three semitones. It is the smaller of two commonly occurring musical intervals compounded of two steps of the diatonic scale. The prefix 'minor' identifies it as being the smaller of the two (by one semitone); its larger counterpart being a major third. The minor third is abbreviated as m3 and its inversion is the major sixth. The minor third may be derived from the harmonic series as the interval between the fifth and sixth harmonics, or from the 19th harmonic.

The minor scale is so named because of the presence of this interval between its tonic and mediant (1st and 3rd) scale degrees. Minor chords too, take their name from the presence of this interval built on the chord's root (provided that the interval of a perfect fifth from the root is also present or implied)... The minor third is classed as an imperfect consonance and is considered one of the most consonant intervals after the unison, octave, perfect fifth, and perfect fourth."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_third

I wanted to share a piano exercise I found online. MrRon on YouTube provides a great Warm Up Exercise in 3rds Through the First 5 Notes of the Major and Minor Scale!

* Play Piano - Warm Ups in Major and Minor 3rds!



I love this piano exercise. Try it in all 12 keys!

Another valuable resource I found online is from Hear and Play Learning Center where Jermaine Griggs explains on his blog that minor thirds in songs contain 3 half steps.
You can visit their site at:

http://www.hearandplay.com/main/tag/minor-thirds

One more wonderful site for music lessons to share with you can be found at Zebra Keys.
How Does the Natural Minor Scale Apply to Songs?
"Some sad sounding songs are written using notes of the natural minor scale. When a song is written in the natural minor scale, most if not all of its melody notes as well as harmony chord notes come from that scale."
Here you will learn about the Natural Minor Scale:

http://www.zebrakeys.com/lessons/intermediate/musictheory/?id=32

If you're interested in Classical music, JS Bach comes to mind with Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Perhaps you have seen many of Yoke Wong's piano teaching videos on YouTube. Here is one especially for this time of year:

http://www.yokewong.net/halloweenmusic.html

Do you like the blues? a friend on facebook, Gilbert DeBenedetti has a site for free sheet music. Have you heard of Big Bad Goblin Blues?

http://gmajormusictheory.org/Freebies/Holidays/Halloween.html

* Other related Topics:
How To Form Chords

http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html

Chord System

http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html








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