Piano Lesson: Voicings

Image via Wikipedia

A huge difference in your piano playing with overall 

sound is when you learn how to voice your chords.

What does voicing mean? It's the way chords are 

played that gives them their richness. It's about how

many notes are played and the distance between each 

of the notes. 

There are hundreds, if not thousands of different ways

to play a single chord. So that means there are tons 

of ways to play chord progressions.

Example: Cmaj7

The notes in the chord are C E G B but you can also 

add D and A to the chord extension. You can do this 

because these notes come from the C Major Scale.

Now you learn that these extensions do not have to 

be written out when you see Cmaj7 because you can 

add the 9 13.

Let's apply the theory. Whenever the melody note 

is on top, you know the highest note of the chord,

in this case we'll say D... that means the 9th is part

of the chord and is on top.

Next, play C in the bass with l.h. Looking at the next

two notes, the 3rd and the 7th, are important because

these notes give the chord flavor. Play C (with pinky

finger) and B (with thumb).

Play the 3rd, 5th and 9th (melody) in r.h. with fingering,

1 2 5. The 3rd finger will play the A, the 13th of the chord.

This rich sounding chord looks like:

CB/EGAD

 Remember, this is only one way of voicing the chord. 
Voicing the root and 7th in the l.h. and covering the 3rd 
and the melody in the r.h. is a good place to start. With
your left over fingers in your r.h. cover the 5th and any other extensions available.


A great resource that has information on chord voicings is
300pg Piano By Ear Home Study Course

Voicings become easier to play and you will discover
that your hands are barely moving especially when it 
comes to shell voicings since the roots are moving down 
in fifths or up in fourths. Later on you will learn more left
hand voicings in bebop style, rootless left hand voicings 
and rootless shell voicings. When the left hand plays the 
third and seventh of each chord, these rootless shell 
voicings allow the right hand the freedom to improvise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6202010

Just a note:


Many of you have asked for Yolanda Adams chord charts 
and I'm not able to find them for free. (sorry)

I am pleased to hear from folks who have purchased the SongRobot 


It is a GREAT software tool to have if you have a PC. You 
can drag free midis from the internet and learn chords to
numerous songs and slow it down to recognize what's being
played. If you have a Mac, you can drag midis into Garage
Band.


While we're on the page of recommending music resources,
if you're playing hymns for church, learn how to harmonize
the melody with GospelKeys 101


In your tool kit as a musician, you've got to learn chords. I
highly recommend these audio tapes because Jermaine Griggs
is an excellent teacher on understanding chords.
Chords 101 and 102 Collection

 

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

Book Review: The Blueprint by Kirk Franklin

Cover via AmazonDear Readers,


Thank you for your comments, song requests and support. You're the greatest! I'm doing something different here today,
so stay with me. First time ever, I'm posting a book review about a fabulous person and awesome musician. As you know, I've posted many chord charts from Kirk Franklin's songs. You can find them on this site by using the search box. So very 
thankful for each of you on this Good Friday... read on!  

I finished reading The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms by Seven-Time Grammy Award Winner, Kirk Franklin. I LOVE this book!!! I have always admired Kirk Franklin as a musician and now I appreciate him even more in revealing so many truths through his own life's struggles, pain, gain and victory. 

Boy, he sure tells it like it is so you better get ready if you're in need of a spiritual boost (jump start) because The Blueprint is a real page turner! It will effect you greatly, you know, like change your perspective (divinely focused lens). I'm talking about a solid foundation you can build upon. Not a shaky one that no amount of money and fame can make solid. 

Reading through the pages of Kirk's book, you'll receive such affirmation and encouragement leaping off the pages if you're feeling all alone and no one cares. Kirk Franklin is so nurturing with his loving insights into our Heavenly Father's heart. (He knows the word.)

So, how do you want to live your life? Further into the book, Kirk shares (like a map) some basic tools for you to choose. Basically, The Blueprint is all about establishing the steps you need to take to get where you want to go. 
The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms

Within the 13 Chapters Kirk discusses issues from sex to the soul; dealing with the overgrown weeds in our hearts, and talking about our commitments from faith to family. As a musician, one of my favorite parts of the book is where Kirk talks about Michael Jackson's video Billie Jean. (Curious? It's in the book!) And to feel what Kirk sees abroad on tour with so many folks wanting truth (Jesus) instead of rules and empty talk.

In my opinion, Kirk's honest heart-felt testimony of his own personal issues is powerful (sets him free) and revolves full circle with breaking harmful cycles (repositioning) and helping others get back in the race. (His passion for America).   5* book!

"Can you imagine that? Pursue your dreams, but don't lose yourself during the chase. Imagine you!" -- Kirk Franklin

I can't even imagine how Mary felt (Good Friday), seeing her son crucified but never has greater love been shown to us. (John 3:16).

About The Book:

Seven-time Grammy award winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin reveals his most intimate life struggles and offers his blueprint for propelling toward a fulfilling spiritual life in the face of adversity.

 

THE BLUEPRINT:  A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham, on sale 4/5, $16) is a part-memoir, part-instructional guide that chronicles Franklin ’s own adversities with drugs, teenage parenthood and poverty which, with the guidance of God, resulted in the life lessons that ultimately brought him success.  Franklin offers his guide, his blueprint, to help individuals achieve success in their own lives.  THE BLUEPRINT is the essential guide to creating a better you, one day at a time. 

For more information, Kirk Franklin maps out The Blueprint with Essence.

Chris Zdunek with Gotham Books/Avery Marketing for contacting me for a review. (Thank you!) 


I love Kirk Franklin. You do, too? Give a shout out!

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

Musicians Breakthrough Product Launch and Lenny LeBlanc: There Is None Like You

Image via WikipediaIt's a special time of year for so many of us celebrating this Easter season. 
Perhaps you know this song, There Is None Like You, written by Lenny LeBlanc 
in 1991. The piano chords are from the WOW Worship Songbook.

 

Still sounds like I'm lisping on the video. Must be the camera 
speed on my digital! lol

I blogged about this song back in 2009:
http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html


For a very easy, streamlined version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilcTNZITk0U&feature=related

Piano Chords to There Is None Like You: (What I'm Playing!)

G        D/F#      E/C    D/G2
There is none like You.
C      B/G2            B/G    Am7       Dsus    D
No one else can touch my heart like You do.
G       F#/D           F/G      E/C
I could search for all eternity long,
    D/G             D7sus      G2
And find there is none like You.  (end)

Cmaj7          D/C            G2    Em7
Your mercy flows like a river wide,
Am7        F#/D2         F#/D   G2  G B/G2
Healing comes from Your hand.
Cmaj7          D/C      G2          Em7
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
Am7        G/C      F#/D E/C D (Back to Beginning)
There is none like You.

Thanks Nate for the request to play a song in Gb.

Same song but we lowered it 1/2 step.

Gb       Db/F       B    Gb
There is none like You.
B      Gb/Bb               Abm7          Db
No one else can touch my heart like You do.
Gb      Db/F            B/Eb     Bm
I could search for all eternity long,
    Gb            Db         Gb
And find there is none like You.

B            Db           Gb   Ebm
Your mercy flows like a river wide,
B         Db             Gb
Healing comes from Your hand.
B             Db          Gb         Ebm
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
Abm7               Db
There is none like You. 

Maybe we should raise it 1/2 step:

Ab       Eb/G       Db   Ab
There is none like You.
Db     Ab/C                Bbm7          Eb
No one else can touch my heart like You do.
Ab      Eb/G            Db/F      Dbm
I could search for all eternity long,
    Ab            Eb         Ab
And find there is none like You.

Db           Eb           Ab   Fm
Your mercy flows like a river wide,
Db        Eb             Ab
Healing comes from Your hand.
Db            Eb          Ab         Fm
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
Bbm7               Eb
There is none like You. 

Anyways, probably by now you've received my monthly

newsletter. If not, check your spam or sign up on the

right where it says mail chimp. Also, have you heard 

about Jermaine Griggs new product launch? 

Here's a note about that:

Hi,

I just got word about the biggest, most
anticipated event of 2011 for gospel musicians...
and after visiting the page, I'm pretty excited
about what I've seen so far.

Musician Breakthrough

It's called Musician Breakthrough and my friends
over at HearAndPlay are the ones behind it.

To my knowledge, it's the first of its kind for
the gospel musician community.

They are featuring 7 world-class, professional
"West Coast" musicians in a pretty unique format.

Each musician is covering what they call the 
"5 Dimensions of the Church Service."

-Praise
-Worship
-Shouting
-Transitional
-Traditional

If you do the math, that's 35 segments... and I'm
told over 16 hours in total.

If you rush over to the page, you'll find video clips
of each musician playing one of these styles. There
are examples from all 5 categories. If nothing else, 
watch them and be prepared to be blown away.

Musician Breakthrough


I've already filled out the priority notification form
because I want to be one of the first to grab my copy.

I'll keep you updated if I find out any more information.
(Because of my relationship with the founder, I do tend
to get updates before the general public so I'll let you
in... hush).

Meanwhile, head over to the page.

Musician Breakthrough

Talk soon, 

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

Piano Chords: Praise Him In Advance (Marvin Sapp)

Thanks to Victor and many others for this song 
request by Marvin Sapp, Praise Him. Are you 
familiar with this beautiful song? I had a wonderful
Palm Sunday yesterday. Now onto Good Friday. Love 
the lyrics to Praise Him In Advance.



Lyrics | Praise Him In Advance lyrics




 Praise Him In Advance Part2

YouTube Tutorials:


GospelProgressions Part1


GospelProgressions2

 Free Mp3 Download
Gospelmusicbites.com/Mp3

Marvin Sapp: Praise Him In Advance (Chord Chart)




Db/AbDbF


Eb/BbDbGb


F/DbFAb


Gb/DbGbBb


F/CEbGbA


A/EbGbAC


Bb/FAbBbDb


Bb/CDbEb

Eb/GCDbF

Then play V-I in the Key of Db. Basically lots of walk ups.
I left out some single notes in the r.h. but you get the idea.


Hope it helps.
Best,



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

Piano Chords: Our Song-Taylor Swift

Awhile back I received TONS of requests for Miss Taylor Swift songs. 
Many chord charts are for guitar but I have heard great piano licks on some.

Cover of Taylor Swift

Just in case you missed my previous posts on this artist, here they are:




1. Teardrops On My Guitar
http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009/01/taylor-swift-teardrops-on-my-guitar.html


2. White Horse
http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2010/05/taylor-swift-free-sheet-music-and-chord.html

  Image via Wikipedia

3. Love Story
http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-story-taylor-swift.html


Our Song, with words and music by this very popular artist Taylor Swift, has 
been requested numerous times and can't be ignored. Here are the chords.

D Em G A x2

      D                      Em                 G                 A
I was riding shotgun with my hair undone in the front seat of his car
           D                  Em
He’s got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel
    G          A
The other on my heart
D                       Em
I look around, turn the radio down
        G                 A
He says baby is something wrong?
  D                 Em                G               A
I say nothing I was just thinking how we don’t have a song
And he says...

D               Em
Our song is the slamming screen door,
G                          A
Sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window
D                  Em                 G
When you’re on the phone and you talk real slow
           A                        D
Cause it’s late and your mama don’t know
                Em
Our song is the way you laugh
    G                         A
The first date “man, I didn’t kiss her, but I should have”
Em             A                       Em
And when I got home ... before I said amen
          D   G
Asking God if he could play it again

D Em G A

D                    Em                      G          A
I was walking up the front porch steps after everything the day
    D                      Em
Had gone all wrong or been trampled on
    G                A
And lost and thrown away
D                   Em             G            A
Got to the hallway, well on my way to my lovin’ bed
  D                    Em
I almost didn’t notice all the roses
G                A
And the note that said...

D               Em
Our song is the slamming screen door,
G                          A
Sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window
D                  Em                 G
When you’re on the phone and you talk real slow
           A                        D
Cause it’s late and your mama don’t know
                Em
Our song is the way you laugh
    G                         A
The first date “man, I didn’t kiss her, but I should have”
Em             A                       Em
And when I got home ... before I said amen
          D   G
Asking God if he could play it again

D Em G A
        Da da da da
D Em G A

     Em                          G
I’ve heard every album, listened to the radio
D          A            Em
Waited for something to come along
            G
That was as good as our song

D                     Em
Cause our song is the slamming screen door
G                          A         D
Sneaking out late, tapping on his window
                  Em                      G
When we’re on the phone and he talks real slow
               A                   D
Cause it’s late and his mama don’t know
                Em
Our song is the way he laughs
    G                         A
The first date “man, I didn’t kiss him, and I could have”
Em             A                       Em
And when I got home ... before I said amen
          D   G                 D Em G A
Asking God if he could play it again... 

         D Em G A    D Em G A
Play it again... Ho yea ho yea

      D                      Em
I was riding shotgun with my hair undone
       G                 A
In the front seat of his car
D                      Em
I grabbed a pen and an old napkin
      G
And I... wrote down our song

So, I like this rendition by Claytu2... good job!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CEfXpUiljM


Listen to all the runs in the r.h. in the Key of D.


The intro:

A, D, E, F#, E, D, B, A (single notes)


D/A, D, E, F#, E, D (single notes)


Em7/A, B, D, F#, E, D (single notes)


G/A, B, D, F#, E, D (single notes)


A/G, F#, E, D (single notes)


D/A, D, E, F#, E, D (single notes)

Em7/A, B, D, F#, E, F#, E, D (single notes)


G/A, B, D, F#, E, F#, E, D (single notes)


A/G, F# (single notes)


A/AC#E... then go right into the verse.


When you play a specific chord in this song, here are some of the inversions:

Em7 = E/GBDF#


D/F# = F#/F#AE


D = F#AD

This is a pretty easy song for the most part. Important to know the chord progressions
in the Key of D. Here's a great explanation of the Nashville Number System

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

Musician Breakthrough: April 20th Launch

Dear Musicians,


You've heard me talk a lot about the new robot software that has been selling like hotcakes. And I thank you for those who have purchased it and now you are learning to play songs by getting free midis online. If you missed it, here it is again. Song Robot Software


Well, today the folks at Hear and Play are launching a new resource Musician Breakthrough Launch

7 Musicians. 14 Discs. 16+ Hours.


Musician Breakthrough is releasing Wednesday, April 20 @ 6pm pacific / 9pm eastern. Mark your calendars now because Jermaine Griggs will only have 1000 copies available, period.
But for now, go to the website and check out the new video trailer and round 3 interview clips from these 7 world-class musicians. Hear and Play Breakthrough


I’d also check out round 1 and 2, which feature over 70 minutes of playing and teaching video clips. There’s tons to learn just in that footage.

And don’t forget, by voting and commenting on round 3, you’ll be in the running to win an Apple iPad worth $499.00 (or one of three EVERYTHING PACKAGES we’re giving away, which is every course we have to offer).
So rush over to the page and get involved. Listen to the new round 3 interviews, watch the teaching clips, vote on your favorites, and scroll down to the bottom and comment. And if you’re blessed by the content, press any of the blue “SHARE” buttons on the page to pass this along to your facebook friends.

The 14-disc Musician Breakthrough program
is releasing to the public --- Wednesday, April 20
@ 6pm pacific / 9pm eastern.

You'll enjoy 70 minutes of video training, audio
interview clips, and tons more on this page.
Musician Breakthrough Launch

Who did you vote for? I'm voting for Jason Freeman but it is such a difficult decision because they're all so very good and mighty fine musicians. Best wishes to the winner!

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

Top 100 Praise Charts

I recently came across this site, http://www.praisecharts.com/ccli-top-100.


What I discovered was a marvelous list of the top 100 praise charts from awhile ago.
To me, it looks like I posted the chords to some of these great praise and worship songs
but I kind of get the feeling I am a bit behind and could keep posting more.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite song or two? Drop me a note if you need chords.

So, then what is worship? Wikipedia defines it as,

"Contemporary worship music (CWM) is a loosely defined genre of Christian music used in contemporary worship. It has developed over the past sixty years and is stylistically similar to pop music. The songs are frequently referred to as "praise songs" or "worship songs" and are typically led by a "worship band" or "praise team", with either a guitarist or pianist leading"...

Top 100 Praise Charts 

1. Mighty To Save - Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan

2. How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
 
* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-great-is-our-god-chris-tomlin.html

3. Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman

4. Here I Am To Worship - Tim Hughes

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009/08/here-i-am-to-worship-by-tim-hughes.html

5. Everlasting God - Brenton Brown

6. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009/04/amazing-grace-on-black-keys-only.html
* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-play-amazing-grace-jazz-style.html

7. Open The Eyes of My Heart - Paul Baloche

8. Your Grace Is Enough - Matt Maher

9. Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

10. Holy Is the Lord - Chris Tomlin

11. Shout To The Lord - Darlene Zschech

12. Forever - Chris Tomlin

13. You Are My King - Billy Foote

14. Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Brian Doerksen

15. Revelation Song - Jennie Lee Riddle

16. In Christ Alone - Stuart Townsend

17. Lord I Lift Your Name On High - Rick Founds

18. Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) - Paul Baloche

19. God of Wonders - Marc Byrd

20. We Fall Down - Chris Tomlin

21. Beautiful One - Tim Hughs

22. From The Inside Out - Joel Houston

23. The Heart of Worship - Matt Redman

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2010/06/learn-to-play-heart-of-worship-by-matt.html

24. You Are My All In All - Dennis Jernigan

25. Days of Elijah - Robin Mark

26. Your Name - Paul Baloche

27. The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin

28. You're Worthy of My Praise - David Ruis

29. Better Is One Day - Mat Redman

30. Breathe - Marie Barnett

31. How Great Thou Art - Stuart Wesley Keene Hine

32. Hosanna - Brooke Fraser

33. I Am Free - Jon Egan

34. Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans

35. Sing To The King - Billy Foote

36. Indescribable - Laura Story

37. Above All - Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Baloche

38. Friend of God - Michael Gungor, Israel Houghton

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2008/10/friend-of-god-israel-houghton.html

39. I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin

40. I Give You My Heart - Reuben Morgan

41. You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

42. God Of This City - Aaron Boyd, Richard Bleakley, Ian Jordan, Andrew McCann, Peter Kernaghan, Peter Comfort

43. Draw Me Close - Kelly Carpenter

44. Enough - Chris Tomlin

45. Lord Reign In Me - Brenton Brown

46. My Redeemer Lives - Reuben Morgan

47. How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Stuart Townend

48. My Savior Lives - Jon Egan, Glenn Packiam

49. Happy Day - Ben Cantelon, Tim Hughes

50. Love The Lord - Lincoln Brewster

51. The Stand - Joel Houston

52. You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) - Marc Imboden, Tammi Rhoton

53. You Are God - Israel Houghton

54. My Savior God - Aaron Shust, Dorothy Dora Greenwell

55. Agnus Dei - Michael W. Smith

56. I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever - Martin Smith

57. Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall

58. Hallelujah - Brenton Brown, Brian Doerksen

59. He Is Exalted - Twila Paris

60. I Love You Lord - Laurie Klein

61. Let It Rise - Holland Davis

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2010/09/let-it-rise-holland-davis.html

62. Give Us Clean Hands - Charlie Hall

63. Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Thomas Obediah Chisholm

64. As The Deer - Martin Nystrom

* http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-play-as-deer.html

65. All Because Of Jesus - Steve Fee

66. Not To Us - Chris Tomlin

67. Awesome God - Rich Mullins

68. Today Is The Day

69. Worthy Is The Lamb - Darlene Zschech

70. Because He Lives - Gaither

71. Majestic - Lincoln Brewster

72. Shine Jesus Shine - Graham Kendrick

73. How Can I Keep From Singing - Chris Tomlin

74. Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin

75. O Praise Him - David Crowder

76. Awesome Is The Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

77. Majesty - Jack Hayford

78. He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker

79. Sanctuary - John W. Thompson and Randy Scruggs

80. Hungry - Kathryn Scott

81. Everyday -Joel Houston

82. All Who Are Thirsty - Brenton Brown and Glenn Robertson

83. Victory In Jesus - Eugene M. Bartlett

84. Jesus Paid It All - Alex Nifong

85. Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin

86. The Power Of Your Love - Geoff Bullock

87. Ancient Of Days

88. Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew

89. Famous One - Chris Tomlin

90. Lead Me To The Cross - Brooke Fraser

91. Take My Life - Scott Underwood

92. Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster

93. Amazed - Jared Anderson

94. That's Why We Praise Him - Tommy Walker

95. All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises - Paul Baloche

96. Shout To The North - Martin Smith

97. In The Secret - Andy Park

98. Step By Step - David (Beaker) Strasser

99. Wonderful Merciful Savior - Dawn Rodgers

100. You are God Alone (Not A God) - Billy Foote

Remember, that worship is not most importantly to perform well. It helps to play well, so sing it like you mean it but mostly, lead to facilitate corporate worship!
More music resources for you to see.

Music Transformation & Gospel Music Training Center 30 Day Trial

Music Transformation 44-pg Guide (Free Download)


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

Related articles

• LAURA STORY - "INDESCRIBABLE"- uncontainable...You placed the stars in the sky - W/ LYRICS (lnger.wordpress.com)

7th Chord Voicings

(My apologies for sending this twice. Thanks for letting me know on the blooper.)

A little bird told me you wanted to learn voicing 7th chords. Thanks for your emails.

 Here is what I have learned from Noah Baerman on voicing 7th chords.

7th chords open up a whole new world of possibilities. It is funny to think that just
one extra note per chord can greatly alter the sound, but dealing with 7th chords does
just that. Voicing becomes much more important now that we are using 7th chords.
More notes create more voicing possibilities. As jazz keyboardists, we strive to learn
what those possibilities are, how to execute them and what impact each one may have
on the overall sound.

Voice Leading

Here are two examples of voicings for a ii-V-I in Bb Major.

1. C/ CEbGBb
 
    F/CEbFA

    Bb/BbDFA

2. C/CEbGBb

    F/FACEb

    Bb/BbDFA

The first example makes more sense. Each voicing flows smoothly to the next one,
and the hands have to move very little to play the progression. In the second example
the sound is broken up, and the right hand has to jump around to play the chords.
The difference is that the first example uses good voice leading. Voice leading is the
smooth movement of voices (notes) from one chord tot he next. If your hands are
jumping all over the place, you're probably not using good voice leading, and the
music is unlikely to sound smooth or cohesive. To voice lead well, your hands should
use the least possible amount of energy. Imagine that, the easier it is to play, the better it sounds!

3. Example of a iii-vi-ii-V-I progression in F Major with good voice leading.

A/GACE (Amin7)

D/FACD (Dmin7)

G/GABbD (Gmin7)

C/GBbCE (C7)

F/FACE (FMaj7)

Each of the four voices in the right hand moves very little as the chords change.
Just like the individual singers in a choir, who can't jump around too much without
getting tired and confused, the voices in a chord should avoid leaps whenever possible.
The bass notes move around more but that's inevitable when the roots are moving in large
intervals like 4ths and 5ths. Since the left hand is playing one note at a time, it is not
difficult to play.

We have more freedom with voicing when the left hand plays the roots. So far, we've
been playing four notes at a time in the right hand whenever we play 7th chords.
Now that we're getting  the hang of them, we can eliminate one of those notes.


4. The right hand can play the 3rd, 5th, and 7th of each chord. The left hand can take 
care of the roots.

D/FAC (Dmin7)

G/DFB (G7)

C/EGB

With this kind of voicing, the sound becomes more open. We don't lose the fullness
because all four notes of each chord are still being played. WE still use the same method
of voice leading, simply omitting the root from the right hand. Let's take the following
progression in B minor.

5. Roots in l.h. and 3rds, 5ths and 7ths  in r.h. with smooth voice leading.

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

E/BDG (Emin7)

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

G/BDF# (GMaj7)

C#/GBE (C#min7b5)

F#/A#C#E (F#7)

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

If we begin the progression with a different voicing for the first Bmin7 chord,
then the voice leading will naturally lead to other voicings for the rest of the chords,
since other voicings will be within easier reach.

6. Here's another way of voicing the same changes with the same technique.

B/DF#A (Bmin7)

E/DGB (Emin7)

B/DF#A (Bmin7)

G/DF#B (GMaj7)

C#/EGB (C#min7b5)

F#/C#EA# (F#7)

B/DF#A (Bmin7)


Hope these are helpful examples. You may want to visit these resources.

Advanced Gospel Courses

Gospel Core Essentials


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All the best,








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

Voicing 7th Chords

 A little bird told me you wanted to learn voicing 7th chords. Thanks for your emails.

 Here is what I have learned from Noah Baerman on voicing 7th chords.

7th chords open up a whole new world of possibilities. It is funny to think that just
one extra note per chord can greatly alter the sound, but dealing with 7th chords does
just that. Voicing becomes much more important now that we are using 7th chords.
More notes create more voicing possibilities. As jazz keyboardists, we strive to learn
what those possibilities are, how to execute them and what impact each one may have
on the overall sound.

Voice Leading

Here are two examples of voicings for a ii-V-I in Bb Major.

1. C/ CEbGBb
  
    F/CEbFA

    Bb/BbDFA

2. C/CEbGBb

    F/FACEb

    Bb/BbDFA

The first example makes more sense. Each voicing flows smoothly to the next one,
and the hands have to move very little to play the progression. In the second example
the sound is broken up, and the right hand has to jump around to play the chords.
The difference is that the first example uses good voice leading. Voice leading is the
smooth movement of voices (notes) from one chord tot he next. If your hands are
jumping all over the place, you're probably not using good voice leading, and the
music is unlikely to sound smooth or cohesive. To voice lead well, your hands should
use the least possible amount of energy. Imagine that, the easier it is to play, the better it sounds!

3. Example of a iii-vi-ii-V-I progression in F Major with good voice leading.

A/GACE (Amin7)

D/FACD (Dmin7)

G/GABbD (Gmin7)

C/GBbCE (C7)

F/FACE (FMaj7)

Each of the four voices in the right hand moves very little as the chords change.
Just like the individual singers in a choir, who can't jump around too much without 
getting tired and confused, the voices in a chord should avoid leaps whenever possible.
The bass notes move around more but that's inevitable when the roots are moving in large
intervals like 4ths and 5ths. Since the left hand is playing one note at a time, it is not
difficult to play.

We have more freedom with voicing when the left hand plays the roots. So far, we've
been playing four notes at a time in the right hand whenever we play 7th chords.
Now that we're getting  the hang of them, we can eliminate one of those notes.


4. The right hand can play the 3rd, 5th, and 7th of each chord. The left hand can take 
care of the roots.

D/FAC (Dmin7)

G/DFB (G7)

C/EGB

With this kind of voicing, the sound becomes more open. We don't lose the fullness
because all four notes of each chord are still being played. WE still use the same method
of voice leading, simply omitting the root from the right hand. Let's take the following
progression in B minor.

5. Roots in l.h. and 3rds, 5ths and 7ths  in r.h. with smooth voice leading.

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

E/BDG (Emin7)

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

G/BDF# (GMaj7)

C#/GBE (C#min7b5)

F#/A#C#E (F#7)

B/ADF# (Bmin7)

If we begin the progression with a different voicing for the first Bmin7 chord,
then the voice leading will naturally lead to other voicings for the rest of the chords,
since other voicings will be within easier reach.

6. Here's another way of voicing the same changes with the same technique.

B/DF#A (Bmin7)

E/DGB (Emin7)

B/DF#A (Bmin7)

G/DF#B (GMaj7)

C#/EGB (C#min7b5)

F#/C#EA# (F#7)

B/DF#A (Bmin7)


Hope these are helpful examples. You may want to visit these resources.

Advanced Gospel Courses

Gospel Core Essentials


Be sure and sign up for my free newsletter.

All the best,





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

Beach Buggy Blues Lesson

Beach Buggy Boogie has been a very popular song performed by piano players of 

all ages. This upbeat piano song was written by Martha Mier. Set the metronome at 144.

If you sight read music well and you would like to invest in her book that includes 8 original

pieces for early intermediate to intermediate pianist, visit:

Jazz, Rags & Blues, Book 2 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library)

I originally uploaded the song on YouTube and received an avalanche of emails asking 

if I would send sheet music to all parts of the country and abroad. The answer to that 

question (over and over) is that I do not send free sheet music for you to learn for your 

upcoming music events... sorry.

What I like to do is share the chord progression to a song. If you know your chords and can 

connect chord progressions in all keys, then you'll have lots of songs under your belt

that you love to play. So, here's my original video on YouTube.

Here are some tips, plus the right hand runs with the single notes for you.

L.H. Chords:

CG, CA, CG, CA

FC,  FD, FC, FD

CG, CA, CG, CA

GD, GD then FC, FC and back to CG, CA, CG, CA

GD, GbDb, FC, EbBb, CG, CA, CG

Last 3 measures for the l.h.

FC, FD, FC then CG, CA, CG, GD and CEG to C.

Right Hand Runs:

Bb, A, G, E, D#, E, G, A

Eb, D, C, A, G#, A, C, D

Bb, A, G, E, D#, E, G, E, C

C, A, G, E, D#, E, G, E, C




It's easy to play this popular song since it's written in the Key of C and it fits the 12 bar blues structure
pretty well. More to see:
Easy piano music at Sheet Music Plus. Old classics and the latest pop hits.

You may be interested in PITCH Ear-Training Software and Song Robot Software

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

He Is Able Piano Chords

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Here's a song you can play in the Key of C, He Is Able. 
Are you familiar with it?

Song: He is Able
Written by Rory Noland and Greg Ferguson

F/G    C    G/B      Dm/A  Am  Em/G
He is able, more than able
F                Dm  C/F    C/G  Gsus  G 
to accomplish what concerns me today.
F/G    C    Em7       Am7   Em7/A
He is able, more than able
Bbmaj7      Dm7               Gsus   G7/F
to handle anything that comes my way.
C/E   E7       F  Fmaj7/E  Dm7
He is able, more than able
C/G               E7/G#           Am7  Fm6/Ab
to do much more than I could ever dream,
C2/G  Em7       Dm/A  Am  Am7
He is able, more than able,
Dm7             Dm7/G       C
to make me what He wants me to be.


Copyright 1988 and this arr. Copyright 1990 by Maranatha! Music

I play the same song in the Key of D. You'll find the chords 

I'm playing directly under the video. Thanks for encouraging me to 

upload more videos. I am now given longer uploading time on YouTube,

so that will be wonderful for teaching purposes.

Now I haven't learned all this sophisticated software yet, so for now,

I'm doing it the old fashioned way! lol I know, the camera angle still

needs to be fixed. But I keep reminding myself, of Zechariah 4:10,

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices

 to see the work begin,"...

A/G    D    C#/F#m    Bm  A/F#m  A
He is able, more than able
G                   Em7        A/D  A 

to accomplish what concerns me today.

D    F#m7      Bm7   B/A Bm7
He is able, more than able
Cmaj7      Em7               Asus   G/A
to handle anything that comes my way.
F#/D   A#/F#         G  Em7
He is able, more than able
A/D         A#/F#      F#         Bm  Bb/Gm6
to do much more than I could ever dream,
A/D         F#m7  Bm  Gm
He is able, more than able,
Em7             Asus       A   D
to make me what He wants me to be.

Now there's another arrangement, an entirely different song by Kirk Franklin, He's Able. I love the upbeat, encouraging song.

I found these 2 chord charts @ Learn Gospel Music.com

1. He's Able

LH/RH

INTRO:
D/DF#A
D/EbGBb
D/EAbB
D/FAC
*C/FBbD (POP)

VERSE:

F/GCF
A/GCF
D/GCF
G/BbDF
C/BbDF
F/GCF
A/GAC#E
B/GBD
C#/GAC#E
D/ADF
G/BbDF
A/ACF
Bb/BbDF
C/BbDF

ENDING:

C/BbEbG
C/AEbG
B/AC#EbG
B/ACEF
*Bb/ACDF
*A/GCC#F

POP THE ONES WITH THE * BY THEM AND KEEP PLAYING IT BACK AND FOURTH.   IT'S THE PART WHEN THE LEADER SINGS... HE'S ABLE ..OH YES HE IS ..HE CAN DO IT..

VERSE:
HOLD ON MY BROTHER FOR YOUR CHANGE IS GONNA COME- BE STRONG MY SISTER- FOR YOUR WORK IS NOT DONE- KEEP ON BELIEVING- AND HOLD ON TIGHT- HE'S ABLE TO GIVE YOU JOY - IN THE MORNING LIGHT.



2. He’s Able

1st Intro
C/Bb-D-F-A
B/A-D-G
Bb/A-C-D-F
G/ F-Bb-D
G/G-C-E
G/Ab-Db-F
G/Bb-Eb-G

2nd Intro
C/Bb-D-F-A
B/A-D-G
Bb/A-C-D-F
G/ F-Bb-D
G/G-C-E
G/Ab-Db-F
G/Bb-Eb-G
G/B-E-Ab
G/Db-Gb-Bb
G/Eb-Ab-C  He’s (This ends the 2nd intro.)
F/G-A-C-F    able
A/G-A-C-F
Bb/A-Bb-D-F
C/A-Bb-D-F   He’s
F/G-A-C-F    able
A/G-A-C-F
Bb/A-Bb-D-F
C/A-Bb-D-F  He’s
F/G-A-C-F   able
A/G-A-C-F
A/G-A-C#-E-G
D/A-C-D-F
G/G-Bb-D-F  He able to give you...
C/G-Bb-D-F  In the Morning…
Repeat

Verse
Bb/A-Bb-D-F Hold on my brother A
A/C-G-E   change is going to come
D/F#-C-F
Bb/A-Bb-D-F Hold on my sister your
A/C-G-E   work is not done
D/F#-C-F
Bb/A-Bb-D-F    Keep on believing
A/G-A-C#-E-G   Hold on
D/A-C-D-F     tight
G/G-Bb-D-F    He able to give you...
C/G-Bb-D-F    In the Morning…

Final Part
C/Bb-D-Eb-G  He’s able
B/A-Db-Eb-G  Oh yes He is
Bb/A-C-D-F  He’s able
Bb/A-C-D-F
A/G-C-E  (Fill-in)
Bb/Ab-Db-F (Fill-in)
B/A-D-F#   (Fill-in)
Keep repeating


You might be interested in Urban Classic Worship and Yoke Wong's resource:


Become A Better Church Pianist Now!


Learn How To Play Hymns Using Color Chords


& Exciting Runs & Fillers

www.PianoArrangement.com





Have a blessed day!

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