Chords with Both Hands?

Mailbox Monday

Question: Can I play chords with the right hand rather than the left?

Answer: Yes, and I'd like to talk about chord "voicings." How to play a chord in both hands so that it has a good sound. For a good voicing, there are certain considerations:

1. In the left hand, no "clusters" (close harmony).
2. For major chords, play either root & fifth or root and octave in the left hand.
3. For 7th and min7th chords, play root and b7 in the left hand.
4. Melody note is the highest sounding note of the chord.
5. For the right hand, every chord should have a third. (b3 for minor)
6. All the notes of the chord not being played in the left hand are played in the right. Sometimes notes can be doubled in both left and right hands according to taste. There are 'color' tones that can be added to create a 'professional' sound.

Practice:

It just takes practice for chording in the left hand and right hand. If you want, try block chording:

CEG / CEG
GbBbDb / GbBbDb etc. etc.

This will help to familiarize oneself in getting fluent in chording with both hands. Play the Melodic scale in the right hand: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C

Practice: (and do this in every key)

CG / EGC
DA / FAD
EC / GCE
FC / ACF
GD / BDG
AF / CFA
BG / DGB
CG / EGC

For the end:

FEb / GBD
ED / GCE
AE / Am7
DA / Dm7
GD / FM7
CG / CEG

Missed some past posts on Mailbox Monday? Have a look, if you want.

What are accidentals?

10 quick tips about piano practice

One more step along the way

How do I modulate?

Be sure and visit the new software, Song Tutor.

Blessings,





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