Chord Progressions

[keys4ever]

Quick question,  when u guys are playing a song that u may not be to familiar with or u mite or forgotten some chords or wat not.....how do u know wat chord progession to use. or do u just simply develop that skill as time progresses. Cuz im having a hard time knowing when to go to the 4 or 5......etc thx

[T-Block]

It comes from years of serious ear training, being able to recognize certain progressions instantly once you hear them.  There really is no way to teach ear training, it is only learned through listening and practicing progressions yourself over and over again, and remebering what u hear and practice.

[Naz-Jaz]

You hit the nail on the head T-Block.  There are no shortcuts around practice and time - not even talent will get you where you need to be.  One thing I would encourage you to do is learn patterns of songs - progressions.  Over time you will notice that hundreds of songs fit the same pattern or are a combination of patterns. Then, when you have to play unfamiliar tunes you will be able to plug in one or more of these patterns.  Remember, this is not an overnight solution. Just remain deticated and stay in the woodshed.

[cmusic]

I am a beginner trying to learn how to play the key board. How do you know what chord goes with what note to make it sound good. meaning, what are the basic patterns and principles to playing chords? I guess i saw all the progessions and just wondered what or how do you know what sounds good together. need all the help i can get Thanx!!

[GodsSn2]

A good way to learn what chord goes with which tone you need to learn harmonization. Harmonization is when you take the the bass note and play the chord that harmonizes with the bass note. You also need to learn a few key points in doing this technigue. THe first thing you should know are your common chord inversions. For example a c chord would be this CEG, however you need to know that EGC, and GCE are c chords as well but in different inversions. If you are a beginner this is something that you need to make a mental of. Remember that you 1,3,5 can be harmonized with the 1 chord. In our case since we are in the key of C. that means that C E G are harmonized by the 1 chord. Now the 2nd and 6th tone are usually minor chords. In our example the 2nd tone is D and the 6th tone is A. That simply means on the D you play a d minor chord in its inversion to keep the D at the top. Also you will do the same thing for the A as well. Typically your 4th tone will be a major chord. So simply play an f major chord . However remember to play it in its inversion to keep the F on top.

ex. in the key of C

Bass note or LH          RH
C                             EGC                        (( Hope this helps ))
D                             FAD
E                             GCE
F                             ACF
G                             CEG
A                             DFA
B                             DGB
C                             EGC

[T-Block]

In my experience of playing gospel music, here is your main arsenal of chords for any key:

Chord built off 1st scale degree = major (1-3-5)
Chord built off 2nd scale degree = minor (2-4-6)
Chord built off 3rd scale degree = minor (3-5-7)
Chord built off 4th scale degree = major (4-6-1)
Chord built off 5th scale degree = major (5-7-2)
Chord built off 6th scale degree = minor (6-1-3)
Chord built off 7th scale degree = diminished (7-2-4)

If you experiment w/ using those chords with your bass notes, you should be straight on most songs.  You can also add notes to these chords to come up with even more chords.  So, get our your pencil, paper, and keyboard and get to experimenting!!!

[souledout]

I'm new to experincing expanded chord progressing as a new keyboard player. I am a sax player who has played piano before but because I play by ear on every instrument trying to learn basic theory and how chord progression and position; I am finding it to be very hard to learn. Can you please help me!!!!!!!

This is an emergency 911 cal  if you will. Anybody?????

[4hisglory]

souledout, welcome to the LGM website.  The first thing you have to do is learn and be able to play all 12 major scales.