Learning Piano Chords: A Guide to Spicing Up Your Compositions

Are you tired of playing the same old chord sequences on your piano or keyboard? Do you want to add more depth and variety to your music without getting bogged down in theory? If so, then learning about passing chords is a great place to start.

Passing chords are notes that are not part of the fundamental chord sequence, but help you move from one chord to the next. They can breathe new life into your compositions and add an extra layer of complexity to your music. In this article, we'll explore some simple ways to use passing chords to spice up your piano chords.

One of the best things about passing chords is that they're easy to learn and incorporate into your playing. For example, let's take the chord sequence G | D | Em | C, which has been used in thousands of songs. To add some variety to this sequence, you can try using a passing chord like A minor before moving to Em. This will create a sense of tension and release that adds interest to your music.

Another benefit of passing chords is that they can help you move from one place to another within your composition. For example, if you're writing a song in the key of G major, but you want to move to the relative minor of Em, you can use a passing chord like A minor to get there. This can create a sense of continuity and flow that keeps your music engaging.

So how do you find passing chords? One way is to experiment with different notes on your keyboard or piano. Try playing a chord and then moving to another note that sounds good to your ear. You can also use software programs or online tools to help you find passing chords that fit the key of your composition.

In addition to using passing chords, there are many other ways to spice up your piano chords. One approach is to try different rhythms and articulations. For example, you could play a chord with a staccato (short and detached) rhythm or a legato (smooth and connected) rhythm. You could also try playing chords with different dynamics, such as soft or loud.

Another way to add variety to your piano chords is to experiment with different voicings. A voicing is the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. For example, you could play a C major chord with the root note (C) in the bass, or with the fifth note (G) in the bass. This can create a sense of movement and tension that adds interest to your music.

In conclusion, passing chords are a great way to add some excitement and variety to your piano compositions. They're easy to learn and incorporate into your playing, and they can help you move from one place to another within your composition. By experimenting with different rhythms, articulations, and voicings, you can create music that is engaging and memorable.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pianist, learning about passing chords is a great way to take your music to the next level. So why not give it a try? You never know what new sounds and ideas you might discover!

Chords in each key piano