[ShaunT177]

Hi.

I have heard and seen a way that enables you to play any song and make it sound good by only knowing the chords. I have seen this done and been told that It wouldnt take long to learn. The person that told me is a very good pianist however only reads from the chords. He gave me a name for this technique and I forgot. Could you please give me some insight into this technique

thanks

[fumbler]

Hi,

Yes, you can play a song very well with just the melody line and the chord symbols. All the jazz pianists do it. They also have spent many years practising their scales and theory, so it isn't a get-good-quick scheme.

In essence every chord is represented by a symbol, such as F-9 for F minor 9th. You can find all these symbols on Google or a modern music tutor book. The idea is that you can recognise and play instantly every variation of these chords in every key in every inversion and voicing. It is an onerous task. You could start by learning the most common chords in the most common keys. Say maj 7th, min 7th, sharp and flat 9th, half and full diminished, sharp and flat fifth, in the keys of G, C, F, B flat, E flat. That will get you started. (Plus of course anything I have forgotten.)
Rgds.

[ShaunT177]

thanks for explaining that to me. I have always wanted to play piano and have tried lessons though i find the traditional way of learning very mind numbing. I play guitar very well and love to improvise ect...could you recommend a book for that would aid me in this sort of learning.

Thanks

[fumbler]

Hi,

Martan Mann's Improvising Blues Piano is my bible (under a tenner at Amazon, listed under Martin Mann). It assumes a certain level of skill but is excellent and covers many styles including jazz. There are websites that list the chord symbols and how they are made up (sorry, constructed), try http://petethomas.co.uk/jazz-theory.html for a start. The great thing about these books and sites is that they get generate enthusiasm and hope! Good luck.

Rgds.

[Barrie Heaton]

I have placed it in our Piano Resources

http://www.uk-piano.org/resources-page/Jazz/JAZZ_THEORY_&_IMPROVISATION-69-29-0-0.html
_________________
Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page