Luana BB is a music educator, producer, and founder of Music Room Academy. With a strong focus on music and technology, she creates accessible tutorials and modern arrangements that inspire students to explore, learn, and grow as musicians.
The piano is a powerful and versatile instrument. It is complete enough to be a whole band if played well. Regardless of the song’s style, you can play it on the piano. You can play the same song in many different ways. You can play complex music from Chopin and it will be amazing, but even if you’re not a professional pianist, you can still play beautifully.
Today I want to share a bit about what we teach beginners on Creative Keys beginners.The idea is to make it possible for the students, regardless of age or experience, to be able to play the songs he loves right on the first day of class.
Let’s jump to today’s topic!
A Simple Chord is played when two keys are pressed together.
With the LEFT HAND we will play the finger 5 (pinky) and finger 1 (thumb).
Counting Chords
Playing the C Chord with LH and Counting to Four
Here’s a simple exercise to help you practice playing the C chord. Follow the steps below:
- With your left hand (LH), play a C chord while counting to four.
- Take a look at the letters and numbers listed below.
- Play the C chord four times in a row.
- Each time you play a C chord, hold the keys down for four beats (counts).
- Count out loud to help you maintain a steady rhythm.
Introducing the New Staff, a modified bass staff designed to unlock the world of pop piano! It incorporates lettered as chord symbols, providing a clear indication of the simple chords you will be playing.
PRACTICE this sequence of four “Simple” chords a minimum of 10 times for each one!!
How about the RIGHT HAND?
The typical way to learn piano is to begin with the right hand. However, we are going to change that up, and it will be great — I promise!
For the right hand, we will play a pattern every single time!
This is the shape our right hand will take:
Now, practice this pattern alongside simple chords played with your left hand.
Switch between chords with your left hand while maintaining the pattern with your right hand. To enhance the sound, hold each chord in your left hand for four beats, and play the right hand on every single beat.
Playing Songs!
There are hundreds of songs you can play using just these four “magical” chords! Yes, it’s true—hundreds!
Today, let’s focus on one song, but remember, with these tools, you can tackle all the other songs too!
Important tips:
If you pay attention, you will see that the song follows the same chord progression all along: Am – C – G – F. I strongly prefer and recommend learning how to play without being dependent on the lyrics and chords. This will help you to flow better in the future.
This song is pretty easy. Keep doing the same progression: 4 beats for each chord, and you’re all set up well. Except at the end of the chorus and pre-chorus, where you need to hold F for a few more bars.The original song is in a different key, which means we can’t play along! But use the MP3 link on the Music Room Academy website to play with our C Major version of the song!
Here is s a list of a couple of more songs you can apply this chords and
techniques to play and have fun:
The order of the chords maybe change but still the same chords:
- Burning Love (Elvis Presley ) C F G Am
- Have you ever seen the rain (Creedence Clearwater Revival) Am F C G
- Let it be (The Beatles) C G Am F
- Baby (Justin Bieber) C Am F G
- Back to December (Taylor Swift) C Am F G
- Don’t let me get me (Pink) C Am G F
- Give your heart a break (Demi Lovato) F C Am G
- I’m Yours (Jason Mraz) C G Am F
- Little Lion Man (Mumford & Sons) C Am G F
- Paradise (Coldplay) Am F C G
- Someone like you (Adele) C G Am F
Hi,
Interested in the Music Room Academy? Awesome!
Feel free to ask us anything you’re curious about.
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Contact us
- lessons@musicroom.academy
- 200 Corporate Place - Peabody MA
- CA Church