5 Basic Theories in Learning Piano Learn Piano Chords

Lloyden Harold S. Pacheco

A piano chord is a set of three or more notes played simultaneously.

These notes typically consist of a root note, which is the fundamental
note upon which the chord is built, along with additional notes that
• Formulated Chord create a specific harmony. Chords are the building blocks of music and
are used to create harmony, convey emotion, and provide a foundation
Study for melodies.

• The Basics of Piano chords can be major, minor, diminished, augmented, or various
other types, depending on the combination of intervals between the
Tempo notes. The most basic chord is the triad, which consists of three notes –
• Chord Inversion the root, third, and fifth. For example, a C major chord on the piano
consists of the notes C (root), E (third), and G (fifth).
• The Family of
Pianists often use chords to accompany melodies, create chord
Chords progressions, and add richness to their music. Learning different chord
• Concept of types and progressions is an essential part of becoming proficient on the
piano or any other keyboard instrument.
Advance
Understanding and mastering piano chords is fundamental to playing
Chord Structuring the piano and other keyboard instruments effectively. It allows
musicians to express themselves creatively, whether through
improvisation, composition, or interpreting existing pieces of music.

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 LESSON 1 C C is your keynote
FORMULATED CHORD STUDY E is your Phrygian
G is your Mixolydian
A formulated chord study typically refers to a structured approach or plan for learning
and practicing chords on a musical instrument, such as the piano or guitar. This type of
C E G
study involves systematically working through different chord types, chord progressions, K + 2 + 1½
and exercises to enhance a musician's understanding and proficiency in playing chords.
Minor Chord Formula - ½ Phrygian/Middle Note
Chord formulas are a way to express the structure of a chord in terms of the intervals
between its notes. These formulas are essential for understanding how chords are Cm
constructed and for building chords in different keys. Each chord type has a specific
formula that indicates the intervals between the root note and the other notes in the C D# G
chord.
# (sharp) signs are used in ascending notes → LESSON 2
b (flat) signs are used in descending notes ← The Basics of Tempo
C# D# F# G# A# C# D# 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
/ / / / / / /
Db Eb Gb Ab Bb Db Eb
R R R R R R R R
L V L V
C D E F G A B C D E F
INTERVALS – refers to the distance or pitch gap between two pitches, usually 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
measured in terms of the number of diatonic scale degrees and semitones.
Intervals are fundamental building blocks in music theory, providing a way to R R R R
describe the relationship between two notes and forming the basis for L L L
understanding scales, chords, and melodies.
Example: C – C# has a ½ interval same with E – F same also with B – C.
Therefore C – D has 1 interval
When 3 or more notes are being sound simultaneously will form a chord or triads. NOTE: Accuracy is more important than speed.
Keep on practicing these with or without an instrument
Major Chord Formula K+2+1½
K (keynote) + 2 intervals will be your Phrygian or Middle note
Phrygian + 1 ½ interval will be your Mixolydian or the 5th note

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 LESSON 3 LESSON 4
Chord Inversion The Family of Chords

A chord inversion occurs when the order of the notes in a chord is rearranged,
Chord families often relates to groups of chords that naturally work well together
so that a note other than the root becomes the lowest note. In other words, the
in a musical context. In a given key, there are specific chords that are associated
notes are flipped or rearranged while maintaining the same set of pitches.
with that key and are often used in compositions within that key.
Chord inversions provide a way to vary the sound and voicing of a chord, adding
richness and variety to a musical arrangement.
Knowing the Major Scale helps you understand the relationships of Chords.

For standard position, your thumb is on the key note. Studying the intervals of a scale is the easiest way to memorize scale.
For 1st inversion, your fifth finger is on the key note.
For 2nd inversion, your middle finger is on the key note.

The Major Scale

st
Standard Chord 1 Inversion

C C Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do

C E G E G C C D E F G A B C
1 1 ½ 1 1 1 ½
2nd Inversion

C I II III IV V VI VII I

G C E M m m M M m dim M

4 5
 LESSON 5
Concept of Advance Chord Structuring

The Major Scale

C D E F G A B C D…
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9…

C E G
1 3 5
formula
C= C, E, G 1, 3, 5
C Maj7 = C, E, G, B 1, 3, 5, 7
C7= C, E, G, Bb 1, 3, 5, b7
C sus = C, F, G 1, 4, 5
C Maj9 = C, E, G, B, D 1, 3, 5, 7, 2
C Maj13 = C, E, G, B, D, A 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 6
Cm= C, Eb, G 1, b3, 5
C m7 = C, Eb, G, Bb 1, b3, 5,b7
C m6 = C, Eb, G, A 1, b3, 5, 6

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