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Lesson 5: Let's add Harmony 2

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There are two scores as a set for lesson 5.

  • Two notes base line and finger assignment.
  • Eash set costs you US$3.50.
  • Or you can buy the whole set of scores that are quoted in this video series for only US$27.50.

Scores may be diturbing if you are just to tease around with lessons though, they are quite helpful if you really are wishing to acquire the essence of Jazz Piano. Besides it is measley $27.50, right? Click whichever the button so that you can watch video with scores on your side.

Scores for Lesson 5

Click Below Paypal "Buy Now" button for a set of scores for Lesson 5, Two notes base line and finger assignment.
You'll be guided to the download page right after the payment is completed.

 

Scores for All 12 lessons

Click Below Click Bank "Buy Now" button for the whole set of scores for all Lessons.(You can pay with Paypal at Click Bank.)
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<Transcription>

Lesson 5: Let's add harmony - 2

Have you been practicing to play chords with your left hands? Even if it is only one note, it is tough to keep pressing a key while your right hand playing melody, isn't it.


I have talked about there are three positions to play a chord. Chord C can be built upon base note of C, E and G. Chord F can be built upon base note of F, A and C. Chord G can be built upon base note of G, B and D.
( Check video for better understanding)


Let me play score 1 for you. Score that has the easiest left hand. (I play Score 1. )


Now I sing along and do a little improvisation with base note running. (I play a little bit of improvisation with 1 finger)


How's that?


I played slowly, so you might have not noticed. But, you cannot keep doing like this, that is to play one finger, with fast tune. You feel the need to train your finger, right? Before I start to talk about two notes for the base instead of one note as I showed you at lesson 4, you need to know how you place your fingers for the fast play.


We have five fingers for each hand. Then place your left little finger on lower C, here and your right thumb on C, here. Now you know which finger plays which key. Yes, setting left little finger and right thumb as I have said, there you see the natural position for each fingers. (You’ll see the positions for each finger)


But there are 8 notes to cover, C to C. Here comes in how you play scale. To play scale, you have to replace some of your finger so that you can play additional 3 notes smoothly.
With right hand, you turn your thumb to key F as your middle finger plays E, here, like this. (You’ll see how you turn your finger.)
With left hand, you turn your middle finger to key A as your left thumb plays G, like this. (You’ll see how you turn your finger.)
I'll talk about scale later, let's concentrate on 2 notes base.

Question 1: How do you select the 2 notes out of 3 notes that compose of a chord?
Answer. Select two notes that are not in the melody.
We are on the assumption that there is only 1 back up (chord) to a bar. So for now we pay attention to the very first note of each bar. At the first bar, or measurement for that matter, melody starts with C. The chord assigned to the bar is Chord (name) C. Then you eliminate C and play E and G to back up the melody note of C. (check finger position) 　See? Isn’t beautiful? Likewise, the base notes could be as I have prepared the Score 4 that is sent separately to your mail address. (Score 4 is on this document)


I play it. (Check with video how I play score 4.)

OK? Now you practice with score 4. Yes, I know it takes time to read base part. Because it is written with base clef. But then, I have attached chord names.

For jazz piano play, it is much better to get acquainted with chord names. So your thinking path would be
1. read melody
2. read chord name
3. subtract melody note from the notes that compose of the chord name
4. play the answer of subtraction with your left fingers.
5. position of left fingers could be the closest fingers from previously played chord.


Your assignment of this week:
1. Get acquainted with the scale for C major. Play scale with both hands. First C to G then C to C.
2. Find out other combination of two fingers chord: As lesson 4, the better to your ear the better the chord for the melody.


Enjoy my lesson, Bye bye till next week and good day.


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