Which of these techniques do you think you need to work on more? 0:00 Intro 00:32 Technique 5 02:27 Technique 4 03:23 Technique 3 04:28 Technique 2 07:42 Technique 1
Definitely the chords! Learned to play the piano as a kid, classical stuff mostly, which means: give me the sheet music and some time to practice, and I'll get it done, but then I have friends who listen to a song and go "oh, so that sounds like these and these chords" and then procede to play the damn thing and I'm just staring at them thinking "what sorcery is this??"
In the chords section, I think inversions is a must to practice since they come up very ofter in songs and sometimes it's hard to know what chord you are playing if you don't practice inversions
I don't use synthesia. I don't like it because it doesn't show you the fingering and the lighting is a bit much. I'll watch other pianists when needed since I can't look at sheet music. Since I learn a bit differently, I find when my fingering is off, the flow is off. The transition to where my fingers need to be next doesn't feel natural. It doesn't come with ease. That's the best way I can explain it. You've given me some new things to work on over the holidays. Thanks. 😁 Learning how to use a sustain peddle will be one of them. The sustain peddle I'm getting has the same style as an acoustic piano. I use my forth finger on the black key for octaves. I wish I could find piano players who break classical pieces down into sections so that I can learn new pieces visually. I'm learning a new piece by ear. Les tendres plaintes- Rameau
Definitely fingering, I (more or less) deal with the other points, but find a way to get the right fingering on non-classical sheets is a recurrent struggle for me. I'm a consistent pinkie user for black and whites key in octaves.
For me knowing chords by heart was a breakthrough moment. Suddenly everything started to make sense. Arpeggios based on chords became easy, reading sheet music became much easier (instead of deciphering each note you just see the chord there), and most of all, improvisation became much more fun. That was the reason I started my own channel to help people who had the same problems at the beginning. Fell free to check it out :)
@@recorr well, for me the best connection between chords and scales is placed in the circle of fifths. I know people are sometimes afraid of it (as was I once) but in fact it’s quite easy when you understand the basics. Some time ago I created few short videos about the circle of fifths, maybe it can help you somehow? :) ua-cam.com/video/OCyFLIR0cgg/v-deo.html
@@kingmalik09 In my case improvising over basic chord notes was the best option. You need to master all inversions of the chord, so wherever your hand is on the keyboard, you need to be able to see where are the chord notes. This is what I did: 1. Choose a chord you want to learn (e.g C major) 2. Pick some nice pattern for left hand (e.g. progression 1-6-4-5) 3. Improvise with right hand using only those base notes of a chord (C E G for Cmajor). Some time ago I did a video about "Learning chords through improvisation" for C Major and C Minor but you can use the idea for all other chords. Cmaj: ua-cam.com/video/aEo-ASQargU/v-deo.html Cmin: ua-cam.com/video/ziFtKewTQ6U/v-deo.html I hope it'll help :)
I've watched this video at least twice before and came away focused on the one thing that was causing me the most problems. But they were all causing me problems. I've focused on all of them with changing degrees of emphasis as I got better. But now that I am focusing more on repertory and studying composers, it has come down to fingering. I've been sight reading sheet music as a pastime for weeks now and I have found that to be the most helpful at this point. I don't fight the recommended fingering on the sheet music even though it is tempting sometimes. After watching your video on connecting points yesterday, I thought through my fingering again as I practiced each piece and discovered the wisdom of the recommended fingering in a few of my problem areas. So I learned to pivot my hand to make it work. I actually enjoy sitting with the sheet music and thinking through the fingering before I start. Even for pieces I have no hope of playing anytime soon. Getting the lay of the land ahead. After what is now almost 4 months of playing, things are beginning to gel. I am wearing out my Hanon and Albert's in my warm ups and quick 5-minute sessions throughout the day. I am feeling more and more comfortable with the keyboard. My fingers are beginning to think for themselves which helps me from having to look down at my fingers as often when I stumble and lose my place returning to the sheet music. I am slowly becoming more efficient with practicing and seem to have settled into a "comfortable" routine. Reviewing these videos has helped greatly. Thank you for that.
Thank you Jazer for really simplifying the pedal timing. It's something I have been really working on a lot more since watching your earlier video on this topic. I usually incorporate at least a half hour a day of improv with scales in chord progressions in various keys which is really making a huge difference in learning overall.. thanks for your awesome videos.
I am learning piano techniques from you thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I am studying Liturgy and Church Music now in Silliman University at age 58, the oldest student.
Thank you for your efforts…i am flowing you from Egypt your english easy and clear i can understand you without struggling…really I appreciate your help thanks 🙏
Hey, thank you so much for your tips! For me Octaves are causing the most problems because my hands are really small so I can't do them without it being painful. Do you have any tips for small hands? I came back to the piano after not playing for more than a decade and was struggling a lot with octaves back then as well. Also totally agree with you about scales and chords! My teacher put a lot of emphasis on that when I learned piano as a kid so I have a really strong theoretical basis to this day, and it makes reading the music sheet a lot easier now that I am not used to doing this.
Thank you so much for your videos! You have a way of breaking down lessons into bite size pieces, which makes even the most difficult concepts easy to digest. The biggest feast you can find still goes down one bite at a time, so even the smallest bites will eventually leave you full and satisfied. I think it's brilliant. Thanks to your videos, I'm finally unlocking my full musical potential and tackling things like this lesson that I had put off for years. Thank you very much! I'm Subscribed
From experience fingering is absolutely #1. For the same reasons you give. Study any great pianist video and his fingering is highly efficient and without unnecessary movement.
I use 4th finger for octaves on black when it's next to an octave with 5th finger, like a scale or short leap. But for an occasional octave by itself, I use 5th finger on black octaves.
This is very true, I hope I told this to my younger self. For me, the scales, arpeggio and the broken chords needs to be trained for the rest of your life to be fluid as possible (I mean mastering all major, minor, etc).
Thanks for these tips, I struggle with octaves because I only have small hands. At a push I can reach 9 notes just about, 10 is a definite no chance. Not too bad with chords, I have come back to the piano after playing organ/arranger keyboards so I love chords, although most of the time I played them with the left hand. I have had to teach myself to read the bas clef, getting better now, thanks again.
CHORDS .. most problematic; brand new at it after decades of sheet music playing; but what I've learned so far has opened up my world! Thanks for this list!
This is really helpful! I am a beginner and I wasn't understanding what to learn as an beginner. But after some research and this video (mostly this video) i now know what things to work on... Thankyou!🙏🙏
I was trying most of what you've mentioned, except the pedal stuff and the octave practices. Our keyboard doesn't have pedals it in so I can't really get the same effect as your demo. I too believe in getting the fingering correct because it helps transitions smoother and efficient. Thank you so much 😊
Hi Jazer, Thank you for all your mindful and helpful videos. You’re evoking scale practising. I watch the video you did about it. Could you tell me how to practise scaleS? In which order practise them? How long should I practise during each session? When should I try a new one? I wish you a happy Christmas
On fingering, I don't have ideal hands, so I do try out my own fingering when something feels uncomfortable or it is hard to make it sound right. Most often that means crossing the thumb in a different place, or an extra time in extended arpeggios
Thank you for your videos. Your tips are helping me with getting back up to speed after a long break and are really useful in my attempt to teach my kid about keyboards playing. If I may, another useful way to practice chords (Technique 2 section) would be to play a different inversion of the chord with each hand.
The problem with most editors and music books is that finger patterns that are given are not good and don't make physical sense. I always go through a piece of music and redo all the finger patterns. when teaching chords, teach the 124, 135, 145, 123 patterns for fingering. Also, pay attention to the highest note, the lowest note when determining finger patterns within a passage, and well as where you're coming from and where you're going. Most books use "old school" finger patterns that are incorrect and don't make sense.
If I may? I noticed that when you were demonstrating the chords, it was a little difficult to really see what you were doing, whether in real time or whenever you even played them slower. I have seen other piano teachers on youtube that use what I would call 'an extra set of keys' that appears above the actual keyboard. When you strike the keys, or form a chord, etc. the keys are color coded, and that makes it easier for the viewer to see which keys are being struck. thanks.
I find fingering techniques similar to home keys on a computer keyboard, except the "home" keys on the piano vary through the piece one is attempting to play. One more thing, the piano does not have a back space or undo key, it has to be right and flow correctly unless you are learning a piece at home.
I love your videos I’d like a lesson on adding notes to a simple piece. On one you were playing a Disney piece and adding a base! Show us how to know which chords to use. Thank you!
My aim is just to learn to play by ear. Will I be better buying a digital piano or a midi keyboard with 88 weightedkeys? Please suggest a model 🙏 Thanks & regards
I took on an intermediate student recently from a previous teacher and he does WILD fingerings. I’ve been trying to stress the importance of correct fingerings but he doesn’t seem to be able to retrain himself. Not sure how to help him.
i'm a beginner and i avoid using shyntesia and try to focus more in reading the sheet music, i learn a lot by hearing but i want to improve my reading skills
Hi Jazer, thanks for your great content. I have a question on pedaling and octaves: When you play a series of fast chromatic octaves in a song, do you use the pedal?
Great Video again. Thank you very much for your time and effort. I really appreciate it. I have a suggestion for a future video, if you could consider it. It’s about a skill I find extremely difficult at the piano (maybe it’s just me?! ;)): playing double thirds in legato. Could you suggest some exercises on how to improve this skill? Thx
I'm an absolute beginner, but i have a thing to say, I'm finding it easy to progress as (somehow) i have this thing where I can recognize some notes on a major scale and few on the black scale, simply by just listen to them. Example i asked a friend to play some notes on the major scale, he played a d c and b and i could recognize them without a hitch. He told me i have a thing called absolute pitch, is this true? Is this possible in 2 months of piano experience?
Is the pedal important for learning piano ? I’m playing on a syntethizer so i don’t have pedals, can i practice without it for now ? Or will it block me in my practicing ? (I started piano 1-2 months ago and all my techniques are bad, i just started watching your videos (thanks you btw))
Practice on what you can right now. When you finally get a piano with pedals, then it would be the time to learn how to play with the pedals. It would be a challenge at first, but just keep at it. You will get a hang of it and find that it is worth it.
when doing scales, or any passage, use dead arm weight and move your arms in a linear fashion, rather than unnecessary movement. Avoid crossing the thumb under. Do 123, then move the arm and re-position the thumb to do the new sequence 1234.
This is completely contrary to the correct fingering for scales and runs. If the tempo is fast there is no time to reposition your hand. It may be working for you, but crossing the thumb under is very basic fingering.
So, how do you suggest developing fingering on your own for works that include none? I am trying to learn Gitanerias by Ernesto Lecuona and have not found any editions that include fingerings.
I've heard that playimg with colored notes (like purple for middle finger, green for thumb and so on) is not very good for sight reading. So are there any downsides in playing with colored fingerings, and is it any different from playing with numbers?
Bro my hands can reach about 7.5 inches without causing pain and i find octaves so irritating and painful. I find all pianists have a very resting easy hand with octaves. What is up with that? Does my piano have larger keys or something? Or do most pianists on UA-cam have gigantic hands. What's your hand size jazer?
I understand that practicing scale is important. I hear that but for some reasons my wrist hurt after practicing scales. And I'm limiting it to 5min maximum. So I'm playing scales maybe twice a week.
- you may need to *re-evaluate your technic* -- and practice at slower tempos! Are you lifting your fingers??? If so PLEASE STOP !!!! That is technical suicide - learn to play completely relaxed using a close touch (press down and release the keys, but do not lift the fingers); if you have tension in your hands, slow down to a speed where you can play completely relaxed, then very gradually increase the speed - but never faster than you can play relaxed; use a metronome, and use rhythms to gradually increase your speed
@@aBachwardsfellow Thanks. I'll try that. It might explain why playing Bach or Petzold hurts too. I'll focus on playing relax. It's the thumb crossing that I suspect.
@@michelprimeau4531 - Are you playing an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard? In either case also check to see if you're pressing too hard on the keys after you play them - i.e. holding the keys down hard after they have been played. Depending on the action of the instrument you're playing, try to hold the keys with the least amount of pressure without letting the note stop. For scales I would think you're not holding the notes very long, but you may still be playing with excess weight. Try playing the scales with a very light (pianissimo) stacatto in both hands; then try stacatto in one hand and legato in the other hand, then switch hands. Also try playing Bach, Petzold pianissimo and stacatto - but in any case play slowly enough that your hands, fingers and wrists are as completely relaxed as possible, and only gradually increase the speed and volume - with a priority to staying relaxed. If the pain is due to tension - STOP PLAYING! and relax your hands, wrists, fingers, and forearms completely with gentle stretching and massage I'm not sure what's going on with the thumb crossings - try leading with the wrist in the direction you're playing so that the thumb moves toward its next note rather than staying back over the note it just played; also try grouping your fingers and moving your entire hand to the next 'block' position to minimize the thumb/finger crossings. There are a few youtubes to address some of these - let me know if you'd like to see them.
@@aBachwardsfellow I'm playing an acoustic piano. I can't stand digital and yes the action is darn heavy compared with everything else I tried. I'm shopping for a new piano in the next year. Upgrading from a 40in to a 48in. I'll work on the stretching because I can't promise that I will stop playing even if it hurts. I just can't stop playing. I'm addicted to it. Even if it's only 15min. I love it so much. Usually I play between 30 to 60min a day. I think I would try to play even with stumps.
@@michelprimeau4531 - good info. Yes - I've played on some pianos (typically Steinways) that were so heavy they hurt. I generally prefer a moderately heavy action because I find I'm able to get a wider range of nuance from it (more towards the quiet end of the spectrum - Debussy, etc.), and I find heavier actions more often with Steinways. Yamaha's seem to be typically lighter (I have a Yamaha U1 upright that is actually a bit towards the heavy side), but I struggle to get those feathery pianissimos out of them. They work great for baroque -- Bach, Mozart, Scarlatti -- where feathery pianissimos are not particularly required. Definitely take your time in your search to find an instrument that gives you a balance between touch and dynamic range. But I'm *concerned* about your technic -- and that you may (or may have already) moved toward creating an injury which will set you back for recovery time, or, in worst case, limit your playing permanently! This would typically be caused due to a very "fingery" action which attempts to get all the expression and force of playing from the fingers only, without the proper transfer of weight through the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers. This is a commonly-known issue and many pianists have injured themselves becase of it. Even a heavy action instrument can be properly managed given the proper technique for weight transfer. I would recommend that you look into the close touch technic of Theodore Leschetizky, and the arm rotation of Dorothy Taubman - anything to get you away from a finger-only technic - especially if you're lifting your fingers high (frequently comes from the Hanon book, exercises). The problem with lifting your fingers is that it causes tension which can be limiting, painful, and even injurious. Tension in terms of piano playing is when there is an overlap between the time the muscles that pull the fingers down release, and the muscles that lift the fingers up start to pull. Each instant of overlap of pulling and lifting at the same time while your fingers are changing from playing a note (pull down), to stop playing that note (lift up) and play the next note (pull down) - momentarily "locks" the finger - creating a tug-o-war in your hand! This is because the forearm muscles which lift the fingers are opposite the forearm muscles that pull them down. To demonstrate this, contract both your upper and lower forearm muscles at the same time. The result is that your fingers will become locked into a "claw" In order to move your fingers either up or down, you first must stop contracting either the upper or lower muscles. When the opposites are both contracting they're fighting each other, which creates much tension in the arms and hands. When lifting the fingers while attempting to play at speed, there is a slight overlap in which the muscle pairs are both contracting, which creates tension and limits velocity. Lifting the fingers is derived (although unnecessarily) from harpsichord technic in which the keys are much lighter and do not require the same downward force as a piano. This problem was resolved for pianists by developing the "close touch" (Theodore Leschetizky - 1830 - 1915 Polish pianist, professor and composer) in which use of the upper muscles is greatly reduced or essentially eliminated. The fingers remain on the keys and transfer weight from the arms into the keys, then simply relax - i.e. press down (lower muscles "on"), then stop pressing down (lower muscles "off"). The upper muscles are not engaged nearly as much, thus eliminating the conflicting tension and greatly increasing both velocity and control (nuance). A succinct statement of the close touch is this: - you press a key down (engage the flexor) - you stop pressing a key down (release/disengage the flexor) Note that: - you DO NOT LIFT the fingers - NO ENGAGEMENT of the extensors - lifting a finger does NOT make the key come up any faster - the key will rise of its own according to the action of the instrument - the key does not need for you to lift your finger in order to make it come up - all it needs is for you to stop pressing it down The net result is that: - your fingers are resting gently on the keys -- closely, touching -- prior to playing - neither flexors nor extensors are engaged - VERY RELAXED - weight is transfered from the arms and wrists to the fingers in a downward motion - the finger flexors engage to catch the weight and transfer it to the key, thereby pressing the key down - the finger flexors disengage thereby allowing the key to rise. You can see an example of what this looks like here: ua-cam.com/video/LjUyfTOnafI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=aBachwardsfellow I suspect you may need to seriously step back to overhaul and re-vamp your technic - I don't know how many years you've been playing. Also, breaking up your practice into several 20-minute sessions is a very good way to practice in any case, but maybe more especially in your case - you're going need to re-train to play completely relaxed in your hands. You may find these helpful: ua-cam.com/video/Rzf8D1PMFwI/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/R9jPwVArZAc/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/4bCkATswH_Y/v-deo.html
My main problem is fingering. I never really learnt how to play keyboard. I learnt the bass and a bit of guitar. So when I started playing the keyboard, I just used the wrong fingering just.
Hey Jazer, I just discovered your channel and I think it could be helpful for me. I have been practising from synthesia since the beginning. The problem is, I don't play on a piano, I play on a keyboard. I don't have pedals and the keys aren't pressure sensitive. Do you think that I can still learn from your videos? Or do you focus on piano playing? Great video, - Blissed Keyboardist
Your chord progression was reminiscent of the opening theme music of "The Office"! (the American version). Thank you Jazer for your suggestions. I jumped into the deep end when I began playing and I still sometimes amaze myself when I'm thinking of what I was doing back then, however there is no substitute and nothing to fall back on if one does not have a strong core which can be obtained solely by practicing the fundamentals until they have become second nature and have gelled in one's muscle memory. So I'm starting over and my goal is to do it properly from the beginning, even if it means playing the baby stuff, with my focus set on correct fingering and executing flawless scales. Thank you for your guidance and sound advice! No pun intended there! lol 🙂
When it comes to fingering my problem is that the music I want to learn to play normally doesn't come with fingerings recorded (overwhelmingly just video game music). Synthesia does have the option to add fingerings to the notes, as well as showing the music sheet (music sheet only / both / falling notes only) so I'd say it can properly be used as a learning tool, but the problem is when I find sheet music or midi songs to put into Synthesia it normally doesn't have fingerings recorded so I'm left to figure it out for myself. It's probably unlikely but is there a program out there to analyze sheet music and recommend fingerings?
Concerning fingering, i would say take fingering seriously as in, always use the same one once you have decided on it. Most of the time i tell my students to ignore the fingerings written by the editors as they are mostly either unpianistic or simply not suited to their hand. Get used to scale and chord fingerings and try to apply them in your pieces as comfortable as possible. Always consider where you came from and where you are going next.
Jazer,... You are a super teacher. Somehow, I seem to get the concepts into my head easier with you as a teacher. I'm still just a beginner though. You seem to be able to get the point across without excessive yapping, therefore keeping someone with a limited attention span like me focused. Thank You
65 year old in the middle of my first week with a piano. I laughed at my musical inability, but now I am excited at this new language. After watching your video yesterday and practicing a basic exercise that I started Sunday, I started to see the keyboard as notes for the first time.
7 months on in my piano adventure, and I'm reviewing this video to see how I'm doing. Oops, I've neglected the pedal. I've got to fix it into a position since the Yamaha keyboard tends to slide around. I've learned all my major and minor scales, but the fingering isn't automatic. I bought a Hanon Book with all the fingerings for scales and arpeggios that Im using it methodically. I'm using the Chopin scale more recently. Chopin thought the B Major scale was ergonomically easier for the student's hand and so started with that one. I'm using it now in warm-ups and it helps. I'm still using your excellent routine almost everyday at the beginning. Legato, staccato, double, triple and quadruple time. I've dabbled in polyrhythms but I've got other things to work on. Your videos have been very helpful and I'd like to say merci beaucoup for your help.
@@lawrencetaylor4101 kickass Lawrence I'd definitely consider the Alfred premier piano books to play using sheet music and lessons if ya haven't alrdy started
You’re right, fingering is tough for a new pianist. I learn most stuff by ear and struggle to figure out the most efficient fingering to use when going up or down the keyboard. There’s always more than one way, but you could be doing it in a way that creates bad habits. Oh, love the octave exercise! That helps the hands get used to the keyboard. Sometimes just not looking at your hands and trusting them to “feel” where the notes are is helpful in developing comfort on the piano. Awesome tips Jazer! 👌🏼👍🏼
My old age and my novice getting hard to see what the fingers or the keys you playing. Love to see starting very slowly or add anything to help seeing what the keys you playing.
I have a small hand and I’m just trying to play octaves cleanly without hitting the next key. There is very little discussion on UA-cam that helps playing with small hands.
Started learning yesterday and I know it isn’t a big deal to others. But as someone who didn’t know a thing about music sheets, I finally can read C D E and sometimes F! E and F confuses me though. I just get happy when I can read it right lol
Jazer , you are awesome! I find memorizing scales and chords in different keys very challenging. But with more practice I suppose i'll get there some day. What are your tips for this? Thanks for everything, you teach well and play awesome! Were you like 3 years old when you started playing???
Which of these techniques do you think you need to work on more?
0:00 Intro
00:32 Technique 5
02:27 Technique 4
03:23 Technique 3
04:28 Technique 2
07:42 Technique 1
Definitely the chords! Learned to play the piano as a kid, classical stuff mostly, which means: give me the sheet music and some time to practice, and I'll get it done, but then I have friends who listen to a song and go "oh, so that sounds like these and these chords" and then procede to play the damn thing and I'm just staring at them thinking "what sorcery is this??"
In the chords section, I think inversions is a must to practice since they come up very ofter in songs and sometimes it's hard to know what chord you are playing if you don't practice inversions
Thank you Mr. Lee.
I definitely need to work on fingering which is also extremely important for organists which I am.
I don't use synthesia. I don't like it because it doesn't show you the fingering and the lighting is a bit much. I'll watch other pianists when needed since I can't look at sheet music.
Since I learn a bit differently, I find when my fingering is off, the flow is off. The transition to where my fingers need to be next doesn't feel natural. It doesn't come with ease. That's the best way I can explain it.
You've given me some new things to work on over the holidays. Thanks. 😁
Learning how to use a sustain peddle will be one of them. The sustain peddle I'm getting has the same style as an acoustic piano.
I use my forth finger on the black key for octaves.
I wish I could find piano players who break classical pieces down into sections so that I can learn new pieces visually.
I'm learning a new piece by ear. Les tendres plaintes- Rameau
Definitely fingering, I (more or less) deal with the other points, but find a way to get the right fingering on non-classical sheets is a recurrent struggle for me. I'm a consistent pinkie user for black and whites key in octaves.
Your calm gentle way of giving us your best advice is much appreciated.
For me knowing chords by heart was a breakthrough moment. Suddenly everything started to make sense. Arpeggios based on chords became easy, reading sheet music became much easier (instead of deciphering each note you just see the chord there), and most of all, improvisation became much more fun. That was the reason I started my own channel to help people who had the same problems at the beginning. Fell free to check it out :)
You gave me hope. Thank you 🙏
I am afraid of learning chords by themselves not reagarding keys.
But maybe im wrong, now i know keys i m gonna practice chords again
@@recorr well, for me the best connection between chords and scales is placed in the circle of fifths. I know people are sometimes afraid of it (as was I once) but in fact it’s quite easy when you understand the basics. Some time ago I created few short videos about the circle of fifths, maybe it can help you somehow? :)
ua-cam.com/video/OCyFLIR0cgg/v-deo.html
How did you master chords?
@@kingmalik09 In my case improvising over basic chord notes was the best option. You need to master all inversions of the chord, so wherever your hand is on the keyboard, you need to be able to see where are the chord notes. This is what I did:
1. Choose a chord you want to learn (e.g C major)
2. Pick some nice pattern for left hand (e.g. progression 1-6-4-5)
3. Improvise with right hand using only those base notes of a chord (C E G for Cmajor).
Some time ago I did a video about "Learning chords through improvisation" for C Major and C Minor but you can use the idea for all other chords.
Cmaj: ua-cam.com/video/aEo-ASQargU/v-deo.html
Cmin: ua-cam.com/video/ziFtKewTQ6U/v-deo.html
I hope it'll help :)
Great advice Jacer!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOÒO MUCH!!!!!
I can't help but hear The Office's opening theme in the chords you played haha
😁
Skae
Same
Yup! It’s even in the right key.
Absolutely 😃
LOVE THIS MAN. So excellent and engaging a teacher.
YOU ARE A FANTASTIC TEACHER !!!!
I've watched this video at least twice before and came away focused on the one thing that was causing me the most problems. But they were all causing me problems. I've focused on all of them with changing degrees of emphasis as I got better. But now that I am focusing more on repertory and studying composers, it has come down to fingering. I've been sight reading sheet music as a pastime for weeks now and I have found that to be the most helpful at this point. I don't fight the recommended fingering on the sheet music even though it is tempting sometimes. After watching your video on connecting points yesterday, I thought through my fingering again as I practiced each piece and discovered the wisdom of the recommended fingering in a few of my problem areas. So I learned to pivot my hand to make it work. I actually enjoy sitting with the sheet music and thinking through the fingering before I start. Even for pieces I have no hope of playing anytime soon. Getting the lay of the land ahead.
After what is now almost 4 months of playing, things are beginning to gel. I am wearing out my Hanon and Albert's in my warm ups and quick 5-minute sessions throughout the day. I am feeling more and more comfortable with the keyboard. My fingers are beginning to think for themselves which helps me from having to look down at my fingers as often when I stumble and lose my place returning to the sheet music. I am slowly becoming more efficient with practicing and seem to have settled into a "comfortable" routine. Reviewing these videos has helped greatly. Thank you for that.
Thank you Jazer for really simplifying the pedal timing. It's something I have been really working on a lot more since watching your earlier video on this topic. I usually incorporate at least a half hour a day of improv with scales in chord progressions in various keys which is really making a huge difference in learning overall.. thanks for your awesome videos.
I am learning piano techniques from you thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I am studying Liturgy and Church Music now in Silliman University at age 58, the oldest student.
Bro, I learn more from you in less time than my piano teacher. Thanks a ton!
We demand a full version of The Office theme now. You've teased us too many times.
Thank you for your efforts…i am flowing you from Egypt your english easy and clear i can understand you without struggling…really I appreciate your help thanks 🙏
Hey, thank you so much for your tips! For me Octaves are causing the most problems because my hands are really small so I can't do them without it being painful. Do you have any tips for small hands? I came back to the piano after not playing for more than a decade and was struggling a lot with octaves back then as well.
Also totally agree with you about scales and chords! My teacher put a lot of emphasis on that when I learned piano as a kid so I have a really strong theoretical basis to this day, and it makes reading the music sheet a lot easier now that I am not used to doing this.
Thank you so much for your videos! You have a way of breaking down lessons into bite size pieces, which makes even the most difficult concepts easy to digest.
The biggest feast you can find still goes down one bite at a time, so even the smallest bites will eventually leave you full and satisfied.
I think it's brilliant. Thanks to your videos, I'm finally unlocking my full musical potential and tackling things like this lesson that I had put off for years.
Thank you very much! I'm Subscribed
From experience fingering is absolutely #1. For the same reasons you give. Study any great pianist video and his fingering is highly efficient and without unnecessary movement.
I use 4th finger for octaves on black when it's next to an octave with 5th finger, like a scale or short leap. But for an occasional octave by itself, I use 5th finger on black octaves.
This is very true, I hope I told this to my younger self. For me, the scales, arpeggio and the broken chords needs to be trained for the rest of your life to be fluid as possible (I mean mastering all major, minor, etc).
Thanks for these tips, I struggle with octaves because I only have small hands. At a push I can reach 9 notes just about, 10 is a definite no chance. Not too bad with chords, I have come back to the piano after playing organ/arranger keyboards so I love chords, although most of the time I played them with the left hand. I have had to teach myself to read the bas clef, getting better now, thanks again.
Thank you very much. Good advise
Wonderful Video, Great Tips 🤩
Thank you for having these tutorials, stopped playing at level 6 and now I am relearning everything
CHORDS .. most problematic; brand new at it after decades of sheet music playing; but what I've learned so far has opened up my world! Thanks for this list!
Hey Jazer been wanting to ask this for awhile now can you make a video on things you can do to help writing/composing a song? please :)
Yeah!!!!!
This video helped me a lot on my pieces and my scales sound more even toned
Thank you Jazer 👍👍👍
This is really helpful! I am a beginner and I wasn't understanding what to learn as an beginner. But after some research and this video (mostly this video) i now know what things to work on... Thankyou!🙏🙏
I was trying most of what you've mentioned, except the pedal stuff and the octave practices. Our keyboard doesn't have pedals it in so I can't really get the same effect as your demo. I too believe in getting the fingering correct because it helps transitions smoother and efficient. Thank you so much 😊
I would recommend buying a pedal it makes the sound 10x better trust me
Great video. Thanks
Sir, five points are very much important. Thanks for share ... very interesting.
The progression of major chords is definitely a Star Wars thing. John Williams "borrowed" it from Gustav Holz' 'Mars - Bringer of War'.
Hi Jazer,
Thank you for all your mindful and helpful videos.
You’re evoking scale practising. I watch the video you did about it.
Could you tell me how to practise scaleS? In which order practise them? How long should I practise during each session? When should I try a new one?
I wish you a happy Christmas
Hi Ulicia, I actually have a tutorial video on Scales. You can find under Piano Practice Playlist.
I love octaves ❤️ because they challenge me to play with less tension.
On fingering, I don't have ideal hands, so I do try out my own fingering when something feels uncomfortable or it is hard to make it sound right. Most often that means crossing the thumb in a different place, or an extra time in extended arpeggios
I can't avoid thinking about The Office theme when working with those chords! Nice video!!!
Thank you
Excellent video ! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video...🎹 it's so helpful...👍💕
Dang these are great exercises! Thank you!
Chords I thought a chord was only played as a single combination not as separate notes as well. Thanks for your great advice
Thank you for your videos. Your tips are helping me with getting back up to speed after a long break and are really useful in my attempt to teach my kid about keyboards playing.
If I may, another useful way to practice chords (Technique 2 section) would be to play a different inversion of the chord with each hand.
I'll be getting a sustain pedal for my keyboard. That's what I need for one of the pieces I'm composing.
The problem with most editors and music books is that finger patterns that are given are not good and don't make physical sense. I always go through a piece of music and redo all the finger patterns. when teaching chords, teach the 124, 135, 145, 123 patterns for fingering. Also, pay attention to the highest note, the lowest note when determining finger patterns within a passage, and well as where you're coming from and where you're going. Most books use "old school" finger patterns that are incorrect and don't make sense.
Sir, wounderful is number five, really don't know it . Thanks for share
If I may? I noticed that when you were demonstrating the chords, it was a little difficult to really see what you were doing, whether in real time or whenever you even played them slower. I have seen other piano teachers on youtube that use what I would call 'an extra set of keys' that appears above the actual keyboard. When you strike the keys, or form a chord, etc. the keys are color coded, and that makes it easier for the viewer to see which keys are being struck. thanks.
I find fingering techniques similar to home keys on a computer keyboard, except the "home" keys on the piano vary through the piece one is attempting to play.
One more thing, the piano does not have a back space or undo key, it has to be right and flow correctly unless you are learning a piece at home.
I love your videos I’d like a lesson on adding notes to a simple piece. On one you were playing a Disney piece and adding a base! Show us how to know which chords to use.
Thank you!
Wonderful tips Jazer
Hahaha, my teacher is always after me about fingerings. So much to learn.
Depends on the music if you use 4th or 5th in playing octaves. How do you know when - to use either.
My aim is just to learn to play by ear.
Will I be better buying a digital piano or a midi keyboard with 88 weightedkeys?
Please suggest a model 🙏
Thanks & regards
What was he playing in the beginning? It sounded so beautiful.
Gotta rework all my pedaling after this video!
I use finger 4 for black key because my 5 is too short.
Do I use the fourth or the fifth finger to play the black keys? That is like asking Which leg do you like to use to climb a ladder?
I took on an intermediate student recently from a previous teacher and he does WILD fingerings. I’ve been trying to stress the importance of correct fingerings but he doesn’t seem to be able to retrain himself. Not sure how to help him.
i'm a beginner and i avoid using shyntesia and try to focus more in reading the sheet music, i learn a lot by hearing but i want to improve my reading skills
This syncopated pedaling drives me crazy ... I'm unable to get it right so far ... but hopefully get there soon 🙂
I noticed when you were walking up and down chords M/m your fingering changes, should we be learning special fingering? Rather than 1,3,5.
Hi Jazer, thanks for your great content. I have a question on pedaling and octaves: When you play a series of fast chromatic octaves in a song, do you use the pedal?
Great Video again. Thank you very much for your time and effort. I really appreciate it. I have a suggestion for a future video, if you could consider it. It’s about a skill I find extremely difficult at the piano (maybe it’s just me?! ;)): playing double thirds in legato. Could you suggest some exercises on how to improve this skill? Thx
I'm an absolute beginner, but i have a thing to say, I'm finding it easy to progress as (somehow) i have this thing where I can recognize some notes on a major scale and few on the black scale, simply by just listen to them.
Example i asked a friend to play some notes on the major scale, he played a d c and b and i could recognize them without a hitch. He told me i have a thing called absolute pitch, is this true?
Is this possible in 2 months of piano experience?
Pedals is really challenging for me. I never seem to get it right.
K, think I got it. My path to improvement. Rip the pinkies off. The finger foes have got to go. 🤪 Thanks for the helpful vid xox
Is the pedal important for learning piano ? I’m playing on a syntethizer so i don’t have pedals, can i practice without it for now ? Or will it block me in my practicing ? (I started piano 1-2 months ago and all my techniques are bad, i just started watching your videos (thanks you btw))
Practice on what you can right now. When you finally get a piano with pedals, then it would be the time to learn how to play with the pedals. It would be a challenge at first, but just keep at it. You will get a hang of it and find that it is worth it.
Hi, now ı am using an keyboard to begin piano, should ı get a pedal ? Does it really makes sense on org ?
when doing scales, or any passage, use dead arm weight and move your arms in a linear fashion, rather than unnecessary movement. Avoid crossing the thumb under. Do 123, then move the arm and re-position the thumb to do the new sequence 1234.
This is completely contrary to the correct fingering for scales and runs. If the tempo is fast there is no time to reposition your hand. It may be working for you, but crossing the thumb under is very basic fingering.
So, how do you suggest developing fingering on your own for works that include none? I am trying to learn Gitanerias by Ernesto Lecuona and have not found any editions that include fingerings.
Hey what about suspended chords?
What was the song he played at 8:06???
I've heard that playimg with colored notes (like purple for middle finger, green for thumb and so on) is not very good for sight reading. So are there any downsides in playing with colored fingerings, and is it any different from playing with numbers?
3:38 every cartoon ever
Chords are my weakness and scales
Can you suggest me a good book for learning piano, as unfortunately I can't afford a piano teacher
so how to learn fingering correctly？
Can anyone tell me what song is he playing for #1 ? The classical fast one ?
You mean the one at the last section, about fingerings? It's a fragment from Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turca".
@@kadmus78 thanks. I know the song, but I didn't recognised it for some reasons.. :😃
Bro my hands can reach about 7.5 inches without causing pain and i find octaves so irritating and painful. I find all pianists have a very resting easy hand with octaves. What is up with that? Does my piano have larger keys or something? Or do most pianists on UA-cam have gigantic hands. What's your hand size jazer?
My name is Albert from Ghana my main problem is the fingerings and my left hand
Same staff
I understand that practicing scale is important. I hear that but for some reasons my wrist hurt after practicing scales. And I'm limiting it to 5min maximum. So I'm playing scales maybe twice a week.
- you may need to *re-evaluate your technic* -- and practice at slower tempos! Are you lifting your fingers??? If so PLEASE STOP !!!! That is technical suicide - learn to play completely relaxed using a close touch (press down and release the keys, but do not lift the fingers); if you have tension in your hands, slow down to a speed where you can play completely relaxed, then very gradually increase the speed - but never faster than you can play relaxed; use a metronome, and use rhythms to gradually increase your speed
@@aBachwardsfellow Thanks. I'll try that. It might explain why playing Bach or Petzold hurts too. I'll focus on playing relax. It's the thumb crossing that I suspect.
@@michelprimeau4531 - Are you playing an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard? In either case also check to see if you're pressing too hard on the keys after you play them - i.e. holding the keys down hard after they have been played. Depending on the action of the instrument you're playing, try to hold the keys with the least amount of pressure without letting the note stop. For scales I would think you're not holding the notes very long, but you may still be playing with excess weight. Try playing the scales with a very light (pianissimo) stacatto in both hands; then try stacatto in one hand and legato in the other hand, then switch hands. Also try playing Bach, Petzold pianissimo and stacatto - but in any case play slowly enough that your hands, fingers and wrists are as completely relaxed as possible, and only gradually increase the speed and volume - with a priority to staying relaxed. If the pain is due to tension - STOP PLAYING! and relax your hands, wrists, fingers, and forearms completely with gentle stretching and massage
I'm not sure what's going on with the thumb crossings - try leading with the wrist in the direction you're playing so that the thumb moves toward its next note rather than staying back over the note it just played; also try grouping your fingers and moving your entire hand to the next 'block' position to minimize the thumb/finger crossings. There are a few youtubes to address some of these - let me know if you'd like to see them.
@@aBachwardsfellow I'm playing an acoustic piano. I can't stand digital and yes the action is darn heavy compared with everything else I tried. I'm shopping for a new piano in the next year. Upgrading from a 40in to a 48in. I'll work on the stretching because I can't promise that I will stop playing even if it hurts. I just can't stop playing. I'm addicted to it. Even if it's only 15min. I love it so much. Usually I play between 30 to 60min a day. I think I would try to play even with stumps.
@@michelprimeau4531 - good info. Yes - I've played on some pianos (typically Steinways) that were so heavy they hurt. I generally prefer a moderately heavy action because I find I'm able to get a wider range of nuance from it (more towards the quiet end of the spectrum - Debussy, etc.), and I find heavier actions more often with Steinways. Yamaha's seem to be typically lighter (I have a Yamaha U1 upright that is actually a bit towards the heavy side), but I struggle to get those feathery pianissimos out of them. They work great for baroque -- Bach, Mozart, Scarlatti -- where feathery pianissimos are not particularly required. Definitely take your time in your search to find an instrument that gives you a balance between touch and dynamic range.
But I'm *concerned* about your technic -- and that you may (or may have already) moved toward creating an injury which will set you back for recovery time, or, in worst case, limit your playing permanently! This would typically be caused due to a very "fingery" action which attempts to get all the expression and force of playing from the fingers only, without the proper transfer of weight through the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers. This is a commonly-known issue and many pianists have injured themselves becase of it. Even a heavy action instrument can be properly managed given the proper technique for weight transfer.
I would recommend that you look into the close touch technic of Theodore Leschetizky, and the arm rotation of Dorothy Taubman - anything to get you away from a finger-only technic - especially if you're lifting your fingers high (frequently comes from the Hanon book, exercises). The problem with lifting your fingers is that it causes tension which can be limiting, painful, and even injurious. Tension in terms of piano playing is when there is an overlap between the time the muscles that pull the fingers down release, and the muscles that lift the fingers up start to pull. Each instant of overlap of pulling and lifting at the same time while your fingers are changing from playing a note (pull down), to stop playing that note (lift up) and play the next note (pull down) - momentarily "locks" the finger - creating a tug-o-war in your hand! This is because the forearm muscles which lift the fingers are opposite the forearm muscles that pull them down. To demonstrate this, contract both your upper and lower forearm muscles at the same time. The result is that your fingers will become locked into a "claw" In order to move your fingers either up or down, you first must stop contracting either the upper or lower muscles. When the opposites are both contracting they're fighting each other, which creates much tension in the arms and hands. When lifting the fingers while attempting to play at speed, there is a slight overlap in which the muscle pairs are both contracting, which creates tension and limits velocity. Lifting the fingers is derived (although unnecessarily) from harpsichord technic in which the keys are much lighter and do not require the same downward force as a piano. This problem was resolved for pianists by developing the "close touch" (Theodore Leschetizky - 1830 - 1915 Polish pianist, professor and composer) in which use of the upper muscles is greatly reduced or essentially eliminated. The fingers remain on the keys and transfer weight from the arms into the keys, then simply relax - i.e. press down (lower muscles "on"), then stop pressing down (lower muscles "off"). The upper muscles are not engaged nearly as much, thus eliminating the conflicting tension and greatly increasing both velocity and control (nuance).
A succinct statement of the close touch is this:
- you press a key down (engage the flexor)
- you stop pressing a key down (release/disengage the flexor)
Note that:
- you DO NOT LIFT the fingers - NO ENGAGEMENT of the extensors
- lifting a finger does NOT make the key come up any faster
- the key will rise of its own according to the action of the instrument
- the key does not need for you to lift your finger in order to make it come up - all it needs is for you to stop pressing it down
The net result is that:
- your fingers are resting gently on the keys -- closely, touching -- prior to playing
- neither flexors nor extensors are engaged - VERY RELAXED
- weight is transfered from the arms and wrists to the fingers in a downward motion
- the finger flexors engage to catch the weight and transfer it to the key, thereby pressing the key down
- the finger flexors disengage thereby allowing the key to rise.
You can see an example of what this looks like here:
ua-cam.com/video/LjUyfTOnafI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=aBachwardsfellow
I suspect you may need to seriously step back to overhaul and re-vamp your technic - I don't know how many years you've been playing.
Also, breaking up your practice into several 20-minute sessions is a very good way to practice in any case, but maybe more especially in your case - you're going need to re-train to play completely relaxed in your hands.
You may find these helpful:
ua-cam.com/video/Rzf8D1PMFwI/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/R9jPwVArZAc/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/4bCkATswH_Y/v-deo.html
Fingerings and being impatient!!!
4:36 Bloody Stream
My main problem is fingering. I never really learnt how to play keyboard. I learnt the bass and a bit of guitar. So when I started playing the keyboard, I just used the wrong fingering just.
The damper mistake is the exact same one I've been doing... my first piano "teacher" told me to do so...
I dont know which personal finger I mostly use for my black keys yet 😂
Nothing better than learning piano from a Asian dude
Hey Jazer, I just discovered your channel and I think it could be helpful for me. I have been practising from synthesia since the beginning.
The problem is, I don't play on a piano, I play on a keyboard. I don't have pedals and the keys aren't pressure sensitive. Do you think that I can still learn from your videos? Or do you focus on piano playing?
Great video,
- Blissed Keyboardist
good vid but in one of his other ones he said pedalling could be bad
Your chord progression was reminiscent of the opening theme music of "The Office"! (the American version). Thank you Jazer for your suggestions. I jumped into the deep end when I began playing and I still sometimes amaze myself when I'm thinking of what I was doing back then, however there is no substitute and nothing to fall back on if one does not have a strong core which can be obtained solely by practicing the fundamentals until they have become second nature and have gelled in one's muscle memory. So I'm starting over and my goal is to do it properly from the beginning, even if it means playing the baby stuff, with my focus set on correct fingering and executing flawless scales. Thank you for your guidance and sound advice! No pun intended there! lol 🙂
That because it WAS the office opening.
@@KeysoftheLord oh. Hahaha hahahaha! 🙂
LMAO I WAS THINKING THAT TOO
OK everyone, my stupid!!! (haha!) I'm going to crawl away now and find somewhere to hide for the next million years...........
He is the best teacher you could have in my opinion!
When it comes to fingering my problem is that the music I want to learn to play normally doesn't come with fingerings recorded (overwhelmingly just video game music). Synthesia does have the option to add fingerings to the notes, as well as showing the music sheet (music sheet only / both / falling notes only) so I'd say it can properly be used as a learning tool, but the problem is when I find sheet music or midi songs to put into Synthesia it normally doesn't have fingerings recorded so I'm left to figure it out for myself. It's probably unlikely but is there a program out there to analyze sheet music and recommend fingerings?
I‘m facing the exact same problem. Can you tell me if you find out something new?
Concerning fingering, i would say take fingering seriously as in, always use the same one once you have decided on it. Most of the time i tell my students to ignore the fingerings written by the editors as they are mostly either unpianistic or simply not suited to their hand. Get used to scale and chord fingerings and try to apply them in your pieces as comfortable as possible. Always consider where you came from and where you are going next.
Jazer,... You are a super teacher. Somehow, I seem to get the concepts into my head easier with you as a teacher. I'm still just a beginner though. You seem to be able to get the point across without excessive yapping, therefore keeping someone with a limited attention span like me focused. Thank You
You're great you helped out so much! Thanks!😄
65 year old in the middle of my first week with a piano. I laughed at my musical inability, but now I am excited at this new language. After watching your video yesterday and practicing a basic exercise that I started Sunday, I started to see the keyboard as notes for the first time.
7 months on in my piano adventure, and I'm reviewing this video to see how I'm doing. Oops, I've neglected the pedal. I've got to fix it into a position since the Yamaha keyboard tends to slide around. I've learned all my major and minor scales, but the fingering isn't automatic. I bought a Hanon Book with all the fingerings for scales and arpeggios that Im using it methodically. I'm using the Chopin scale more recently. Chopin thought the B Major scale was ergonomically easier for the student's hand and so started with that one. I'm using it now in warm-ups and it helps. I'm still using your excellent routine almost everyday at the beginning. Legato, staccato, double, triple and quadruple time. I've dabbled in polyrhythms but I've got other things to work on.
Your videos have been very helpful and I'd like to say merci beaucoup for your help.
@@lawrencetaylor4101 kickass Lawrence I'd definitely consider the Alfred premier piano books to play using sheet music and lessons if ya haven't alrdy started
You’re right, fingering is tough for a new pianist. I learn most stuff by ear and struggle to figure out the most efficient fingering to use when going up or down the keyboard. There’s always more than one way, but you could be doing it in a way that creates bad habits. Oh, love the octave exercise! That helps the hands get used to the keyboard. Sometimes just not looking at your hands and trusting them to “feel” where the notes are is helpful in developing comfort on the piano. Awesome tips Jazer! 👌🏼👍🏼
I am the same way as far as learning fingerings with Jazer. I use Let's play Piano as my guide.
My man playing the office lol
Love from France 😂💙
a very useful video. Wow.i literally got my dubts cleared. Thankssss🎉🎉🎉
My old age and my novice getting hard to see what the fingers or the keys you playing. Love to see starting very slowly or add anything to help seeing what the keys you playing.
I have a small hand and I’m just trying to play octaves cleanly without hitting the next key. There is very little discussion on UA-cam that helps playing with small hands.
Started learning yesterday and I know it isn’t a big deal to others. But as someone who didn’t know a thing about music sheets, I finally can read C D E and sometimes F! E and F confuses me though. I just get happy when I can read it right lol
Hope you made some improvements!
Jazer , you are awesome! I find memorizing scales and chords in different keys very challenging. But with more practice I suppose i'll get there some day. What are your tips for this? Thanks for everything, you teach well and play awesome! Were you like 3 years old when you started playing???
Playing Bohemian Rhapsody was my gate into octaves. It's really cool.