This program changed my whole life. I am classically trained, and having both is essential for ALL reasons. I am so happy, other than it took me a whole week to do 3 octave blues scales and am still struggling with the left hand - and I'm only in the key of C. Great stuff, David.... Sara
Dude - you rock! I've been playing keys for 11 years now and yet I still found some awesome tips that I never knew just by watching your vid - you rock man!
@MyPassionsss - I'm working about an average of and hour and a half per day. When I was young, being made to practice, it was work. But now, I can't get enough of it! Kind of like a great comment that I heard this weekend - "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life." :) Best wishes - David Sprunger
Hi! I just wanted to say that this is the video that made me buy your lessons (just ordered it a few minutes ago). I finally understood what phat chords are after seeing this video.
Hi EliKilby - Thanks for your comment. Actually, the 9th doesn't have to be positioned in any particular order in the chord stack. Typically it is, but when a chord is "voiced", it can be played in absolutely any location. The qualifier that makes it the 9th (instead of the 2nd) is that the 7th is present. Best - David Sprunger
Hello, i'm an mid-advanced piano player but i was looking further for more advanced techniques. I found this video and wanted to do more with these voicings, so i bought the lessons and don't regret them ! I learned the little song you made and improved my playing and richness by using the voicings and exploring extensions like Em9 including some Bm or Am chords and running on the whole keyboard. At start it's bad but you'll improve by trying and trying again. David, you did quite help me, thx !
Hi Kenrben - Thanks for your kind words. The wide voicings vs. minimal... I actually use both versions in different situations. However, the wide or "open" voicings are a new approach for lots of players and are a quick way to get a whole new sound. Best wishes - David Sprunger
Very nice vid! I'm a guitar player trying to teach myself piano. I understand theory so I understand everything you mentioned. I always used to play closed chords. I never thought of spreading out the intervals like that. 1 and 5 on the left hand and b3, b7, and 2 on the right hand. This is going to make my playing better. Thanks.
After transposing it to Key of D, it made me appreciate the dorian mode. Adding the IIIM7 (which is FM7 in the D dorian mode) on the upper voice, it gives an idea how to make the I chord of that mode sound fantastic.
Hi ObeeLektro - Thanks for your comments. I agree with you that open voicings are not the only technique needed to make your playing sound great - but I've found that this particular technique is a real eye-opener for lots of players who are stuck playing root position closed voicings. What I love about music is that it is limitless! Best wishes - David Sprunger
Well, I've learned something new today that will take my piano playing to a WHOLE new level! Thank you for this very informative lesson Mr. Sprunger, I learn a lot from watching your videos.
Lessons are useful in approving your individual technique and bettering your knowledge of music theory, but you can certainly learn how to play to some level from online tutorials like this
True! Some of my favorite voicings are those that crunch really dissonant tones together by a half step (like your example). I've also posted many lessons with technique, but this one deals with open voicings. Best wishes - David Sprunger
@davidtheguitarman - I do arpeggiate the voicing at the end of the video, but the voicing in this video is an 'open' voicing, different from a standard root-position 'closed' voicing (that can also be arpeggiated)
Hello - We've got a rolling track in the studio above the keyboard. It has to be completely seperate in it's mounting, or the playing of the keys can shake the camera! (especially if you're jamming on the blues... ha) DSprunger
David thank you so much for your online tutor.It has helped me so much in undestandin music , piano and chords.Im a song writer and you have made it easy for me to be able to compose on the piano.Thank you so much. I will be buying the whole kit soon
Hi BishopsJazz - like that name - great question. This particular voicing doesn't lend itself to the addition of a natural (perfect) 11th, since it "fights" pretty bad with the 3rd. On the piano, lay down the voicing you mentioned and add an F natural on top. However, a sharp 11 (F#) on top is a delicious addition to this voicing in many situations. Best wishes! David Sprunger
Great point - Like you said, the only true Dominant 7th of tonal center C would be G7. Any others could be called by their full name of "Secondary Dominant" (i.e. C7 being the secondary dominant of F). However, in non-classical circles where musicians are reading from a chord charts or lead sheets, the term "Dominant 7th" has come to be in common use for any chord with a major triad + a minor 7th. Best wishes! David Sprunger
@miyaplay - Great question. Actually, you're right. The e natural minor scale only has one sharp (f#). However, the ninth is the same in both the major and natural minor scale, so the illustration is still correct, but I think I could have been more clear by playing the minor scale. Good eye!
Absolutely. Just make sure the keyboard is "touch-sensitive" as well as "weighted". Check out our website top menu. Go to 'View All Lessons' > 'More Piano Lessons' > 'What Keyboard should I buy?'
So pretty much if you know chord "voicings" you can pretty much take any hear a song, as long as you know the right melodies and chords, you can play it right on the spot. That would be so convenient. Im about to go practice this thing
Hi BigBlues05 - Chords built in 4ths (like the one you laid out) are interesting because they can fit into many categories. For instance, that chord could be Eb7sus (root position) or Absus (2nd Inversion) or Db2 (with the 2 on the bottom).
Hy Synz321 - not a stupid question. You can either spread out the chords with two hands ("open voicings") or bunch them together with one hand (usually used as 'comp' chords while the other hand solos). I've got videos posted on both techniques - check out the blues piano lesson videos. Best wishes - David Sprunger
BeachBoysGuy1 - Great question. I remember this was the exact question of debate for over a week a when I was in college. Like you described, many chords which have different names are constructed out of the same exact notes (Cm6 and Am7b5). I've found it always boils down to context. In the case mentioned, the chord would be a Cm6 chord in a musical piece based in Cm, and an Am7b5 chord in a piece based in Gm. This is a great topic for discussion! (I'm out of space...)
@piano9899 windsong...that's what caught me.....i was 22 (4 years ago), cable jazz station, the song just stood out.... but Mr. Sprunger, you' are just as amazing to me as she is. You should cover that song!!! windsong!!! I would die to get taught that song. no pressure. lol.
b24688 - thanks for your very kind words. I'm really enjoying teaching, and enouragement like that really motivates! Sounds like you're having a great time on the keyboard - that's so fantastic. Best wishes - David Sprunger
oh my God, when you did the voicings, my hairs on my arms stood up! reminded of me some of the abilities of the smooth jazz guys that i see perform! i am struggling to sound good. i have a yamaha motif 8, so the board is good...i just need to get there! perfect pitch is helping,but i want to play a LOT better!
Hi Liang14 - thanks for your kind words - you mentioned the 7th scale tone being a leading tone. It is. As you probably know, it's also called the Major 7th interval. Was the lesson clear on that point?
you know, this is my first time playing piano and I feel really creative just doing my own voicings instead of trying to play other songs. and like you said, you have to understand music in order to feel comortable.
Hi LiberLucis -It's a pretty common problem for keyboard players to be 'rhythmically challenged'. The problem is that unlike most other instruments, we're usually plaing by ourselves... playing in a band situation is one of the best fixes for sure. Also - yes, a big part of our course deals with creating your own 'Rhythmic Patterns', which is a great way to develop your own unique sound. Best wishes! David Sprunger
ya really cool stuff,ive played guitar for 22 years & always dabbled a little on my yamaha keybrd,transposing stuff from guitar,but I recently Bought a Piano,& Man It is Great,Nothing Like The Feel Of Ivory Keys vs. Plastic,Really Getting Into It,& all This Stuff Is Very Helpful,
That is really amazing how you took four chords and turned it into a real song. I understand the voicings, but how did you come up with the runs and fills that really brought the music to life?
@piano9899 i wouldn't be watching your stuff if i didn't love it..............cover windsong....i hear the chord that starts the song; in this video.....i wish my soul was as beautiful as yours.you rock Mr.Sprunger!
Great question - all of the chord tones are numbered as they relate to the scale of the root of each chord. The good news is that you don't have to memorize all of the scales. Instead, learn the simple pattern they are all based on, and you'll be able to create any scale or chord quickly. BTW - this is one of the foundational techniques of our original course - "Pattern Piano and Keyboard" at PlayPianoTODAY(dot)com. Best wishes - David Sprunger
@Varniontheblack - There isn't a video of the song, but I have posted a full mp3 hi-rez version of it on iTunes. Do a search for "Piano Lessons" and you'll see our podcast. Thanks! David Sprunger
@eViLDoN96 - I've posted a lesson titled Blues Chapter 15 that goes through that intro note for note. I tried to post the link here for you, but UA-cam seems to block the links. Instead, type "Piano Blues 15" into the search bar (without quotes) and you'll see it. All the best - David Sprunger
Right - It's the vii chord of Bb and the ii of Gm (both half-dimished) BTW I checked out your youtube channel - looks like you're having a great time and have spent lots of time on the beach as the 7th BeachBoy -- Must be great!
Nice Job! I could never get my students to follow through on learning scale structures which of course leads to a better understanding of chord structures and progressions. Keep Up the Good Work. Peace
Basing on what you just showed here I have to add that you absolutely must be fluent with chords and SCALES:) Let's get that last,voiced Em - you played it so gently and quickly which most beginners simply can't do because they even don't know how Em scale is build...It takes TONS of time and practice to get there:)
@MyPassionsss That's some very good advice by piano9899! Also remember that if you're getting stuck like you're saying, forget it and play other stuff for the time being. Then, after a few weeks or months you should be generally better, and hopefully be able to play what you couldn't before. Nowadays, when I play the stuff I used to play ages ago, I am much better at playing them, because meanwhile my general ability has been slowly increasing, you see?!
@MyPassionsss Days, weeks, months? You mean years. It takes time but it is well well worth it, dont give up because of a time constraint, if music is really a passion of yours then go for it! Plus memorization has shortcuts it just takes time to learn them all!
Truly Yamaha makes some great instruments. It is a Yamaha P200 - a keyboard, but an outstanding one. Actually it's the only keyboard that I've liked more as the years roll by. I've checked out their 'upgraded' models of the P200, but they don't sound even remotely as good.
My question is one of nomenclature. For example, a Cm6 when inverted to where the A note is at the root, can be called and used as a Am7b5 (or an "A*half-dimished*"). So, how does one know what name to ascribe to a chord in different inversions ? It can't be decided by just what the bottom note is, can it ? We see things like Em7/A , meaning a suspended or eleventh chord. It's all clear to me, except what to name these different inverted phat chords.
Great lesson. I have a question for any music wiz that can answer, what would you call a chord that consists of these notes? (in this order from low to high), Eb-Ab-Db. Thanks
Would you consider chord voicing to be the "next chapter" after chord construction? I've learned the Major/minor scales and created some chords but they sound stale. I've noticed that "bigger" chords tend to sound full, better -- phat. Could it be the the concept of voicing in play?
Thanks Earl - That really makes my day. I'm so very honored to be part of what you're doing musically! Best wishes - David Sprunger
I am a composer and blues and jazz sax player and teacher presently learning blues and jazz piano. This is the best video series I have come across
Hi Mattie - I'm so very honored to be a part of making you smile at the keyboard! :) Best wishes - David Sprunger
This program changed my whole life. I am classically trained, and having both is essential for ALL reasons. I am so happy, other than it took me a whole week to do 3 octave blues scales and am still struggling with the left hand - and I'm only in the key of C. Great stuff, David....
Sara
Dude - you rock! I've been playing keys for 11 years now and yet I still found some awesome tips that I never knew just by watching your vid - you rock man!
It does. One of the things I take quite a bit of time with is the detailed explaination of the voicings used. Thanks for writing!
@MyPassionsss - I'm working about an average of and hour and a half per day. When I was young, being made to practice, it was work. But now, I can't get enough of it! Kind of like a great comment that I heard this weekend - "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life." :) Best wishes - David Sprunger
Hi! I just wanted to say that this is the video that made me buy your lessons (just ordered it a few minutes ago). I finally understood what phat chords are after seeing this video.
Hi EliKilby - Thanks for your comment. Actually, the 9th doesn't have to be positioned in any particular order in the chord stack. Typically it is, but when a chord is "voiced", it can be played in absolutely any location. The qualifier that makes it the 9th (instead of the 2nd) is that the 7th is present. Best - David Sprunger
Hello, i'm an mid-advanced piano player but i was looking further for more advanced techniques. I found this video and wanted to do more with these voicings, so i bought the lessons and don't regret them ! I learned the little song you made and improved my playing and richness by using the voicings and exploring extensions like Em9 including some Bm or Am chords and running on the whole keyboard. At start it's bad but you'll improve by trying and trying again.
David, you did quite help me, thx !
I've written a lot of arrangements and this is a really good lesson.
Hi Kenrben - Thanks for your kind words. The wide voicings vs. minimal... I actually use both versions in different situations. However, the wide or "open" voicings are a new approach for lots of players and are a quick way to get a whole new sound. Best wishes - David Sprunger
Very nice vid! I'm a guitar player trying to teach myself piano. I understand theory so I understand everything you mentioned. I always used to play closed chords. I never thought of spreading out the intervals like that. 1 and 5 on the left hand and b3, b7, and 2 on the right hand. This is going to make my playing better. Thanks.
After transposing it to Key of D, it made me appreciate the dorian mode. Adding the IIIM7 (which is FM7 in the D dorian mode) on the upper voice, it gives an idea how to make the I chord of that mode sound fantastic.
Hi ObeeLektro - Thanks for your comments. I agree with you that open voicings are not the only technique needed to make your playing sound great - but I've found that this particular technique is a real eye-opener for lots of players who are stuck playing root position closed voicings. What I love about music is that it is limitless! Best wishes - David Sprunger
Well, I've learned something new today that will take my piano playing to a WHOLE new level! Thank you for this very informative lesson Mr. Sprunger, I learn a lot from watching your videos.
Loved the lesson. Great production values too! Very professional.
Lessons are useful in approving your individual technique and bettering your knowledge of music theory, but you can certainly learn how to play to some level from online tutorials like this
True! Some of my favorite voicings are those that crunch really dissonant tones together by a half step (like your example). I've also posted many lessons with technique, but this one deals with open voicings. Best wishes - David Sprunger
Very slick production :) I wish my videos could be so polished ... keep up the good work!
@davidtheguitarman - I do arpeggiate the voicing at the end of the video, but the voicing in this video is an 'open' voicing, different from a standard root-position 'closed' voicing (that can also be arpeggiated)
I learned a lot in that brief period of time thank you.
Hello - We've got a rolling track in the studio above the keyboard. It has to be completely seperate in it's mounting, or the playing of the keys can shake the camera! (especially if you're jamming on the blues... ha) DSprunger
David thank you so much for your online tutor.It has helped me so much in undestandin music , piano and chords.Im a song writer and you have made it easy for me to be able to compose on the piano.Thank you so much. I will be buying the whole kit soon
Hi BishopsJazz - like that name - great question. This particular voicing doesn't lend itself to the addition of a natural (perfect) 11th, since it "fights" pretty bad with the 3rd. On the piano, lay down the voicing you mentioned and add an F natural on top. However, a sharp 11 (F#) on top is a delicious addition to this voicing in many situations. Best wishes! David Sprunger
Thx for sharing, coming from a guitar player perspective helps shape things up a bit
Great point - Like you said, the only true Dominant 7th of tonal center C would be G7. Any others could be called by their full name of "Secondary Dominant" (i.e. C7 being the secondary dominant of F). However, in non-classical circles where musicians are reading from a chord charts or lead sheets, the term "Dominant 7th" has come to be in common use for any chord with a major triad + a minor 7th. Best wishes! David Sprunger
very good you make it simple for people to learn, and you show them for free very cool!
@miyaplay - Great question. Actually, you're right. The e natural minor scale only has one sharp (f#). However, the ninth is the same in both the major and natural minor scale, so the illustration is still correct, but I think I could have been more clear by playing the minor scale. Good eye!
Absolutely. Just make sure the keyboard is "touch-sensitive" as well as "weighted". Check out our website top menu. Go to 'View All Lessons' > 'More Piano Lessons' > 'What Keyboard should I buy?'
Best tuturial out there by far!!!
So pretty much if you know chord "voicings" you can pretty much take any hear a song, as long as you know the right melodies and chords, you can play it right on the spot. That would be so convenient. Im about to go practice this thing
completely true. Ive had my hand at both and piano seems to be the hardest instrument out of all instruments
awesome playing... inspiring. and the video has clear and simple explanations too.
Hi BigBlues05 - Chords built in 4ths (like the one you laid out) are interesting because they can fit into many categories. For instance, that chord could be Eb7sus (root position) or Absus (2nd Inversion) or Db2 (with the 2 on the bottom).
nice lesson
Hi Darre79 - Thanks for your very kind words. I'm glad you're saving up for a great keyboard! - David Sprunger
Hi labrown92 - the piano sound is from a Yamaha P200. I also love the sound of that keyboard. Best wishes - David Sprunger
Hy Synz321 - not a stupid question. You can either spread out the chords with two hands ("open voicings") or bunch them together with one hand (usually used as 'comp' chords while the other hand solos). I've got videos posted on both techniques - check out the blues piano lesson videos. Best wishes - David Sprunger
BeachBoysGuy1 - Great question. I remember this was the exact question of debate for over a week a when I was in college. Like you described, many chords which have different names are constructed out of the same exact notes (Cm6 and Am7b5). I've found it always boils down to context. In the case mentioned, the chord would be a Cm6 chord in a musical piece based in Cm, and an Am7b5 chord in a piece based in Gm. This is a great topic for discussion! (I'm out of space...)
@piano9899 windsong...that's what caught me.....i was 22 (4 years ago), cable jazz station, the song just stood out.... but Mr. Sprunger, you' are just as amazing to me as she is. You should cover that song!!! windsong!!! I would die to get taught that song. no pressure. lol.
Hi Stephen - I'm using the Yamaha P200. For a true piano sound and feel, I've found nothing better.
Best wishes - David Sprunger
b24688 - thanks for your very kind words. I'm really enjoying teaching, and enouragement like that really motivates! Sounds like you're having a great time on the keyboard - that's so fantastic. Best wishes - David Sprunger
This is So Freeking cool Bro!! u Made it so easy to learn Thnxs dud!! God Bless!!
hey Thank you man !
I love this !!!
of course it's not that simple !
but at least it's simple enough to understand !
really do love it !! thank you !!
I really dig your stuff!!! It's HOT!! I like the way you teach, too.
Keep it up!! Be Blessed!!!
Kevin
i love ur voice its so soothing
oh my God, when you did the voicings, my hairs on my arms stood up! reminded of me some of the abilities of the smooth jazz guys that i see perform! i am struggling to sound good. i have a yamaha motif 8, so the board is good...i just need to get there! perfect pitch is helping,but i want to play a LOT better!
Awesome lessons learning made easy just need plenty of practice!!!
Hi Liang14 - thanks for your kind words - you mentioned the 7th scale tone being a leading tone. It is. As you probably know, it's also called the Major 7th interval. Was the lesson clear on that point?
really excellent !!! congratulations I had a simple and clear explanation of phat cord !!
maggold
you know, this is my first time playing piano and I feel really creative just doing my own voicings instead of trying to play other songs. and like you said, you have to understand music in order to feel comortable.
Hi LiberLucis -It's a pretty common problem for keyboard players to be 'rhythmically challenged'. The problem is that unlike most other instruments, we're usually plaing by ourselves... playing in a band situation is one of the best fixes for sure. Also - yes, a big part of our course deals with creating your own 'Rhythmic Patterns', which is a great way to develop your own unique sound. Best wishes! David Sprunger
ya really cool stuff,ive played guitar for 22 years & always dabbled a little on my yamaha keybrd,transposing stuff from guitar,but I recently Bought a Piano,& Man It is Great,Nothing Like The Feel Of Ivory Keys vs. Plastic,Really Getting Into It,& all This Stuff Is Very Helpful,
Nice lesson and i see what you mean about chord piano some people dont have a clue!
Thanks! Very pretty - i'm gonna play around with this till it comes naturally and then go on to chapter two :) - Thanks for posting this!
That is really amazing how you took four chords and turned it into a real song. I understand the voicings, but how did you come up with the runs and fills that really brought the music to life?
thnx for the free lesson sir...
it gives me great idea..
Hi Scooby - The original course isn't on UA-cam at this point. You can find it online at PlayPianoTODAY (.) com
very helpful - wish all u tube was like this.
Thanks
@piano9899 i wouldn't be watching your stuff if i didn't love it..............cover windsong....i hear the chord that starts the song; in this video.....i wish my soul was as beautiful as yours.you rock Mr.Sprunger!
Great question - all of the chord tones are numbered as they relate to the scale of the root of each chord. The good news is that you don't have to memorize all of the scales. Instead, learn the simple pattern they are all based on, and you'll be able to create any scale or chord quickly. BTW - this is one of the foundational techniques of our original course - "Pattern Piano and Keyboard" at PlayPianoTODAY(dot)com. Best wishes - David Sprunger
@Varniontheblack - There isn't a video of the song, but I have posted a full mp3 hi-rez version of it on iTunes. Do a search for "Piano Lessons" and you'll see our podcast. Thanks! David Sprunger
I don't even play... I'm just watching this guy play... He's amazing
@eViLDoN96 - I've posted a lesson titled Blues Chapter 15 that goes through that intro note for note. I tried to post the link here for you, but UA-cam seems to block the links. Instead, type "Piano Blues 15" into the search bar (without quotes) and you'll see it. All the best - David Sprunger
Right - It's the vii chord of Bb and the ii of Gm (both half-dimished) BTW I checked out your youtube channel - looks like you're having a great time and have spent lots of time on the beach as the 7th BeachBoy -- Must be great!
Nice Job! I could never get my students to follow through on learning scale structures which of course leads to a better understanding of chord structures and progressions. Keep Up the Good Work. Peace
awesome lessons, thanks so much!
Very nice! I wish my videos were so polished ... keep up the good work! :)
nice one.. sounds and looks good. explained well. gonna check out your other vids
@jareds1007 - HIROMI - o yes that girl can ROCK! (and she laughs while playing the most outrageous lines on the piano- so cool)
Complimenti...bellissimo!!!!
Roberto.
Basing on what you just showed here I have to add that you absolutely must be fluent with chords and SCALES:) Let's get that last,voiced Em - you played it so gently and quickly which most beginners simply can't do because they even don't know how Em scale is build...It takes TONS of time and practice to get there:)
Thanks from the UK!
Yes. This is extremely helpful!! Thank you.
your a great teacher.thanks you!
@MyPassionsss That's some very good advice by piano9899! Also remember that if you're getting stuck like you're saying, forget it and play other stuff for the time being. Then, after a few weeks or months you should be generally better, and hopefully be able to play what you couldn't before. Nowadays, when I play the stuff I used to play ages ago, I am much better at playing them, because meanwhile my general ability has been slowly increasing, you see?!
this is spectacular stuff!!!
@MyPassionsss Days, weeks, months? You mean years. It takes time but it is well well worth it, dont give up because of a time constraint, if music is really a passion of yours then go for it! Plus memorization has shortcuts it just takes time to learn them all!
It is either a "blue note" from the blues scale or it's the 7th 9th or 11th
This is good Bro!
Truly Yamaha makes some great instruments. It is a Yamaha P200 - a keyboard, but an outstanding one. Actually it's the only keyboard that I've liked more as the years roll by. I've checked out their 'upgraded' models of the P200, but they don't sound even remotely as good.
Really nice tutorial, i learned to play this blues as well :)
I wonder where i can find that drum base or a simlar one... I really ike it...
thanks for the knowledge!
My question is one of nomenclature. For example, a Cm6 when inverted to where the A note is at the root, can be called and used as a Am7b5 (or an "A*half-dimished*"). So, how does one know what name to ascribe to a chord in different inversions ? It can't be decided by just what the bottom note is, can it ? We see things like Em7/A , meaning a suspended or eleventh chord. It's all clear to me, except what to name these different inverted phat chords.
Great lesson. I have a question for any music wiz that can answer, what would you call a chord that consists of these notes? (in this order from low to high), Eb-Ab-Db. Thanks
Does the DVD break down how you played the open chord Voicings at 2:34? It was amazing.
Nice
This is great!!
really good
One word: GREAT!!!
:-)
Dude you can start at any age man!
Great, Im from Brazil too...
nice to hear from you! I love your style, its the style i aspire to thanks to you. Do you know any other songs of this style - Luke.
so much easier when you see it on the screen. Thanks
Thanks!! cool! Im from Guatemala
Tha is so great... i'm from Brazil.
good tip i've used that in my guitar playing
i love that piano sound. cant find it anywhere. anyone have any ideas?
Would you consider chord voicing to be the "next chapter" after chord construction? I've learned the Major/minor scales and created some chords but they sound stale. I've noticed that "bigger" chords tend to sound full, better -- phat. Could it be the the concept of voicing in play?