Absolute Major Scale Mastery | The Playlist - 1/12 - Introduction, C Major
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- Опубліковано 3 кві 2019
- Welcome to video 1/12 in the Major Scale Mastery playlist - the playlist which will have you master all 12 major scales in both at and away from the piano so that all my other videos make a lot more sense! I will be releasing each new video every 2 days so that's at least enough time to get down a new major scale and go over previous ones...
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This playlist: • Absolute Major Scale M...
Major scale mastery is simply unavoidable, so put the time in now to master them. Spend as long as you need on one key before moving onto the next.
Each video is structured the same way and lasts 6-8 minutes, apart from this longer introduction video. Construct the scale using the whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half template, see a shape, a pattern, develop an emotional connection to it then 'jab' the scale, as demonstrated, to really reinforce that shape. Then leave the piano for some Internal Piano work before returning and acquiring the major and minor triad, followed by the four primary chord types (M7, 7, m7, mM7). A few technical exercises are also provided but each video has something that the others don't so be sure to watch and master them all!
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"...the piano, of course, is just an illusion..." I love your videos my friend!
I learned about this channel 2 years ago when I was an absolute beginner and the things i learned here gave me great results. Now people around me think that I'm "decent" at playing the piano
Edit: i highly recommend this to everyone
You speak my language...emotional connection, natural fingering, the piano is just an illusion. Thank you for making it all easy to understand. 💖
"Major scale mastery is paramount because it provides more benefits than anything else you will ever acquire in the world of pianism and music theory, and that is quite a statement, I know. Without their mastery, you will have more difficulties with: naming chords, playing inversions, applying jazz chord extensions, memorising song chord progressions, applying modal theory, transposition, sight-reading in any key, overall orientation at the piano, finding any other scale, memorising melodies, passing exams (if that’s your desire), getting a foot into the world of improvisation, playing with other instrumentalists and singers and, on the ground floor, having 12 keys in which to execute an exhaustive list of personalised and recommended technical exercises, both at and away from the piano, to make your path more enjoyable. No matter that path, major scales are the most significantly unavoidable component". The article and this post which I came across in Google which searching for why master the major scales/looking for motivation to master it fully convinced me that I need to master this before anything else. It's tedious but going to be worth it so will be spending a lot of time in this playlist. Thank you again feel like I am on the right path.
The piano IS just an illusion...! Wow...
i love teachers who have a philosophical approach to teaching, they're very rare and you can sense their passion.. thank you for making these videos available for everyone
I love your idea about the jabbing so you picture the keys in numbers. Also you’re the first guy that could explain the “c maj 7” thing in a way that made sense to me! Great vid
Hi, Dan! I'm an adult beginner who's been learning for 2mos now through online videos and I find your channel to be one of my favorites! I will start mastering all major scales to build a foundation before playing any repertoire :) Anyway, I've written down my notes below from your videos and will incorporate this on my practice routine! Thank you so much and please don't stop sharing your knowledge!
1. Orientation of 1-7 notes of the major scale (identify shape/pattern, and emotional connection)
- Play 1 octave scale with natural fingerings
- Jab random notes (see the numbers)
- Play 2 octaves scale
- Jab notes
2. Move away from the piano and reinforce in my internal piano (applicable as well below)
3. Orientatation for triads (block and broken)
- Major chord
- Minor chord
- Jump octaves
- Jab random notes of the triads, diff octaves
4. Orientation for primary chords (block and broken)
- M7
- 7
- m7
- mM7
- Jump octaves
- Jab random notes of the chords, diff octaves
5. Orientation for arpeggios
- Play 1-2 octaves
- Jab notes
6. Technical exercises
- 2 or 3 fingers up and down the scale
- Quarter and eight notes (LH vs RH independence) (variation: scale, primary chords, arpeggios)
Admirable! Progress reports encouraged! You’re on the right path 🎶
Best,
Dan
idunnowtf12
I'm with you! 61 just learning my first instrument. I too am following your routine. I'm also looking at other online instructors but find Dan's perspective captivating.
F
MEllet
These octave jump precision exercises are by far my favorite technical exercises I learned from you!
The repertoire pieces I'm eager to learn were so inexplicable performed in octave jumps and arpeggios that it even discouraged me to keep learning.
But with this "secret" you solved my biggest enigma about the piano so far!
I came up with my own version of this exercise:
I play the middle c octave --> then I jump 2 octaves higher to another c octave --> back to middle c --> then 2 octaves higher c# and up and down the keys!
Thanks once again, Dan sensei!
danthecomposer
my favorite teacher.
0:45 “Because the piano, of course, is just an illusion.” Nice little throwaway line!
Dan the Composer is the only Piano Professor you'll ever need. There. That's the comment.
Thank you Dan for this refreshing video. The philosophy of the piano as an illusion and the idea of "burning" shapes and triads into the mind along with an emotional connection. This will help hugely with precision and chord progression.
Thank you so much for your videos, I really appreciate your way of teaching, and how genuine you are! I'm looking forward to seeing your next video on the F major scale!
You're a wonderful person, Sir.
Thank you for keep doing this.
Thank you so much for your lessons, Dan. Very useful information as always.
You're my favorite teacher. I never thought about it like that.
When I think about piano away from it, I just think "I'm gonna go play, or make a song" But I've never tried visualizing it in my head. This was very helpful
Thank you!
Thanks Dan! This has been tremendously helpful!! I started following you a couple months ago to finally LEARN!! Mind first, body, piano....! Brilliant ! :) Thank you! Thank you!
These videos are so helpful!! thanks for sharing.
Oh this is super nice, Many thanks Dan. Well worth the time.
Amazing tutorials as always..love your teaching technique 👌will master the major chords 😊
dude, i gotta say your style of teaching has been really good for me. I feel like im heading in a good direction on piano and getting more comfortable behind the keys. thanks for posting these vids your an awesome teacher!
i LOVE that i stumbled across your vids. Im so eager to sit at the piano every day now just practicing your exercises! THANKS! / Sweden
Happy to read it excellent sir. Progress reports most welcome. Enjoy my channel 🎶🙏
Best,
Dan
Dan, I really enjoyed this first lesson of twelve, lots of helpful hints and exercises. I like learning in the key of C....E is my favorite, thank you!
Excellent. Thanks Dan.
I can't thank you enough for creating this content and sharing it all for free!!
I'm creating my own lesson plans and learning music theory next to this. I would love to be playing somewhat decently by September!
You're a brilliant teacher and I've learned so much already! Thank you!! 😊
Dan, I love your videos. You are the first online piano teacher that really makes sense to me with the philosophical approach. You make me think I can really do this at age 55. I've played my keyboard/workstation for many years at church. I've relied on the keyboard to create chords, but I have also learned some along the way. I am not the main piano player, I mostly do strings etc. My point is I have never learned the major scales and now I want to. I've been practicing "C major" along with you this week and I can play C D E F G A B and back on both hands, but NOT together. I"m thinking about when the thumb goes under (on either hand..and they don't go under at the same time). It's been 5 days. I've practiced every day and will continue. I have seen your Hand Independence video. It's great and I get it, but my hands don't get it. Ha. Is there any hope? I think if I could conquer that ONE thing, that would be a major victory.
Hello there, thank you kindly for your positive comment and welcome to my channel. Only 55? Loads of time! Not behind at all. Water Pianism (the whole philosophy) focuses on the mind and this is where age is beneficial. Be done with all the typical nonsense about starting early, my channel and the comments and progress reports of literally tens of thousands of people proves otherwise once they understand the philosophies I discuss. You would do well to close your eyes while you do this. Using a metronome is also encouraging because you can monitor how quickly you can do the scales... start at 60, push it up to 80, 100, 120... eventually, eyes closed, you'll be at 160+ and won't need the metronome anymore!
To help with the fingering issue, see this video: ua-cam.com/video/oBxk-fLxipo/v-deo.html
Updates requested!
Best,
Dan
(perhaps drop me a message: danthecomposer@gmail.com)
As I watch your videos, I am becoming your biggest fan, (well, I have become already)... I am very much humbled by your generosity with your time, with your knowledge, and with your ways of thinking... I can't thank you enough, neither can anybody who is following you...
As for the learner friends, I would like to share something: Dan's way of approaching to the scales is really one of the best, if not the best. I hope everyone can strive for more patience and fluence. This method of visualizing, playing on the internal piano etc., for me, is something like taking a scale and becoming ONE with it. Immerse the scale within your "self", so that you are not playing it ascending or descending. You are just becoming that scale. As Dan said multiple times, we can see all the notes of the scale at the same time, coming at us. And believe me that goes a long way. Do this, master the scales, and then open a random book or etude for scales, you'll be amazed how good you flow through it.
And after you do this properly, you will see the life lesson hidden behind all the scales...
Thank you, Kerem, for this incredibly positive comment which will surely inspire others as well. I am most humbled. Progress reports would be appreciated!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer As I was watching all your videos and all the content you've shared with us, I felt an extreme necesity to share the exact feelings that @Kerem Keskiner lovely portrayed. Which was a relief, I almost could think that for a second you wouldn't know, or made known, how grateful, I think, everyone who watches your video is. Thank you, Dan. You are an incredible human being, and I wish you the very best.
Wow! And I thought I knew the scale of C:-)
Turns out there's so much to learn.
Thank you Sir!
UA-cam is a great learning resource, I've bounced around to different instructors on here and keep making my way back to you. You seem so calm teaching, The octave jump you had in a video "Will you do these things every day" really helped me, Jumping up an octave and then walking it back down! I'm struggling a little now with Triad's on my left hand, going from CEG to GEC for instance, I know it's just a matter of practice and Its getting better. Little over a month at this and enjoying learning something I wanted to do since I was a teenager and couldn't do it then. I'll be 52 in June. Thanks for all these wonderful videos.
There are some other good piano teachers on UA-cam, but I'd say Dan is the most distinctive, and by some distance. :-) Also his calm, philosophical approach is very confidence-building.
very good video Dan I look forward to watching your videos. I have already been working on my major scales but hey nothing wrong with continuously improving them. Scales are imperative to learning songs for example Cannon in D gosh can't help but want to play it. I try to get my mind to only see the keys of the D major scale and nothing more which help but when you said see them as numbers I was like hey that is a great Idea in terms could make it easier on the mind so I will try that. I go over my scales at and away from the piano more away of course. I do eyes close getting rid of that dreaded conscious interference see I pay attention to you Dan lol. I find that when I close my eyes my fingers just move accordingly and I see the shape in my mind but I have since of what it feels like too .I also will do the exercise in this video as well as your other ones and keep you updated and since this video was 20 plus minutes long and my work commute is 25 minute I said why not listen to Dan on the way haha and I saying the scales backwards like you too but still with focus on the road😁 Well that is all for now I will keep you updated.Thanks again.
this definitely great technique ty for sharing
very unique full of useful instruction nice work
legend keep it up bro!!!
Very well described
Thanks for the great content
Dan. Thank you for almost always saying which fingers you are using in this video. For me as a blind person, I have to go to the piano first and get my fingers on the keys. Then when I walk away from the piano, I can close my eyes and mentally feel my fingers touching the keys. I don’t know why closing my eyes makes the sensations stronger, but it does. The two biggest exercises I took away from this video had to do with feeling the jump in octives with the thumb and the same with the little finger. Also, probably very close to that is playing the scales with two, three, and more fingers by sliding my hands up and down. I can see how this will help with jazz improvisation😂. I realize that I was very much doing water pianism when younger, but never knew what it was. I’m excited to now start to be very intentional about rebooting my piano playing at the tender age of 64. :)
Superb!
LOVE is simply too weak a word to capture how I feel about Sir Dan and his most excellent videos. Additionally, the gem about arpeggios is exactly what I needed! ( 13:40 ). EDIT: This is just PERFECTION! And thanks for the reinforcing summary at the end of the video.
You're too kind! :) And oh yes, gotta love an arpeggio! Looking forward to those updates!
Dan, it's good that you have pulled this together. It is all in your other videos but across many of them. Not sure if I can explain this.... as it's like magic, there is a temptation to make your hands form muscle memory for a shape of a chord, so kind of find a shape and chord, move your hand up an octive and repeat. This would first appear to be a smart thing to do as many physical skills are taught by muscle memory..... however, the way you are teaching is that this is not a physical task it's a mental one that is best served by mental visualisation, not by what your hands are doing but by making the existences of the keyboard being an extension of the mind. There is some great evidence of this in your videos, you can play a piece of music pretty much with with any combination of fingers, absolutely no set physical pattern, sure there are natural fingering that you prefer but your mind is on only visualising the notes that you need and your hands only play the notes that you require without you consciously thinking about it. Two years ago since I started following you I wrongly thought that you could do this only because you have had thousands of hours practice.. no doubt you have... But I was so very wrong. If I take the muscle memory approach I would have to 'fix' a skill with my right hand, hundreds of repetitions, then with my left also hundreds of repetitions. Adopting your method, by not 'cheating' and visualising all these black and white keys as intervals within each key,the pattern is set in your mind... you may perform the task with your right hand first but it is truly amazing how your left hand almost just does it instantly and you have no conscious idea how! Truly magic!
Best teacher!! Greetings from Germany :-)
Thank you
I love that you suggested that as we play scale notes at random, we name the NUMBER of the note in the scale
FINALLY Daniel!! I predict this will be your most viewed and successful video series EVER!!! Thank you for "strongly encouraging me to KNOW the 12 Majors. It has unlocked the door for me to finally decode those beautiful 88 keys and make sense of music.. You're my "Piano Hero."🦸♂️ 😊 ❤️
That's very nice of you, Lady S! Thank you for this positive comment. Time will tell! Your mastery of them will not only give you greater orientation but enable you to play more interesting chords, transpose melodies, remember melodies, hear melodies and find them at the piano, etc... I can't wait to hear more SoundCloud uploads!
Without the progress of others, I am nothing, so I equally thank you for being amazing! :)
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer There's no turning back now...stay tuned my friend! 😉
Thanks you
thank you
I like what you said...the piano is an illusion
I just bought a big illusion that takes up a quarter of my living room.
Thanks Dan! Probably a question for later videos, but should you wait to move on until you’ve mastered the scale? How should one think about that?
Finally got around to starting it! One question: how proficient should I get in the fingering and numbering of notes before I start learning the triads and other stuff in this video? I'm already conversant with the shape of key C, it's just the running of scales and seeing the notes as numbers rather than Doh Ray Me(the way I've always known it) that are holding me back.
This playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUAnf54mQbk1xjbc4xDfu4K.html
been waiting for this vid! Wasn’t sure how to start like mastering the scale need to do it one by one and take separate time to internalise each scale or could group it. So is it necessary to number it or name it, which is better or need to do both,it’s like i have to memorizing the names though i know the position
Thank you for your patience! Knowing the names of the notes in the 12-note block (C to B) is a given... the point is that when you acquire the shapes, you would do well to know them as numbers - it's infinitely better to do that since it helps know which notes appear in other scales too (because notes appear in mutliple major scales) and will make naming chords also infinitely easier because when it comes to chords, you "Play what you say, say what you play"... you'll see as you get familiar with the end of each video where we discuss the major and minor triads and the 4 primary chord types. So follow this playlist in order, around the cycle of 4ths, and acquire the shape, then the numbers, and you should THEN be able to label the notes 'when necessary', because the numbers are more important than the letters.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Dan
Two and half 3 and a half. Never forget.
Learn the Cycle 5ths is as little as a .minute. BEAD GCF. ...Cycle of 5ths. .I realized this about 15 years ago. Works in the flats also. Never tried the sharps. Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb . Cb is B..start over.
Excellent thank you. Can I ask is it bad practice to learn a song while learning all the fundamentals
Hello, thanks for your question and welcome to my channel. No, but you'll have difficulty with it because the notes you're playing will be 'out of context'. For example, are you aware how triads (and chords in general, as demonstrated at the end of each video in this playlist) are made from major scales? Are you aware of your musical personality and ambition; in other words, are you learning songs for You, or for some external, untrue source? You can use songs you're learning to apply the fundamentals to, especially in terms of chord types and chord progressions and techniques required. Feel free to share progress under relevant videos and I'll be happy to help. Be sure to follow the 'Best Beginner's Playlist' playlist :)
Best,
Dan
Hi Dan, thanks for this playlist, it's exactly what I need! I've had my digital piano for 3 months and really enjoying learning. I was kind of unsure exactly how to practice though....I knew that the major scales are fundamental but didn't know exactly how to practice them, other than just playing each with right and left hand. Having watched this video I now have plenty of examples! I'm going to spend the next 12 days going through all the major scales and practice them at and away from the piano. I'll let you know how I get on in a couple of weeks! Something I might have misunderstood though, you said there would be a video for each of the scales?
Hello there, thank you for your positive comment :) You do very well. Looking forward to the update. There is, it's here: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUAnf54mQbk1xjbc4xDfu4K.html
Best,
Dan
Merci beaucoup for this. I've been at the piano for 2 months and after your videos I'm so motivated for this journey. But I have a hard time trying to play different speeds with the two hands. I am colour blind, so I'm wondering if I'm not also suffering from chronic jet lag?
Hi Dan, Can you please comment on the practical application of Circle of fifths ? Why was it developed at the first place? What was the need? I remember you mentioned in one of your initial videos to not ask too many silly questions. So i will try to restrict the frequency to once per week. Thank you so much !!
Dan, I wish I had learned how to play piano the way that you are teaching it rather than just reading music and practicing scales. It makes so much more sense and I feel my piano playing will improve a lot following your method. One question I do have, when I learned arpeggios I was taught to roll the thumb under rather than to jump- Is there a reason you to jump to the octave?
18:18
Visualise chord shape
Emotional connection
Pattern
Find your natural fingering
Strengthen your Internal piano
Chords are numbers 135, 1357 etc
Thank you sir...plz upload some important sheet music lessons if you get time ✨🌿♥️
Hey Dan, thanks for the vids. I'm a performing player who's trying to understand my instrument better. I appreciate your approach, I make a living performing, but I'm weak in a few keys and I think your vids will help. I'm curious about the keyboard you use in your vids---is it one of the yamaha ypg series? I had a roommate that had one that looked similar. My hands are small and I was surprised that I thought my playing was better on his keyboard than pianos and full-sized keyboard I'd played. What are your thoughts on the non-weighted, smaller key digital pianos? You teach on one, so I'm assuming you're a fan. Thanks!
Hello there, thank you and welcome to my channel. You do well to care to master the major scales; nothing will help you more, apart from mastering them on your internal piano as much as possible. It's about getting the shapes rather than being able to do fancy exercises in them and playing them super quickly.
I use an 11 year old Yamaha DGX 640 :) I'd prefer a real piano but until that's possible, I'm stuck with this but it's nice and apart from the infamously bad F# which usually don't work, it's still going strong after a decade. Non-weighted is not good to replace a real piano since your fingers are being tricked into how hard they need to press keys. It's like riding a bike with stabilisers and thinking it's easy; then you remove them and fall off. Smaller size keyboards in terms of numbers of octaves isn't so bad because you'll still orientate yourself in front of the same key, no matter how many octaves exist (Middle D for me, for the symmetry). If the keys themselves are smaller/narrower, that won't be so good I suppose since when you get to a real piano, again, you'll be tripped up by the size difference and precision required/more space available. Always go for at least 76 weighted keys with a sustain pedal until a real piano is available to avoid the shock of change!
Best,
Dan
Hi Dan! I had "formal" piano lessons for about 3 years before my teen years. Unfortunately, when I started high school I stopped and this is probably the decision I regret the most. I am now in my mid-20's, tried a couple attempts at learning the instrument my own, brought lots of DVDs but often felt frustrated with the amount of things to learn which I feel is overwelming: no only learning all 12 major scales, but each note of the scale degree, all 12 minor scales, all triads, inversions, chord progressions etc.
But as someone who is very visual, I like your approach and I will give it a try. I also like your suggestion of mastering all the basics before thinking about touching a keyboard or leaning a song!
You are on the right track. You are still young..Stay focosed on the.easier.songs at first. Constantly
try to advance. Keep notes...this helps reinforce.what you learned. Just review.what.you LEARNED in your earlier lessons..kinda of parallel learning. Your brain is always working on solutions.
@@PIANOSTYLE100 thank you for comment! I feel that piano is somehow similar to maths... practice, pratice, practice.
@@kendrick10601 Every once. In awhile I take out the old calc book..Anyways. Some thoughts.
First look at the min 3in all 12 keys. If you already them. GREAT.
Try this make C7 in first version E G Bb C in Left Hand. Now go up an octave..this won't be fancy..with on finger..play C..Notice that the Dom.7 is always 1 step below the Root.
Now all.12 b7s are found quickly..
Flat7 of Eb is Db..b7 of G is F ..the pattern is easily learned. Now Tthe A is the 13..The next semitone down is Ab..or b13..This also is the #5..The G is the 5..The Gb or F# is the b5 or the #11. The F is the 11 in the.extensions. The E is obviously the 3rd. The b3 is a #9.
The D is 9 in the extensions. The Db is the b9. I am texting this . Hope no mistakes. ..I sense that you are working hard in learning and reviewing the basics..Knowing the basics is very important..helps all of us.
I forgot to tell you that the.minor 3rd below the Root is the.13th in the extensions. .
@@PIANOSTYLE100 Thanks for these tips! How long have you been playing?
Dan I just discovered your vids today, I have put off buying a piano and concentrated on learning the treble and bass clefs first with music sheets first......... I guess my question is should I continue to learn the notes etc on paper or just buy a keyboard first, learn it and worry about the paper side later. I am 59 and wanted to play the piano forever lol but finally decided to "give it a crack". I'm not naturally musically inclined but love watching/hearing people play, I love boogie Woogie. Any info from you would be gratefully accepted. I have bounced around looking for a channel that suits me and I have found one now, u have a new subscriber. Love ur work and thank you for ur time u put in for us newbies of the music world.
P.S......... I just ordered an 88 key Kawai keyboard.
Hello Gary, welcome to my channel and thanks for your comment. You would do well to put off buying the piano because it will distract you from this excellent mentality you are prepared to maintain in terms of mastering the major scales and a bit of sight reading, away from the piano. You're in a fortunate position this way. Most people would do so well to lock their piano away for a few months and focus on their internal piano but alas, it rarely happens.
Just before pressing send, I realised the final PS! Ok - well maybe try to keep it in the box for a few weeks until you've allowed yourself to soak up the major scale shapes in your mind and got some really good internal manuscript abilities...
I have this video podcast on sight-reading which will benefit you: ua-cam.com/video/9OviH5YOdU0/v-deo.html
Obviously continue with the major scale mastery.
You like Boogie Woogie - well that's good because you've identified part of your musical personality. This article will make you think more about it: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/09/play-what.html
Updates welcome!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer Firstly Dan, thankyou for the speedy reply, I really appreciate every ounce of info/help I can gain from those who have been there done that. I will try to leave the piano in the box but I know curiosity will get the better of me. I have flash cards coming to help me learn sheet music names/symbols/values etc . So if I open the box I will try to equal amounts of time on both piano but also on learning sheet music as well. Thankyou for the links I will look at them now. I hope u don't mind me picking ur brain now and again, I am ready for the long haul and am looking forward to the journey albeit a bit scared as well. Thanks from a total newbie......... never hit a key on a keyboard at the moment.
I am an absolute beginner starting out, and I am so glad I found this channel! Super excited to learn this!
So this is part of the “Beginner’s playlist.” The very fist video that is part 1/12 of another series of videos. Is the idea of the playlist to go through each video on the playlist first, or each video has a part 1 to a series and to watch all the parts in the series in order?
Hello there and welcome! Thank you for your comment. You must go through this playlist first, absolutely. The major scale mastery is paramount to everything. The 10 lessons to become a pianist is old and whislt not 'wrong', a LOT of content has been posted and refined since. Best bet is to join for free and use for free my new Video Management Webite which has themes for beginners and allows you to make your own Watchlist! I also have specific playlists on YT, the newest ones labelled 1-7 so you can watch whatever you wish. Otherwise, consider here: www.dan-the-composer.com
You may like the Ten Mins at the piano once.. I add to that sometimes too :)
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer awesome! Thanks so much for the reply. I will check site.
Hello Dan sir,
Is it necessary to learn playing scale fingering for 3 octaves without lifting hands? (continuing the finger pattern ascending/descending) Will it affect my playing during learning a lesson?
Thanks for the lessons. Innovative teaching, as always!
Hello there. Thanks for your recent comments and attention. You’re doing well.
Two octaves is usually ok, three is just for a bit more practice. Be sure to use natural fingering and do them eyes closed. Major scales are used and abused for practice, not for making music (it would be very boring) so don’t get too held up with their mastery. The main thing is their shape and being able to se them in mind and therefore at the piano to be well orientated.
It won’t take too long then you’ll be free!
Best,
Dan
Hello Dan. Im just starting to learn the piano and was wondering if this is the playlist i should be learning because i see a lot of playlist in your channel
It is indeed! Welcome 🙏🎶
Internalizing/visualizing really feels like the most difficult part of this process. I can play the keys up and down with fluency in all scales, but I do not feel where I am with my mind's eye with that sort of ease, I rely on some sort of slower memory recall and I have no idea how to ditch that. My brain seems to really struggle with the keys from G# to B. C to G, everything is solid and as good as a reflex, but beyond that I slow to a crawl with recall and can't keep it up at any decent pace mentally (I transform to the cat with loading circle meme...404 mental picture not found).
Is there hope to improve on this? (I'm not a new learner, this problem has plagued me for years now, but it hasn't bothered me much with intermediate classical repertoire. I've just recently ventured further and realized how it's actually much more limiting when visualizing chords, or even sightreading.)
I'm so glad to have found your channel. It is immensely helpful, and just what I needed to break out of piano stagnation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Hello Dan! Your videos are being quite useful! At some point around 5:30 you mention that you talk about fingerings in another video. Which one is it? I want to check it.
Very sorry for delay. Trying to catch up with missed comments! Thanks for asking. That video is here! ua-cam.com/video/mf5egu0_tsY/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
excellent stuff. Have a question, you talk about mastering the 4 primary chords for each scale from the root position, what about the other steps within the scale? Do you also have to master the ii step for, then move on to the iii, then IV etc. whilst you are working on that particular scale?
Thank you for watching and your question. Sure, each major scale note has its own diatonic chord. I have a special video for that... it's just that that topic was far beyond the scope of this playlist since it's only major scales. Didn't want to scare anyone away! See here: ua-cam.com/video/wDeDccsm3YE/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer thanks for replying. So in the context of mastering a scale, would you go through all diatonic chords before moving to the next scale or ignore that step for at this stage?
------ I initially assumed that you limited the chords for a reason, thinking that once you know the make-up of a scale (i.e. tonal values between each step and type of chord for each of those steps i.e. major/minor/diminished) and cover just the 4 primary chords for each scale, you will eventually go over all possible chord shapes as you move up the circle of 4ths (diminished/vii step being the only exception I suppose) -----
I'm staring at my piano trying to convince myself its just an illusion. 😆
What piano?
Amazing lesson !
For how much time do you advice us to practice these exercices daily ? [I have a pretty busy schedule:( ]
Thank you 🙏
Any amount! Even 2 minutes. Just never pass up an opportunity and remember that just as much is mastery on your internal piano as at the piano so don’t worry about being away from it :) But anything where you feel you can get to an almost meditative state of observation and ease is good and that ranges from person to person. 5-20 mins perhaps?
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer Cool, thanks ! This way i have a frame of reference
Keep up the good work 👍
Perhaps some advice wich electronic piano to buy?
Sure: www.digitalpianoreviewguide.com/how-to-pick-the-best-digital-piano-under-500/
Welcome to my channel.
Best,
Dan
What do you make of Hannon?
“Ello dare”
I enjoy your lessons......you are a spiritual person, aren't you?
It would seem, if you feel so 🙏🎶
How much does fingering matter? I've seen other teachers recommend playing the triads with the thumb, middle and pinky fingers. Thoughts?
It must be personalised. Do not listen to those who say "use this fingering". Every hand and natural feel is different. Sure, sometimes everyone would use the same fingering due to anatomical similarities but in general, close your eyes and find your own. I have a video on this, it will help you: ua-cam.com/video/mf5egu0_tsY/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
Wish the visual things worked for saxophone. You have to just imagine it.
11:00
Hi Sir, am totally new to piano playing.All i know is black and white keys. can u point me to a video that will teach me from the scratch?
This playlist, my friend: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NWl43cy2XiArwodqSmWBOzC.html
Welcome.
Best,
Dan
www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Dan, enjoying these videos immensely, but I have a question about your choice of the primary chords. You include the minor major seventh, which (as you acknowledge) is pretty rare, but don't mention the minor seventh with flat five, which is much more common, particularly in jazz. I can understand why you would do this from the point of view of symmetry, since this gives you two chords based on the major triad and two on the minor triad, but I can't help feeling that you've oversold the min man 7 and undersold the min 7 b5.
Sorry, that's min maj 7 in the last line - blast autocorrect!
Thank you. Your point is valid. My reasoning, however, is as follows: chords are primarily 1 3 5 7 of the major scale... so I simply highlight the combinations of the these primary chord tones first, rather than highlighting chords 'in order of popularity', as you propose, with which I also wholeheartedly agree. I actually put a group of chords together in my danthecomposer Piano Challenge, which you may be interested in doing? ua-cam.com/video/ScTnOKnvtFY/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
Hi Dan, for a beginner would you suggest to start with the playlist "Best beginner video ordered", or with the playlist "pianist in 10 lessons"?
I started with the "pianist in 10 lessons" series (I'm now at lesson 3), then I saw the other playlist and it made me a little confused😅
Anyway, love your way of teaching, thanks a lot!
Greetings JA. Absolutely be sure to complete this major scale mastery playlist. Then, I'd even recommend the ten mins at the piano one: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUFebhir7tx1CrW03zbb0d0.html
Also, I encourage you to choose video titles that appear of interest to you, especially from the technical exercises playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUL0vQymra4RqVf7Z1WDD02.html
Just be sure not to get caught up in older videos; there's been 300+ videos since that 10 lessons playlist but YT insists on promoting it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer thank you, I'll check it out
What’s the formula for minor’ scales, if WH,WH,HS,WH,WH,WH,HS is fo major scales? Thank you sooooooo much Dan!!! 🤜🤛‘🙏🙏🙏‘
ua-cam.com/video/nvyMPyFdbZc/v-deo.html :)
I was surprised to hear you count down using note names "B A G ..." rather than numbers. To practice mastering the major scale, should we focus on thinking of relative notes (numbers 1-7) or absolutes (note names A-G) on our internal piano?
Don’t be too surprised! As long as you know the major scale you’re in, numerically, you then ‘have the right’ to use letters. Of course I also simplify sometimes by saying letters but be sure across all my videos I always always always highlight note values, only saying letters when I’ve established the major scale and said the numbers first. So focus on numbers and shapes and feelings; the letters are passive.
Best,
Dan
My internal piano has Laurel & Hardy moving it up a staircase, how do I get rid of that!
:) Try this article first: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/08/internal-piano-visualisation.html
Then this: ua-cam.com/video/dZHS1vogF-8/v-deo.html
Progress report requested.
Best,
Dan
Don’t know if you can help...I have a keyboard just like yours. Suddenly when I turned it on...every E and every Bb across the entire keyboard stopped working. Yes every octave on the keyboard no longer played E or Bb. Have you ever heard of this ? Do you have any ideas what chip is needed to be replaced. Everyone says junk it. Repair manual not helpful for me. Do you know a contact person who has knowledge to repair this keyboard.
Hello there. Probably a connection pad issue. It is fixable if you have a small screwdriver and a treasure chest full of patience! There are guides online to opening the DGX and rummaging around inside... don't be too afraid of ruining it before you call in someone... unless its absolutely within warranty and easy to take back to the shop or replace? Don't junk it!
There is a reset trick which has worked for some... you turn it off, hold down the right, up-most key and keep it pressed while turning it on. Keep the key pressed until the screen has loaded. This resets it to factory settings (I assume you haven't recorded stuff and don't mind losing them?) - this can sometimes kick the connections back. 10% likely but worth a try...
Otherwise, open it up, hoover it out, wipe a few contacts. It's quite interesting to open it up to be honest. I've done it twice. This quick straight to the point video shows the inside and tells what to do: ua-cam.com/video/VxxyJw1YBZM/v-deo.html
Let me know how you get on...
Best,
Dan
danthecomposer Thank you, I’ve had it apart many times. That would be so if it was a couple of keys close together. It doesn’t hold true when across all keys across entire keyboard, not connected.
if you ever forget the major scale formula in terms of whole half steps. Play C major scale. If you ever forget the minor scale formula, play A minor scale.
You also made a long comment on another video which I will get to soon but my answer will be the same: you're obsessed with tricks and shortcuts and this must stop! You're not doing yourself any favours. Please, just master the major scales, know what it feels like to 'be in' a key and you won't need these shortcuts. One will never have to 'forget' the major scale formula because they'll know the MS very quickly. And so what about A? Just because it's white notes? Try that on Db quickly with its mix of black and white (and more black than white). Also, screw C major and A minor. They are one of 11 other equally valuable and important keys. What if this was a clarinet? Or guitar? No white notes! So your Am trick wouldn't work. Do you see?
Do, please, master each key. You're already on the best playlist possible for that so stick with it and become a major scale shape master!
Appreciate your efforts though!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer thank you Dan. You are awesome. Who would take time out of their busy schedule to write such a lengthy comment to correct a random guy like me. I love your teaching. God bless you !!
dan i see you techneq to play with 1 2 3 finger on every 1 3 5 triad and play really fast just confusing what is proper fingering for piano , I just use 1 3 5 finger all the time
Hey. Do not, please, get stuck with 135 fingering, only when it's comfortable. I strongly suggest you go through this video about natural fingering (and my own) - ua-cam.com/video/mf5egu0_tsY/v-deo.html - it's long but useful!
Where are the 6 minute videos?! 😄
You have to watch the next 11 💁♂️🎶🤓
When you talk about scales I have noticed that you always show the C major scale. Please try to use other scales in your videos. I confess I haven't seen all your videos, I just discovered yours and I am quite happy. I paid for some of your e-books and I have a lot to learn yet. I am having a hard time to visualize the scales in my mind, I perfectly understand what a scale is, I know how to construct any scale just by applying the template WWHWWWH but that visualization is not coming :(. Maybe it is too early in this long journey but I know that a long trip begins with the first step. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge on playing the piano.
Hello. Thank you for support. I hope you’ll find the books useful. And yes, you haven’t watched many videos if you think I only play in C. I make an explicit effort to play in all keys and major scale mastery is the DNA of my whole channel content and philosophy. You’ve also commented that on a video dedicated to C major (!). I trust you realise this is the first of all 12 keys?
The scales will all come together as you go through this playlist. Do not attempt anything else until you have them down. It won’t take as long as you think and there are many exercises to confirm you know them both at and more importantly away from the piano.
Progress report encouraged.
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer Thanks for your response. Yes, I will stick to the scales first, one by one, no matter how long it takes, last night I was able to see on my pillow the G scale, of course, that one is easy, very similar to the C scale except for that F sharp. Have a nice day (or night in Budapest).