Play Piano By Ear: The Basic Necessities

When it comes to playing piano by ear, a very minimal step
you will want to take is to learn your primary chords in
all the keys… what are the primary chords?

Well, let’s consider the key of C Major, which is represented
by the C Major scale:

C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Each of these notes of the scale serves as a Root of a chord
in the key. For example, look at the “1” which is “C”…

Building in thirds (using “every other note” ascending), we
have:

C E G

This is a C Major chord. It is referred to as the “I chord”
(“one chord”) because the chord is built on the first degree
of the scale.

If we build chords on the first, fourth and fifth of this scale,
we have:

C E G = C Major chord

F A C = F Major chord

G B D = G Major chord

We generally use Roman numerals when designated the degrees
as numbers. Therefore, the I, IV, and V chords are what we
have above. These are known as the primary chords in the key
of C Major.

It is recommended that you learn the I, IV, and V chords in
all the keys, since this will serve as a necessary foundation
to opening your ears up. You see, these three chords are likely
to be heard and played more than any others in a given key
As a matter of fact, tons of songs have been written usinh
only these three chords!

If you would like to get a handle on this concept in a much
more basic format, there is a manuscript available that will
certainly help you. As a matter of fact, it was written without
assuming that you know anything about music at all. The name
of the popular little gem is:

How To Play Piano By Ear In All 12 Keys
Without Knowing How To Read A Note Of Music

This manual provides a step-by-step format that will walk you
through the process for any key in a very easy fashion.

The link is here:

http://www.pianochords101.com/12keys.html

Good luck on your musical journey… remember, always keep it
fun!

And remember…

Always…

ALWAYS…

PLAY WITH PASSION!

Musically,