Piano Chords

Learn to interpret chord symbols at the piano, using classics such as "Hallelujah", "Always On My Mind", etc.

4.90 (728 reviews)

Udemy

platform

English

language

Music Fundamentals

What you will learn

Interpret basic chord symbols, including major and minor triads, sus chords, and 7th chords

Have multiple ways of playing the same chord, so that you can choose the one that sounds best

Why take this course?

"After buying loads of books on piano chords nothing has come close to this excellent course … it has to be the best on Udemy" - Michael Fallon

"Even if you already know your scales and chords, this course brings you through the variations so that you can do more than just play a triad each and every time." - Richard

This course teaches you how to interpret basic chord symbols at the piano, and explains them:

at the keyboard
in a visual and intuitive way
using real pieces of music

I'll teach you concepts using original techniques that I've tested on hundreds of students over a decade, including signed artists and other industry professionals. By the end you'll know many ways of playing any chord symbol that's likely to crop up in popular music. (I'm working on a follow-up course that teaches more advanced chords that you find in jazz.)

What this course is

This course shows you many ways of playing:

major triads (e.g. C, Eb, F#)
minor triads (e.g. Dm, Fm, G#m)
sus chords (e.g. Esus, Gsus, Bbsus)
7th chords (e.g. F#7, Am7, Cmaj7), and
slash chords (e.g. Ab/Eb, Bm/E, Dmaj7/E)

so that you can:

read a "lead sheet" (a score with a melody and chord symbols but no LH)
accompany yourself singing using just chord symbols, and
understand how the chord symbols fit a score

I'll show you many ways of playing each chord so that you can not only work out what chord to play but also turn it into a complete accompaniment.

What this course isn't

This course doesn't teach you how to play the piano - it assumes you know how to play the piano already. And the pieces used are mostly extracts that are designed to illustrate certain types of chord, so the goal isn't to play complete pieces but to acquire skills that you can apply to other pieces.

Also, this isn't a music composition course: I don't talk very much about why certain chords sound good together. However, if you are interested in learning about chord progressions this is a good starting point.

In conclusion

So, if you've ever wondered what Dm7/G means then give this course a try! You can always get a refund if you decide it isn't for you.

Best of luck on your musical journey,

Benedict

Screenshots

Our review

🏆 **Course Review Summary** The global course rating stands at an impressive **4.90**, indicating that the vast majority of recent reviewers have had a highly positive experience. The consensus among these reviews is that the course is **well-organized**, **easy to follow**, and the instructor's knowledge shines through with clear demonstrations and explanations. ### Pros: - 🎶 **Clear Instruction**: The instructor's pace is **clear and slow**, which makes learning easier, especially for those new to piano or those who have struggled with piano in the past. - 📚 **Effective Learning Progression**: The course offers a **step-by-step approach** that builds on concepts progressively, ensuring a solid understanding of the material. - 🎵 **Practical Application**: Reviewers appreciate the course's focus on practical application and real-world techniques, with musical examples that make learning engaging and enjoyable. - 🌟 **Varied Content**: The variety of musical selections used to demonstrate chords and techniques, such as using "La Valse d'Amelie" for all keys, is particularly well-received. - ✅ **Interactive Tests**: The interactive tests and practice exercises help reinforce learning and ensure retention of the concepts taught. - 🎶 **Real-World Chord Forms**: The course effectively teaches the main chord forms in keyboard, providing a comprehensive foundation for players at all levels. - 👍 **Engaging Content**: The relaxed and informative presentation style, along with the interactive nature of the course, makes it one of the most delightful and enjoyable courses on Udemy. - 🎓 **Systematic Explanations**: The comprehensive explanations are lauded for their clarity and usefulness, making the learning journey both motivating and rewarding. ### Cons: - ➡️ **Potential Improvements in Visuals**: Some reviewers suggest improvements in the visual presentation of the videos, such as better illustration of chords and intervals. - 🔗 **Linking Theory to Practice**: While the intertwining of theory and practice is praised, some may still find value in additional theory-focused content before diving into practical application. - ⏱️ **Pacing**: A few reviewers indicate that while the pacing is good for beginners, more experienced players might desire a quicker or more advanced approach to certain topics. ### Key Takeaways: This course stands out due to its focus on practical application and engaging content delivery. It is particularly effective for beginners and those looking to improve their understanding of chords and intervals while playing melodies. The interactive tests and comprehensive explanations are highlights that contribute to the overall positive user experience. While there are minor points of improvement, such as enhancing visual aids and potentially expanding on theoretical aspects, the course is generally regarded as an excellent resource for piano players at all levels, with special praise from those who have struggled with traditional teaching methods. ### Final Verdict: This course is highly recommended for its effectiveness in teaching piano chords and harmonization in a practical and engaging manner. It is particularly well-suited for beginners and older students who are looking to learn or improve their skills without the tedium of extensive scale practice. The positive feedback from a wide range of users speaks volumes about the course's value as an educational tool for aspiring pianists. 🏅👏

Charts

Price

Rating

Enrollment distribution