2010-08-21

Learn to Improvise at the Piano in 4 Easy Steps

You love music and can spend hours at your piano, playing tunes that you have memorized over the years. Everybody appreciates your skills at the piano and you are the pride of your family. However, there is a problem. Namely, the fact that you can only play songs that are in front of you in the form of sheet music. Without sheet music, you are like a fish out of water, fumbling keys and tones.

If this sounds like you, then you need to read on.

Improvising a song at the piano isn't rocket science. Its a combination of plain old practice, and some talent. If you have an ear for music, you should find it very easy to become a rock start at improvisation. Here are a few tips to help you start off:

1. Practice your scales in all keys, not just your favorite G or C. Improvisation largely involves knowing your scales, and without practice, you will never be able to switch quickly between notes and scales. I know that its not much fun, but it is a necessity.

2. Don't just practice major and minor chords. Branch out, try practicing the diminished, augmented, 6th chords. They can be extremely difficult, but once you get the hang of them, they can quickly add a lot of color to your songs.

3. Rather than sticking to the middle of the piano, spread out. Try playing the same song an octave higher, then an octave lower. Practice alternating between octaves in the middle of a song. With time, you will be able to mix up octaves for a wonderful, harmonious effect.

4. Never, ever give up. Improvisation cannot be learned over night. It takes the best players years and years of hard work to play like they do. If you give up too soon, you will never be like them.




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