An Article on New Age Piano Playing

by Pianist/Composer Edward Weiss

Piano Chord Changes And

How to Chart Them Out!
By Edward Weiss

Published by
Quiescence Music
 Piano Chord Changes and How to Chart Them Out!

As much as I like to just "fool around" on the piano, there comes a time when I
want to remember or capture what I've been doing. But what's an easy way to do
this you ask? I'll tell you. By charting out your chord changes on a piece of paper,
you'll remember the harmonic background easier. Here's how.

First, get a sheet of paper. Any paper will

do. It doesn't have to be lined or ruled
and it doesn't have to be music paper.
Next draw out 8-bars. I usually just draw 4
bars, skip down some and then draw another
4-bars. This is your chord chart!

It doesn't have to be more complicated than

this. In fact, this quick sketch method will
serve you well when inspiration is running
high and you want to very quickly jot down
your chord changes.

You can do it anywhere! On a napkin, on a

piece of paper in your purse or wallet. In fact,
I've actually used ATM receipts to jot down
chord changes on.

After you draw out 8-bars, you know have a

template to use. You simply write your chord
symbols on top. The chord changes may last
for 1 bar, 2 bars… whatever. Eight bar
frameworks are excellent to work in
because they give you your first section of music! Plus, it's a nice space of
time to work in. In fact, you could use just 2 chords and fill out the 8-bars, i.e., C
Major for the first 4 bars and F Major for the next 4.

After you fill up this 8-bar space, you have basically captured the harmony
aspect. But, you'll probably want to jot down the first 2-bars of melody as well.
This will really help you remember what you are creating. You might also want to
sketch out the arrangement of your chord changes.

For example, if you are playing arpeggios in the left hand, indicate the pattern by
writing it in for 2-bars. Well, there you have it. My quick sketch method for creating
with.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online

piano lessons . He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New
Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now
over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE
piano lesson!