Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Use passing tones in the bass to keep the harmony interesting.

You want the bass to move, especially when you are changing chords.  Try to track where the chords are going and keep passing tones flowing between the chords in the space between measures.  You want it to flow nicely.

 If you know you are building to a C from G, try putting a G/B between the G and C.  This will help it keep flowing nicely.  You have to keep inversions in mind not just in the right hand, but in the relationship between your left hand and your right hand to make the bass flow nicely.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Know the Chords and then play some notes.

Start with octaves in your left hand, then switch to a 1-5-8 pattern.  Hammer chords and then arpeggiate in the right hand.

Get simple and then get more complex.

Or vise versa.  Use one hand and then 2.  Now you're kicking it.

Neopolitan chords can should good especially in minor.

Flat 2 major to 5 and then minor 1.  Sweet to end a phrase.

Remember the circle of 5ths.

5s fall to 1s.  2s fall to 5s.  6s fall to 5s, 3s, and of course 2s.  3s can fall any which ways.

Use 7ths, 9ths and sus4s.

They make it better.  Blend them in.  Shade and return.  Now you're thinking.

Use both hands.

Play using shapes on both hands.  Try an over and under motion.  That's right.  Try in opposite directions.  Try a little in opposite directions and then together or in harmony.  You're doing fine.