Piano Guidance
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Should I learn power chords first?

Without doubt, the first chord shape you should learn on the guitar is the moveable power chord. If you mastered the moveable power chord, then it's time to tackle the triad. However, some triads are easier than others, so I suggest you start with A, D, & E.

Does cold harm a piano?
Does cold harm a piano?

Cold weather is known to cause piano strings to contract. This means they grow slightly shorter. Since they're wound so tightly, this can place an...

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How heavy is a Kawai upright piano?
How heavy is a Kawai upright piano?

KAWAI K SERIES UPRIGHT PIANO SPECIFICATIONS K-200 SIZE Height 45"" Width 59"" Depth 22.5"" Weight 459 lbs. 22 more rows

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When you’re just starting to learn guitar, it’s hard to know where to start. There are hundreds of scales and thousands of chords to learn. For that reason, mastering the guitar can keep you busy for the rest of your life! Fortunately, there are only a handful of scales and chords you need to learn in order to get in the game! If your goal is to play rock guitar, write your own music, or play in a rock band, then a few easy chord grips and two popular scales can take you from the practice room to the main stage in a matter of months rather than years.

Which Guitar Chords Should I Learn First?

Without doubt, the first chord shape you should learn on the guitar is the moveable power chord. If you mastered the moveable power chord, then it’s time to tackle the triad. However, some triads are easier than others, so I suggest you start with A, D, & E. (For the love of god, stay away from the dreaded F chord at all costs when you’re just getting started learning to play the guitar!)

What’s a Triad?

A triad is a three note chord consisting of the root, third, and fifth of the major scale. Triads with a major third (i.e. C, E, G) are major triads. On the other hand, triads with a minor third (i.e. C, Eb, G) are minor triads. In general, major triads sound happy and minor triads sound sad. In many ways, major and minor triads are mirror opposites. In Chinese philosophy, these contrary aspects of nature are known as the Yin and Yang. According to the Tao Te Ching, “Difficult and easy complement each other. Long and short define each other. High and low oppose each other. For and aft follow each other.”

Your First Three Triads: A, D, & E

For the purpose of this article, you’re going to ignore minor triads and learn to play A, D, & E major triads. Why those three chords? Because A, D, & E major are easy to play, they sound great together, and you can play more than 60 songs with them according to Guitar Player Box!

What IQ do musicians have?
What IQ do musicians have?

Before they took up an instrument, the new musicians' average IQ score was 103. When they were tested again, six months later, it had increased to...

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Is 8 too old to start piano?
Is 8 too old to start piano?

No, it is never too late to start piano lessons for beginners! For some children, starting after age eight will actually be better, depending on...

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What is a 3 note chord called?
What is a 3 note chord called?

The most basic form of chords is called a Triad, which is created by using 3 notes of a scale in order to bring out the basic harmony between this...

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Why is jazz so cool?
Why is jazz so cool?

Jazz has all the elements that other music has: It has melody; that's the tune of the song, the part you're most likely to remember. It has...

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Are pianists lonely?
Are pianists lonely?

Many pianists tend to be loners – the career almost demands it and self-reliance is something one learns early on, as a musician – but that does...

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Are piano teachers worth it?
Are piano teachers worth it?

Your piano teacher will help you stay on track with consistent practice. Knowing that someone else is observing your progress each week will...

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