Piano Guidance
Photo by Ann poan Pexels Logo Photo: Ann poan

What note do most songs end on?

Most of us know that songs usually end on I chords. I say “usually” because in recent years, that is changing.

How do you check if keycaps will fit?
How do you check if keycaps will fit?

You can check if a keycap set will fit your mechanical keyboard by checking the layout of your keyboard, knowing the size of special keys such as...

Read More »
Does ivory only come from elephants?
Does ivory only come from elephants?

The term “ivory” can be used to refer to the tusks and teeth of a number of species, from elephants to warthogs, hippos, and whales. Each species...

Read More »

Most of us know that songs usually end on I chords. I say “usually” because in recent years, that is changing. But for the purpose of this post, I am going to discuss only the I chord. However, I want to start moving you away from the simple I major triad to much more interesting options all within the family of the I chord. First of all, here are typical endings to songs (in the key of C) that we are all used to. They all utilize a simple C major triad. A very simple thing you can do that actually makes a big difference is to just insert the 2nd into the chord. The 2nd in the case of a C chord is D, but you can easily find the second by going up 2 half steps from the root of the chord.

Here are some examples that utilize the 2nd.

To take this to a new level though, we need to add the major 7th to this chord. In the key of C, that means adding a B, but you can easily find the major 7th by going down a half step from the root. Here are some examples. Do not play the root of the chord as the top note. If you avoid that, the major 7th sounds great. It is a dissonant, interesting sound. Once you add the major 7th, you have unlocked the 9th, #11th, and #13 and you can experiment with them as well. You can find these notes by going up 2 half steps from the root and then playing a major triad. For example, when playing a C chord, going up two half steps to D and play the D major triad. The 9th is D, the #11th is F# and the 13th is A. Here is the full C Major 7th chord with the 9th, #11th and 13th. Note that it looks like a D major triad stacked on top of a C chord. Note that the 2nd we talked about earlier and the 9th are the same note (D). You call it a 2nd if there is no 7th in the chord and a 9th if there is. Don’t ask why…

Does Ed Sheeran play piano?
Does Ed Sheeran play piano?

Sheeran's musical repertoire extends beyond just the guitar. He can also play the piano, bass, drums, and cello. Apr 3, 2022

Read More »
Who Holds Key to heaven?
Who Holds Key to heaven?

Peter Traditionally, Peter is represented holding two keys of equal size, which are explained by the Savior in the gospel of Matthew: “And I will...

Read More »

Why a #11 instead of just 11? It just sounds better.

This is the level at which you can get some very cool, textured sounds. Here are some examples and I want to emphasize this is just scratching the surface of the possibilities using the 9th, #11 and 13th. I would (and do) end songs with these kinds of chords. Some of these will work in church and some will be distracting. You have to decide what makes sense. But here are a few thoughts to help you. I have heard people say that it is wrong for songs to end in an unresolved state. While the theology of such a statement is suspect in the first place, that debate is irrelevant here because these chords ARE resolved from a functional standpoint. They may not sound resolved in a way that many expect, but they are indeed resolved. On the other hand, it makes no sense to play a song with simplistic harmony and then tack on a lush ending chord such as one of these last examples. That is only going to confuse and distract the listener. If you are playing primarily triads, stick with the examples toward the top of this post (adding 2nds and maybe the major 7ths) until your harmony matures. And then, consider the church itself. Just because you can play these chords does not mean you should. Some churches just cannot deal with them or are not used to that sound.

Are piano players good in bed?
Are piano players good in bed?

In short, the answer is "not really". There just isn't a real correlation between the level of pleasure in mating and a pianist's skill. Jan 8, 2014

Read More »
Is a tritone a sharp 4 or flat 5?
Is a tritone a sharp 4 or flat 5?

A tritone is the interval between the notes C and F-sharp. It's also known as the flat fifth or sharp fourth. Nov 10, 2010

Read More »
How much is a Steinway grand piano?
How much is a Steinway grand piano?

between $70,000 and $150,000 The short answer: somewhere between $70,000 and $150,000. For many musicians, a Steinway grand piano is their dream...

Read More »
What is the best musical instrument in the world?
What is the best musical instrument in the world?

Top Five Musical Instruments In The World Piano. Piano remains the most popular musical instrument to learn to play. ... Guitar. More than 50...

Read More »