4 Chords + 1 Hand Position = Great Piano Improv
Bill Hilton Bill Hilton
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 Published On Oct 10, 2023

One of the best ways to get into piano improvisation is with a simple four-chord exercise, so that's what we're looking at today. The slight twist is that we're going to do it in a "difficult" key — D flat major — though, as we'll see, it's not really that difficult at all. In the tutorial I go through the basic chord progression, the single hand position we'll be using in the right, and explore some of the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic techniques you can use to create a great-sounding improv.

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If you want more piano exercises and challenges, take a look at this tutorial:    • Three Piano Exercises You'll Love (Ex...  

Want to know more about the theoretical background of piano chords? Check out this tutorial:    • Chord theory epic: functional harmony...  

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00:00 The improvisation
01:25 The chord progression
02:41 The basic improv principles at work
03:23 Sustain pedal
04:33 Right hand anticipation
05:49 Adding interest to the chords
06:42 Managing the dynamics
07:34 Left hand patterns and rhythms
07:58 Effective chord voicing/spacing
09:11 Relationship between the two hands
10:06 Getting started if you're new
11:08 Try asking yourself questions
12:10 Do more by doing less

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