How to Quickly Play Piano by Ear - Nigerian Worship Chords

Mastering Piano by Ear with Nigerian Worship Chords

Learn how to play piano by ear using Nigerian worship chords through three simple steps: matching the melody, incorporating drop two chords, and adding arpeggios. This guide breaks down the process with practical examples, focusing on a Nigerian worship song, and offers resources for beginners to enhance their skills and confidence in playing unfamiliar songs.

Playing piano by ear is a valuable skill, especially when accompanying singers or playing songs you've never heard before. This guide explores how to quickly learn to play piano by ear using Nigerian worship chords, breaking down the process into three simple steps. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your ear-playing skills, this article will provide practical insights and examples.

Playing by ear involves listening to a song and reproducing its melody and harmony on the piano without relying on sheet music. This skill is particularly useful in worship settings where spontaneous accompaniment is often required.

To illustrate the process, we will analyze a Nigerian worship acapella clip featuring the line:

"I will worship you forever, love you forever, because this God, you're too good."

This example serves as the foundation for learning how to play by ear.

Step 1: Matching the Melody

The first step in playing by ear is to match the melody line sung by the vocalist. This means identifying the notes they sing and playing them on the piano.

Understanding the Scale

The song is in the key of F major, which consists of the notes:

1 (F), 2 (G), 3 (A), 4 (Bb), 5 (C), 6 (D), 7 (E), and back to 1 (F).

You can play the scale in a comfortable range on your piano to familiarize yourself with the notes.

Matching the Vocal Melody

Listen carefully to the vocalist's melody:

"I will worship you forever, love you forever, because this God, you're too good."

Try to play the corresponding notes on the piano. For example, the melody might follow a pattern like 1 2 3 3 3 1 4 3 in scale degrees.

Practicing this step helps you develop your ear and ability to replicate melodies accurately.

Step 2: Incorporating Drop Two Chords

Once you can play the melody, the next step is to add harmony using drop two chords. Drop two chords are a type of voicing that allows smooth chord transitions while keeping the melody intact.

What Are Drop Two Chords?

Drop two chords are formed by taking the second highest note of a chord and dropping it an octave lower. This creates a more open and flowing sound.

For example, in an F major chord (F, A, C), dropping the second highest note (A) down an octave results in a drop two voicing.

Applying Drop Two Chords to the Melody

When accompanying the melody, use drop two chords to harmonize without interrupting the melody line. Keep the melody note as the highest note in your chord voicing.

For instance, if the melody note is the 4th degree (Bb), construct a drop two chord that has Bb as the top note.

Practice and Resources

If you're new to drop two chords, there are comprehensive lessons available that explain their theory and application. Practicing these chords in all keys will enhance your ability to accompany various songs.

Step 3: Adding Arpeggios

The third step involves playing arpeggios with your left hand while maintaining the melody and harmony with your right hand. Arpeggios add texture and movement to your playing.

What Are Arpeggios?

Arpeggios are broken chords where the notes are played sequentially rather than simultaneously. They create a flowing, harp-like effect.

Applying Arpeggios to the Worship Song

Using the example song, you can play the melody with your right hand and roll the chords as arpeggios with your left hand.

For example, moving from a C major chord to a G major chord and then to an A minor chord, you can play the notes of each chord one after the other in your left hand.

Combining Techniques

This approach combines melody matching, drop two chord voicings, and arpeggios to create a rich and dynamic accompaniment.

Additional Tips and Resources

- **Free Club Membership:** Joining a free club membership can provide you with PDFs of lyrics, notation, melody lines, and play-along tracks to reinforce your learning.

- **Practice in All Keys:** To become proficient, practice these techniques in every key.

- **Watch Related Lessons:** There are video lessons available that cover drop two chords and arpeggios in detail.

- **Encouragement:** Consistent practice and patience are key. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to improve.

Conclusion

Playing piano by ear is a skill that can be developed through systematic practice. By following the three steps of matching the melody, incorporating drop two chords, and adding arpeggios, you can confidently play songs you've never heard before.

This method, demonstrated through a Nigerian worship song, showcases how theory and practice come together to create beautiful music.

Keep practicing, explore new songs, and enjoy the journey of musical growth.

Today is a new day, a new life, and a new opportunity to become a better musician. Embrace the challenge and let your passion for music guide you.