The Most Effective Practice For Learning Piano Chords

Master Piano Chords Quickly with the Function Method

Learn an effective three-step approach to mastering major and minor piano chords quickly using the function method. This method focuses on understanding chords by their function within a major scale, enabling you to play chords on the fly. Follow a structured 3-month practice routine to master all essential chords and improve your piano skills efficiently.

Do you struggle to figure out your piano chords quickly and easily? If yes, the problem might be that you learned your piano chords by measuring the distance between notes. While this approach is not bad for beginners, it is ultimately slow and impractical for playing chords on the fly.

In this article, we will explore the ultimate approach to practicing piano chords using a simple three-step method called the function method. By following this approach, you will be able to figure out any major or minor chord quickly and easily. Additionally, we will share a practice routine designed to help you master your most important piano chords in just three months.

Common Approach to Learning Piano Chords

Most students learn piano chords by counting half steps between notes. For example, to play a C major chord, you start on C, go up four half steps to E, then up three half steps to G. Similarly, for an E major chord, you start on E, go up four half steps, then three half steps.

For minor chords, such as F minor, the process is similar but with a different pattern: start on F, go up three half steps, then four half steps.

While this method helps beginners understand chord construction, it requires constant measuring and is not practical for quick chord recognition or improvisation.

The Function Method: A Better Way to Learn Chords

The function method is a simple and effective way to learn all your major and minor chords by understanding their function within a major scale. This method involves three steps:

Step 1: Start with a Major Scale

Begin with a major scale, such as the C major scale, which consists of all white notes starting on C. Assign numbers to each note of the scale:

- C = 1
- D = 2
- E = 3
- F = 4
- G = 5
- A = 6
- B = 7

Step 2: Stack Third Intervals on Each Scale Note

For each note in the scale, build a chord by stacking two third intervals. This means skipping one note in the scale each time you add a note to the chord.

- Starting on C (1), skip D and play E, then skip F and play G. This forms a C major chord.
- Starting on D (2), skip E and play F, then skip G and play A. This forms a D minor chord.

Applying this to all scale degrees results in the following chords:

- 1 (C): Major
- 2 (D): Minor
- 3 (E): Minor
- 4 (F): Major
- 5 (G): Major
- 6 (A): Minor
- 7 (B): Diminished

Step 3: Memorize the Diatonic Chord Formula

The formula for chords built on each scale degree in a major key is:

Major - Minor - Minor - Major - Major - Minor - Diminished

Memorizing this formula helps you quickly identify the quality of chords based on their scale degree without counting half steps.

Why This Method Works

Most popular music uses chords derived from the major scale, known as diatonic chords. By practicing these chords in various keys, you can quickly and easily play many common chord progressions.

For example, common pop progressions use chords like 1, 4, 5, and 6, all of which fit into the diatonic chord framework.

Practice Routine to Master Chords in 3 Months

To effectively learn and master your major and minor chords, follow this weekly practice routine:

Week 1: Key of C Major

- Practice playing the C major scale.
- Play each diatonic chord in the key of C (C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, A minor, B diminished).
- Practice hands separately and together.
- Experiment with different chord patterns and inversions.

Week 2: Key of D♭ Major

- Practice the D♭ major scale.
- Build and play all diatonic chords in D♭ major.

Subsequent Weeks

- Continue moving up by half steps each week, practicing the major scale and diatonic chords in each key.
- Follow the full 3-month lesson plan to cover all 12 keys.

This structured approach ensures you develop familiarity and dexterity with chords in every key.

Additional Resources

For those interested in a deeper dive, consider exploring courses that cover:

- All diatonic chords in every key
- Common chord progressions
- Best fingerings
- Techniques to improve speed and dexterity

These resources often include downloadable and printable sheet music, as well as smart sheet music that allows you to change keys with a click.

Conclusion

Learning piano chords by function within a major scale is a powerful and efficient method. It eliminates the need to count half steps constantly and helps you understand the relationship between chords and scales.

By following the three-step function method and committing to a consistent practice routine, you can master your major and minor chords in just three months. This foundation will enable you to play a wide variety of music confidently and with ease.

Happy practicing!