post 3

3-Note Chordal Patterns: Melodic Textures
Now that I am getting better at playing with both hands I am ready to “get
melodic.” The idea with this lesson is to keep a rhythm with your left hand while
playing a 3-note pattern, while the right hand plays a melody.
To do this, use your pinky, index finger and thumb of your left hand. For example,
play a C-G- C chord with your left hand while counting, 1-2- 3-rest. Then the next
measure might be something like B-G- B-rest. I also learned that if I use the
sustain pedal with my foot, it helps the chord keep going during the “rest.” Then,
lift the pedal and press it again when the next measure starts. When you do this,
going along with the music, your foot really goes up and down a lot, lifting and
pressing for each measure. It feels awkward at first, but I’m starting to get used
to it.
So, this does start to get tricky, playing with two hands and adding in the foot
pedal. It’s important to practice slowly so that you have time to look ahead to
plan your next moves.
My next challenge is to add in “colors” to the right hand. This means playing
more than one note with the right hand, like two notes at a time. You really have
to be careful in your choices when deciding to do this, because some notes will
sound better than others, and some notes are known as “void” notes, which will
definitely not sound good a all.
In my book, Learn to Play Piano In Six Weeks or Less, the authors, Dan Delaney
and Bill Chotkowski recommend trying improvising after trying out the written
music exercises provided in the book.
I need to practice more before I’ll feel ready to try improvising, but they suggest
putting in your own rhythm with your right hand for a measure here and there to
make it more interesting.
So, like I said, this is getting trickier. My song to practice for this lesson is called
Greensleeves. Have you heard of it?
Be sure to check out my next blog entry where I’ll get into some of the important
symbols and what they mean when your reading music.