The number one that helped me learn the piano was go to guitar center and take lessons from a someone that knows more than I do. The internet is too saturated with information. Learn your major scales, major chords, and the 2-5-1 chord progression. Once you learn the major scale, you will know all the scales (minor,etc). But you will need a teacher to show you this. Learning the circle of fifths is a game changer! Lock in and take those lessons in person. Everything will start to make sense. Keep it up!!!
I'm learning piano now for better music production & to play live plus learning theory. This was extremely dope to watch. Much success to you... it inspires!
The basics are key! The more you dial in the basics, scales, chords, fingerings, proper technique, the easier everything else will be. I just spent a year learning the basics on bass and it's paid off tenfold. I know the instrument so much better because of it. Yes playing scales in all 12 keys everyday for 5-10 minutes can be boring, but it pays off over time.
I recently started learning piano as a producer and I actually recommend learning one key (major or minor scale) and knowing it to the point where you can just transpose anything to your key. Learning every key at the same time never worked for me personally, but now that I know my key I can figure out the other ones by just using the same principles from the key im already comfortable with. Also if you record your practice sessions in your daw you can cook up with that, it makes it more clear where the gaps are
Look man, there’s no shortcut when it comes to building fundamental piano technique. Simon is giving his experience, but his technique is something that was built from just spending time playing the keys from a young age. What he gained in technique could’ve been gained faster doing it the standard way, but as a kid he had the leisure of not having to worry about time. Learning your scales and arpeggios instead of trying to tip-toe around it will just allow you to learn everything you’re trying to learn faster, instead of intentionally trying to a take a shortcut that ultimately takes longer and doesn’t suit your circumstances. If you spent even just two weeks intentionally learning scales with a metronome, it will get you to a point where you’ll have applicable skills vs just spending a month learning one song that’s hard to translate to other songs because you don’t know the theory behind it. Nothing wrong with learning songs, but don’t think of it as an alternative to scales.
Also on the same journey and what’s helped me a lot is learning jazz piano rather than classical. Especially if you’re learning to make your own stuff rather than just play someone else’s song.
@@madd2377 theres tons of stuff if you search to learn anything on youtube, you can look at the mangold project series or piano with jonnys 1 year plan
@@madd2377 th-cam.com/video/vEskxQv10Oc/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=PianoWithJonny this is such a great video for learning not only jazz but improvisation. multiple different levels all time stamped with rough plans on how to progress. my suggestion is to follow the beginner portion making sure your fingering technique is correct. Since this video focuses on one key for a whole month, any questions you have about technique you can search as you go and master one key at a time!
Replaying Trick: 1. Find the root note 2. What's the scale for it? 3. What are the chords for each note? 4. Find those major chords first. (You should recognize right away..."Oh wait, it's probably minor") 5. Learn those minor chords. 6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first. 7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND it's chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "II" etc. 8. Now how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-II-III etc. ;) 9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord. 10. In a major key, the III and VI chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major. Ok...🙄I checked with ChatGPT to make sure I was correct and I am, but it said: "Your tips for learning to replay a song/sample are quite comprehensive and structured. Here's a refined version with some additional clarifications and corrections to ensure accuracy:" Ok, bro...LOL. Replaying Trick: 1. Find the root note: • Identify the key of the song. This is the starting note that gives the tonal center. 2. What's the scale for it? • Determine whether the scale is major or minor. This will guide you in finding the appropriate chords. 3. What are the chords for each note? • Understand the diatonic chords within the scale. Each note of the scale can form a chord. 4. Find those major chords first: • In a major scale, the primary chords (I, IV, V) are major. Listen for these strong, stable chords. •Clarification: You should recognize if the context calls for minor chords instead. 5. Learn those minor chords: • In a major scale, the ii, iii, and vi chords are minor. • In a minor scale, the i, iv, and v (natural minor) are minor, with variations in the harmonic and melodic minor scales. 6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first: • Start with triads (three-note chords) and then move on to sevenths, ninths, etc., as needed. 7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND its chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "ii," etc.: • This helps in understanding the functional harmony of the song. 8. Now, how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-ii-iii, etc.: • Identify the chord progression by listening and recognizing the movement between chords. 9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord: • Use the scale to add extensions (7ths, 9ths, etc.) to the basic triads. 10. In a major key, the iii and vi chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major: • Correct. In a major key: I, IV, and V are major. ii, iii, and vi are minor. • In a natural minor key: • i, iv, and v are minor. • III, VI, and VII are major. *Additional Tips:* • Listen actively: Pay attention to the bassline, as it often indicates the root of the chord. • Use your instrument: Play along with the song to better understand the chord changes. • Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common chord progressions to make identification easier. • Ear training: Develop your ear to recognize intervals, chords, and progressions. • By following these steps and tips, you'll be better equipped to replay songs and samples accurately.
learning songs by ears is what i do with my guitar. Yeah i took 3 years of lessons then kept learning by myself and that for sure helped. As i developed musical ears it's my time to learn piano. That's my dream instrument after guitar i also wanna start producing songs
I've got a tip for you! A great method for learning to play the piano by ear is to choose a melody-rich song, like "Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey, and play it repeatedly. Use your right hand to find notes that sound pleasant. Don't aim to replicate what you hear; instead, focus on creating a pleasing counter melody. As your ear develops, you'll start to match the actual notes you hear. Initially, concentrate on producing agreeable sounds. After mastering the melody with your right hand, gradually incorporate your left hand, one finger at a time. Look for a bass note that complements well; it doesn't need to match the song's original bass. The goal is to sound harmonious. With practice, you'll find yourself playing recognizable tunes, although they may not be in the correct key. This is because you're playing what sounds good to you, rather than the exact notes of the song. I hope this advice is beneficial! Do not look at your hands; instead, play in the dark or cover your hands. Use your ears, not your eyes.
Focusing too intently on playing what you are hearing can lead to frustration, especially if you don't understand it. Instead, try playing anything until it starts to sound good. The key is the counter melody! With enough practice, you'll begin to recognize what you are hearing.
Watch some open studio jazz. Lotta of gems about advanced chords approaches. My shortcut was to learn popular cookie cuter jazz chord voices and play them by ear in a song from Spotify play the bass notes and harmonize. With those voicings you basically add crunch without thinking of it. Force yourself to do as different keys as possible so that you won’t be intimidated by another key. Staying in one key may reinforce bad habits. Have at least 4-5 popular keys that you are good at and you will improve so much. I made a lot of progress and it’s just been one year. Chords first then melody. You can already sing or hum so all you need to do is to create a vibe with chords.
Bro u gotta keep trying that sing about me tutorial. I was like u at one point but what u gotta do is slow down the video to like half speed and practice it over and over until it’s fluent. It took me a few days but I eventually got it and now I can play it effortlessly u got it keep up the work 💯
What a great video! I've been playing piano roll all my life and recently I bought a MIDI keyboard and realized how difficult it can be to play live, like I was starting to learn music all over again.
One of the things that helped me was to find the key of the song I want and play a melody over it with the keys, usually Amin or CMaj because they are all the white notes so an easy start. It helps with the ear training, harmony and movement.
Bests advice would be to start out learning your favorite song on piano. You can go on TH-cam and learn the step by steps of how to play a specific song that you like. What you are doing is studying someones compositions and studying the notes and chords your playing. Eventually the cords that you're playing you're going to develop musical vocabulary. Look at it like reading a book. When u read a book u Eventually start developing better vocabulary and knowledge. I would say learn a new song every other week. Simple songs for u. Then once u get the hang of it start learning harder songs with arpeggios ect After u learn a handfull of songs now u can start understanding the theory. Understanding the scales , cicrle of 5ths transposing tour songs. It will take some time but the first step os to learn a bunch of songs to buld some musical vocabulary
Hi L.Dre! I have a suggestion for you for learning scales that has helped me progress way faster than I would of imagined. Find a scale you you naturally gravitate to and consider the following: - Major/Minor Scale? (Picking one basically names you are learning 2 scales. Exp - E maj = Db min/ Db min = Emaj) - What feels most natural to you? (Genre, Natural Hand Placement and Most Fun.) After you pick your Scale, stick to that scale and that scale only. Learn everything about that scale until you can make/play music. After you get comfortable learning the following or have an understanding of: - Circle of Fifths - Playing the scale up and down spanning multiple octaves in comfort - Scale Chords - Inversions - Extensions - Understanding Dom', Dim', Borrowed Chords and Transitioned chords - Your Relative min/maj Scale ' - Having an idea about The Modes - Having an idea of your Personal Playstyle Sticking to one scale will allow you to find these moments of realization about how you play as a person. You will start finding your own methods of understanding how 'Theory' works and start making your own system that fits the needs of your playing. You will have loads of "oh", "ah", "huh", "I see", moments that make it exciting!
Simon's right that an instrumental approach is key -- learn songs and stuff you *want* to learn, and then progress to the stuff that's drier. You can use theory stuff you learn later to help you learn what you like, but if you start with that stuff it's easy to become discouraged and not practice or reject it. I'm kind of in that spot now where, after years of taking lessons and learning the dry stuff, I'm struggling to get myself to actually practice (i should be practicing now!).
@3:10 Pop Band Academy of Music in San Antonio. George the instructor, and genius, said this was how he learned. In class we learned from pop songs old and new with sheets that had the letter chord names. He would often turn on the radio, switch stations and then choose a song that was on. Within 2 minutes he knew how to play it and would proceed to teach it to us. He said even if you can only understand enough during a song to play the root note--you just practice the rhythm with that till you get the hang of it. I took music theory for a few semesters a few years before and I not only was understanding chords, but playing them better than I did in theory class. Now here's the kicker: Not only was his method to memorizing scales, chords, and progressions so good, his method for retaining it was amazing... It's in the name: BAND. You were learning by playing a song together with the others as a band. He got us small shows to use "nerves" to shorten our learning curve. On top of all that, you would go in with a focus on piano for example, but it was MANDATORY that you get on other instruments. Not lessons later--play it NOW. He would correct and teach you while we were performing in class. This way you get an understanding of the parts other instruments play in the composition. Synergy with, and empathy for your bandmates. If you live in or around San Antonio I highly recommend his classes. $15 for an hour long class (YES) or $40 for four a month. You can take as many as you want though. Not sure he still does this, but he would let you join in on other classes on your scheduled day if there was space.
Piano pig has some really great tutoriala for beginners. From the theory behind how chords are constructed(major 3rds minor 3rds) to scales, all the way up to advanced progressions and voicings. When I started learning literally just his how to construct chords tutorial video I was making beats with playing keys the same day. Also Sarah2ill knows what's up definitely. Much love, keep it up! 🌸
Major scales first just to slowly allow yourself to build coming one with the machine ie, allowing your fingers time to sync with your brain and flow when playing.
Thank you for sharing this process. As someone starting their own music journey, it’s good to not always see the elite or perfectionists. Seeing the journey is motivating! Keep going, bro😊
i did this a while back. i still suck at keys though. got better at understanding things about midi though. good for you for taking the step. wise, and sensible. alot of producers should get to this point of understanding that you gotta know some kinda instrument When i did it my melodies took a hit. but, they eventually got better. Back when i was sampling i didnt know how many chords i was borrowing samples dont give you the same feeling of accomplishment also
I’m already seeing great progress L.Dre! 👏🔥 You learning and playing the melody and chords at the end is exactly the way. There are no cheat codes or tricks, it’s just playing every day and using the piano as your music making tool that will help you grow.
This is super interesting. I think a good process for you would be to start in C major, play the scale at least once a day, then learn the chords for each number of the scale (1-7), Cmaj, Dmin, Emin, Fmaj etc. with whatever extension probably 7ths since you're already familiar with it. The real breakthrough comes from consistency. Doesnt need to be super hard but there needs to be some structure so you can keep track of what youve accomplished. This is in addition to ear training. When you understand the relationship between the chord numbers and the melody you will improve even quicker.
@LDreTheGiant Super proud of you bro! Please stick with it! In a year from now you’ll thank yourself. Learning an instrument isn’t fast or easy, but it will pay off in spades down the road. I 100% guarantee it! Just remember you’re on your own journey, no one else’s.
I'm excited to see your journey!! I'm also trying to learn piano for producing / making music right now. I also don't really know what to practice, I've been spending my time just playing chords in the scales, experimenting with extending the chords. But it's all really confusing, because I know that for writing music sometimes it's a good idea to invert some chords, but while practicing it just seems a little too much. But it's really motivating to see you progress!
Learning things by ear and strengthening your ear is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. But I will say learning the boring stuff like scales, chords, arpeggios, and technique will make you progress way faster, and will make that ear training all come together. All you have to do is commit 15-30 minutes a day, set small goals, and just grind through it.
I agree with Simon you don’t have to learn proper techniques but I feel like it would just hold you back. Since you are new those bad habits are not welded ok as muscle memory. I play guitar, bass, and piano. For all of them I started off with bad technique but I was still able to make decent beats and stuff. After learning proper(ish) techniques it makes the instruments easier/fluid. It’s like practicing for the 100 meter dash without proper running form. Everyday you will get better, but not knowing the most optimal techniques that works for other you may just be holding yourself back on how fast you can progress. With that said glad to see episode 2 and can’t wait for you to conquer them keys
@@JO.mp317 I watch and listen to my favorite artist and how they play and sing when it comes to music. My main tip for practicing to make it fun but also disciplined. When practicing anything you are going to sound bad at first. Take it slow and get familiar with what scale you are going to play in. If you were to play in f#major, play the 7 different chords and alternate voicings to get familiar with it. When you go to record you may feel the groove and have a happy improvisation accident. Remember we are PLAYING instruments. Piano is pushing down buttons, vocals is playing with an instrument you are born with, and guitar is a chunk of wood with some strings. It doesn't have to be that serious but keep yourself disciplined where you do something music related for at least an hour a day. (This is all over the place my bad ;)
Mastering a musical instrument requires persistence and dedication. While it typically takes years to achieve proficiency, consistent daily practice can significantly shorten the learning curve. As a beginner you should focus on building a strong foundation by following a few steps below: 1. Learning to recognize all 12 notes (note naming) 2. Understanding the basics of chord construction, starting with triads (Major, minor, aug, sus) 3. Learning three essential chord positions for triads (chord inventions) 4. Exploring scales in all 12 keys, focus on major and minor scale By completing around 60% of these foundational steps, you'll be able to play hundreds of songs.
Scales are necessary. Playing and memorizing. Can't get around it. Knowing what key you're in and what "belongs" in that key makes playing/writing so much easier.
Also having someone help you learn how you learn is helpful too if that makes sense...so youre not just shooting in the dark trying to pick 12 notes out at one time.
good job so far dre! what helped me become a keys player over the years was imrpovisation : ) it seems daunting but like getting chords and then using notes in the scale and it helped me become hella confident !
PSA - bro I’ve been producing 1999 & I’m still struggling to master the piano, play by ear, read sheet music… This sħît is frustrating, but he’s giving you solid advice, mimic your favorite songs, melodies & chords. This won’t teach you how to play the notes, but it will give you an eye opening idea of movements, key selection, timing etc… It’s all about practice / drive 💯
loved this video... but it made me realize how long it's gonna take if I wanna learn piano too. I can definitely relate to feeling anxious while taking too long to learn something, especially when trying to get a video filmed
I think learning songs by ear is a crazy way of starting, it's too difficult. When I started I learned the scales, just enough were you can at least start figuring out what the scale of the song is, and then I would write down all the 7 basic chords of the scale, and start trying them out to see which one it is. I would mix that with just doing the scales over and over again and then doing all major chords, then all minor chords over and over again (not in scale), then same but the different inversions. As soon as you can get to a point were the scales stick and you can semicomfortably finger any basic chord, it becomes fun to find the chords as fast as possible and then you can really start getting good at it. Also, I started with trap and reggaeton music so the chords are usually less jazzy and have simpler 3-4 chord progressions, without even changing in the hook, that helps a lot. If I had started with lofi, it again becomes boring because I can't really gamify it. But then you will just naturally get the urge to properly learn a favorite song or something that's way more complex and you can still enjoy that and learn a bunch from it, but if all the songs you learn take a week then you're gonna hate life by the 4th song 😂
Just before the end I was thinking in my head that the chord should be a 9th based on the melody you were playing. Overall excited to watch your Journey and great efforts.
perfect song I started to learn on was travis Scott - my eyes (Japanese house - over there - original sample). honestly really worth checking out, its not too hard
I started at 13 and I learned by simply just messing around with the keys everyday until I got tired I learned the sharps and flats first but I agree it does get boring after a while
Use your ear as much as possible. Take a song you want to learn, sing the melody until you know it, then using your singing and ear figure the melody out on the piano Next do the same with the bass part of the song, learn to sing it, use your voice and ear to figure out the bass on the piano. Now for the chords if you know the melody and the bass its just about finding some notes in between that sound good together. Use your voice and ear as much as possible because what you want to develop is the connection of ear, brain, hands.
bro my plan was that when i had saved enough to be able to buy a cheap midi keyboard coz im broke, id download one of those softwares or games that let you plug a midi so you can play a song based on the upcoming notes on a keyboard, i think itll help with timing and how you press a keyboard (hand placement etc...) coz i think youre where im at. so id suggest you do the same. note: look for softwares like synenthesia
For me, the easiest way i learnt keys was to practice simple basic chords on key c, just triads on both hands, then I started holding octaves on my left hands, but i had to know be very good at holding my chords properly, hope this helps 🤷
just want to share in case this helps. Im a producer and I've always wanted to learn piano and bass. although I'm leaning more towards bass first I was following along with your video just now and wanted to see if what cords I was playing visually. so I opened up the scaler plugin. Ive used scaler as a cheat for so long but playing into it while I practice is helping me visually see the noted I'm playing and also is teaching my new chords and scales as well. Just a tip if you are ever practicing in the daw. i know you got the stage piano to practice outside the daw.
I don’t know if you’ll see this but if you learn intervals particularly triads are the tonic (first note of the chord the 3rd and the 5th any other chord variation is alternating that triad chord or adding onto it like a min 7 chord is just a major triad chord with the 3rd note down one note (that makes the minor chord and you add the 7th interval on top, all a melody is playing those is those intervals in a certain pattern in whatever scale your in and the melody almost always has the root the 3rd interval and the 5th some where in it hope this helps?
Lol that's is how I feel. I play piano and for the life of me can not make music in FL studios. My son can whip up stuff on FL studios that will make your head spin but can't use a piano 😅
If you feel like you are putting too much time on to learning by ear cut it to about 10-15 minutes every day it will make you more inclined to practice and if you feel like going for longer it will still benefit you.
If you're going to try recreate music by ear, start with The Beatles, not Kendrick :-). You want to stick to simple stuff at first. Also, notice how the white keys are the same width as the back keys near the top part (between the black keys). So just like how chord shapes are preserved on the Push in chromatic mode, its actually the same on piano if you played up in that top area. Its just impractical with fat fingers so they make those wide white keys but that confuses everything.
Great video! Also, you asked how to know what chords you're playing, actually it's based on the scale you played. A typical chord is 1st, 3rd and 5th note of the scale you played, if you have a 7th then it is the 7th chord in the scale. So actually I would say playing scales are important. I agree with Simon that ear training is important, but even before hearing chords, you need to hear what intervals are. Right now, I honestly, feel like you're trying to run before you learn how to walk properly.
You should learn the basics regardless. It's useful for any music composition - whether on piano or the DAW piano roll. Not to memorize everything but just know the basics - chords, basic hand and finger layout. Playing with a single finger is going to be so frustrating. Even with the rudimentary, you can start playing around on the piano and getting different results than if you only built in the piano roll.
I totally get how this feels. You should check in with Nahre Sol! She's good at making these excercises a little more simple or at least fun. She is incredibly smart. Check her out!
L Dre in a past video you said you had guitars you haven’t even touched I’m curious do you know how to play guitar and if you also don’t know guitar I’d love to watch the series
What you really want is a deeper understanding of music and the technical skills will follow. Edwin Gordon music learning theory is what you're looking for.
First off, you gotta stop telling yourself you “can’t learn this chord..” sit down and become obsessed. Think of how you learned production. I 💯 positive that your first beat was trash compared to now. Sit down and play. Mistakes and all. Eventually, you’ll get better. Keep grinding and keep your head up. You’re already ahead of 90 percent of learners.
A good way to know what chords you are actually playing is using the Chordie App on your Mac/Computer. It will tell you the proper name of any chord you're playing. Keep sticking with it!
It all started with me buying "Piano for Dummies 😂" then getting lessons from a guy who ONLY taught me how to play gospel songs , then when i found Jamal Hartwell here on youtube .. he changed the game for me ✊🏾
Try my chord code system, it will show you how to make chords immediately without scales. Can make min9, maj9 in seconds once you understand the chord codes 😎
![Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 | เพื่อจักรพรรดิ ! [ตอนเดียวจบ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4M0ckYMA4-U/mqdefault.jpg)
The number one that helped me learn the piano was go to guitar center and take lessons from a someone that knows more than I do. The internet is too saturated with information. Learn your major scales, major chords, and the 2-5-1 chord progression. Once you learn the major scale, you will know all the scales (minor,etc). But you will need a teacher to show you this. Learning the circle of fifths is a game changer! Lock in and take those lessons in person. Everything will start to make sense. Keep it up!!!
Heck yeah @Sarah2ill
www.youtube.com/@BntaMusic
@@nickk2727 www.youtube.com/@BntaMusic
I'm learning piano now for better music production & to play live plus learning theory. This was extremely dope to watch. Much success to you... it inspires!
@sarah2hill how long did it take ??
You learn chords by learning your scale. You need to learn your scales . Thats KEY!!
That is the key indeed
Facts
The basics are key! The more you dial in the basics, scales, chords, fingerings, proper technique, the easier everything else will be. I just spent a year learning the basics on bass and it's paid off tenfold. I know the instrument so much better because of it. Yes playing scales in all 12 keys everyday for 5-10 minutes can be boring, but it pays off over time.
I recently started learning piano as a producer and I actually recommend learning one key (major or minor scale) and knowing it to the point where you can just transpose anything to your key. Learning every key at the same time never worked for me personally, but now that I know my key I can figure out the other ones by just using the same principles from the key im already comfortable with. Also if you record your practice sessions in your daw you can cook up with that, it makes it more clear where the gaps are
Look man, there’s no shortcut when it comes to building fundamental piano technique. Simon is giving his experience, but his technique is something that was built from just spending time playing the keys from a young age. What he gained in technique could’ve been gained faster doing it the standard way, but as a kid he had the leisure of not having to worry about time. Learning your scales and arpeggios instead of trying to tip-toe around it will just allow you to learn everything you’re trying to learn faster, instead of intentionally trying to a take a shortcut that ultimately takes longer and doesn’t suit your circumstances. If you spent even just two weeks intentionally learning scales with a metronome, it will get you to a point where you’ll have applicable skills vs just spending a month learning one song that’s hard to translate to other songs because you don’t know the theory behind it. Nothing wrong with learning songs, but don’t think of it as an alternative to scales.
Fact, if u want to learn the, piano learn the paino
Also on the same journey and what’s helped me a lot is learning jazz piano rather than classical. Especially if you’re learning to make your own stuff rather than just play someone else’s song.
What's your current plan to learn Jazz piano ? I feel like it's so different from any other genre I don't know how to start or learn
@@madd2377 theres tons of stuff if you search to learn anything on youtube, you can look at the mangold project series or piano with jonnys 1 year plan
@@madd2377 check out Open Jazz. I started 2 months ago.
@@madd2377 th-cam.com/video/vEskxQv10Oc/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=PianoWithJonny
this is such a great video for learning not only jazz but improvisation. multiple different levels all time stamped with rough plans on how to progress. my suggestion is to follow the beginner portion making sure your fingering technique is correct. Since this video focuses on one key for a whole month, any questions you have about technique you can search as you go and master one key at a time!
Wonder how many of us OG Beatmakers remember Karen Ramirez. Her piano lessons on TH-cam were so clutch.
Replaying Trick:
1. Find the root note
2. What's the scale for it?
3. What are the chords for each note?
4. Find those major chords first. (You should recognize right away..."Oh wait, it's probably minor")
5. Learn those minor chords.
6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first.
7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND it's chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "II" etc.
8. Now how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-II-III etc. ;)
9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord.
10. In a major key, the III and VI chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major.
Ok...🙄I checked with ChatGPT to make sure I was correct and I am, but it said:
"Your tips for learning to replay a song/sample are quite comprehensive and structured. Here's a refined version with some additional clarifications and corrections to ensure accuracy:" Ok, bro...LOL.
Replaying Trick:
1. Find the root note:
• Identify the key of the song. This is the starting note that gives the tonal center.
2. What's the scale for it?
• Determine whether the scale is major or minor. This will guide you in finding the appropriate chords.
3. What are the chords for each note?
• Understand the diatonic chords within the scale. Each note of the scale can form a chord.
4. Find those major chords first:
• In a major scale, the primary chords (I, IV, V) are major. Listen for these strong, stable chords.
•Clarification: You should recognize if the context calls for minor chords instead.
5. Learn those minor chords:
• In a major scale, the ii, iii, and vi chords are minor.
• In a minor scale, the i, iv, and v (natural minor) are minor, with variations in the harmonic and melodic minor scales.
6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first:
• Start with triads (three-note chords) and then move on to sevenths, ninths, etc., as needed.
7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND its chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "ii," etc.:
• This helps in understanding the functional harmony of the song.
8. Now, how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-ii-iii, etc.:
• Identify the chord progression by listening and recognizing the movement between chords.
9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord:
• Use the scale to add extensions (7ths, 9ths, etc.) to the basic triads.
10. In a major key, the iii and vi chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major:
• Correct. In a major key:
I, IV, and V are major.
ii, iii, and vi are minor.
• In a natural minor key:
• i, iv, and v are minor.
• III, VI, and VII are major.
*Additional Tips:*
• Listen actively: Pay attention to the bassline, as it often indicates the root of the chord.
• Use your instrument: Play along with the song to better understand the chord changes.
• Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common chord progressions to make identification easier.
• Ear training: Develop your ear to recognize intervals, chords, and progressions.
• By following these steps and tips, you'll be better equipped to replay songs and samples accurately.
learning songs by ears is what i do with my guitar. Yeah i took 3 years of lessons then kept learning by myself and that for sure helped.
As i developed musical ears it's my time to learn piano. That's my dream instrument after guitar
i also wanna start producing songs
Very useful bro, I'm doing this too right now! The Ableton Push and Ghost notes got us too comfy haha 😨
Way too comfy lol
I've got a tip for you! A great method for learning to play the piano by ear is to choose a melody-rich song, like "Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey, and play it repeatedly. Use your right hand to find notes that sound pleasant. Don't aim to replicate what you hear; instead, focus on creating a pleasing counter melody. As your ear develops, you'll start to match the actual notes you hear. Initially, concentrate on producing agreeable sounds. After mastering the melody with your right hand, gradually incorporate your left hand, one finger at a time. Look for a bass note that complements well; it doesn't need to match the song's original bass. The goal is to sound harmonious. With practice, you'll find yourself playing recognizable tunes, although they may not be in the correct key. This is because you're playing what sounds good to you, rather than the exact notes of the song. I hope this advice is beneficial! Do not look at your hands; instead, play in the dark or cover your hands. Use your ears, not your eyes.
Focusing too intently on playing what you are hearing can lead to frustration, especially if you don't understand it. Instead, try playing anything until it starts to sound good. The key is the counter melody! With enough practice, you'll begin to recognize what you are hearing.
Watch some open studio jazz. Lotta of gems about advanced chords approaches. My shortcut was to learn popular cookie cuter jazz chord voices and play them by ear in a song from Spotify play the bass notes and harmonize. With those voicings you basically add crunch without thinking of it. Force yourself to do as different keys as possible so that you won’t be intimidated by another key. Staying in one key may reinforce bad habits. Have at least 4-5 popular keys that you are good at and you will improve so much. I made a lot of progress and it’s just been one year. Chords first then melody. You can already sing or hum so all you need to do is to create a vibe with chords.
Bro u gotta keep trying that sing about me tutorial. I was like u at one point but what u gotta do is slow down the video to like half speed and practice it over and over until it’s fluent. It took me a few days but I eventually got it and now I can play it effortlessly u got it keep up the work 💯
Good luck! You’ll get there taught myself guitar and piano now I’m a professional musician so it’s def possible 🙏🙏
What a great video! I've been playing piano roll all my life and recently I bought a MIDI keyboard and realized how difficult it can be to play live, like I was starting to learn music all over again.
only you can make the time for it. and in reality, learning piano is beneficial to your craft. keep goin man!
One of the things that helped me was to find the key of the song I want and play a melody over it with the keys, usually Amin or CMaj because they are all the white notes so an easy start. It helps with the ear training, harmony and movement.
I gotta applaud you for not being afraid to show your vulnerability as an artist, it's truly inspiring. Keep up the good work my brotha!
Bests advice would be to start out learning your favorite song on piano.
You can go on TH-cam and learn the step by steps of how to play a specific song that you like.
What you are doing is studying someones compositions and studying the notes and chords your playing. Eventually the cords that you're playing you're going to develop musical vocabulary.
Look at it like reading a book. When u read a book u Eventually start developing better vocabulary and knowledge.
I would say learn a new song every other week. Simple songs for u. Then once u get the hang of it start learning harder songs with arpeggios ect
After u learn a handfull of songs now u can start understanding the theory. Understanding the scales , cicrle of 5ths transposing tour songs.
It will take some time but the first step os to learn a bunch of songs to buld some musical vocabulary
This is exactly what I needed 🙏🏻
pls never stop dropping this kind of content!
This series won’t stop till I’m proficient in piano which will likely take a long ass time lol
Hi L.Dre!
I have a suggestion for you for learning scales that has helped me progress way faster than I would of imagined.
Find a scale you you naturally gravitate to and consider the following:
- Major/Minor Scale? (Picking one basically names you are learning 2 scales. Exp - E maj = Db min/ Db min = Emaj)
- What feels most natural to you? (Genre, Natural Hand Placement and Most Fun.)
After you pick your Scale, stick to that scale and that scale only. Learn everything about that scale until you can make/play
music.
After you get comfortable learning the following or have an understanding of:
- Circle of Fifths
- Playing the scale up and down spanning multiple octaves in comfort
- Scale Chords
- Inversions
- Extensions
- Understanding Dom', Dim', Borrowed Chords and Transitioned chords
- Your Relative min/maj Scale '
- Having an idea about The Modes
- Having an idea of your Personal Playstyle
Sticking to one scale will allow you to find these moments of realization about how you play as a person. You will start
finding your own methods of understanding how 'Theory' works and start making your own system that fits the needs of
your playing. You will have loads of "oh", "ah", "huh", "I see", moments that make it exciting!
Simon's right that an instrumental approach is key -- learn songs and stuff you *want* to learn, and then progress to the stuff that's drier. You can use theory stuff you learn later to help you learn what you like, but if you start with that stuff it's easy to become discouraged and not practice or reject it. I'm kind of in that spot now where, after years of taking lessons and learning the dry stuff, I'm struggling to get myself to actually practice (i should be practicing now!).
@3:10 Pop Band Academy of Music in San Antonio. George the instructor, and genius, said this was how he learned. In class we learned from pop songs old and new with sheets that had the letter chord names. He would often turn on the radio, switch stations and then choose a song that was on. Within 2 minutes he knew how to play it and would proceed to teach it to us. He said even if you can only understand enough during a song to play the root note--you just practice the rhythm with that till you get the hang of it.
I took music theory for a few semesters a few years before and I not only was understanding chords, but playing them better than I did in theory class. Now here's the kicker: Not only was his method to memorizing scales, chords, and progressions so good, his method for retaining it was amazing... It's in the name: BAND. You were learning by playing a song together with the others as a band. He got us small shows to use "nerves" to shorten our learning curve. On top of all that, you would go in with a focus on piano for example, but it was MANDATORY that you get on other instruments. Not lessons later--play it NOW.
He would correct and teach you while we were performing in class. This way you get an understanding of the parts other instruments play in the composition. Synergy with, and empathy for your bandmates. If you live in or around San Antonio I highly recommend his classes. $15 for an hour long class (YES) or $40 for four a month. You can take as many as you want though. Not sure he still does this, but he would let you join in on other classes on your scheduled day if there was space.
Piano pig has some really great tutoriala for beginners. From the theory behind how chords are constructed(major 3rds minor 3rds) to scales, all the way up to advanced progressions and voicings. When I started learning literally just his how to construct chords tutorial video I was making beats with playing keys the same day. Also Sarah2ill knows what's up definitely. Much love, keep it up! 🌸
Major scales first just to slowly allow yourself to build coming one with the machine ie, allowing your fingers time to sync with your brain and flow when playing.
Thank you for sharing this process. As someone starting their own music journey, it’s good to not always see the elite or perfectionists. Seeing the journey is motivating! Keep going, bro😊
i did this a while back. i still suck at keys though.
got better at understanding things about midi though. good for you for taking the step. wise, and sensible. alot of producers should get to this point of understanding that you gotta know some kinda instrument
When i did it my melodies took a hit. but, they eventually got better.
Back when i was sampling i didnt know how many chords i was borrowing
samples dont give you the same feeling of accomplishment also
I’m already seeing great progress L.Dre! 👏🔥 You learning and playing the melody and chords at the end is exactly the way. There are no cheat codes or tricks, it’s just playing every day and using the piano as your music making tool that will help you grow.
This is super interesting. I think a good process for you would be to start in C major, play the scale at least once a day, then learn the chords for each number of the scale (1-7), Cmaj, Dmin, Emin, Fmaj etc. with whatever extension probably 7ths since you're already familiar with it. The real breakthrough comes from consistency. Doesnt need to be super hard but there needs to be some structure so you can keep track of what youve accomplished. This is in addition to ear training. When you understand the relationship between the chord numbers and the melody you will improve even quicker.
I’m learning with you bro
LETS GET IT!
If I can add my two cents as a keyboard player use a metronome one and form is important because it’s muscle memory!!!
Knowing finger placement makes playing chords a lot easier. That's why perfecting the basics is key.
facts
I like how you tied the new release into this
@LDreTheGiant Super proud of you bro! Please stick with it! In a year from now you’ll thank yourself. Learning an instrument isn’t fast or easy, but it will pay off in spades down the road. I 100% guarantee it! Just remember you’re on your own journey, no one else’s.
Thanks I needed this!!!
this is perfect for me to use as a guideline given the fact that i took bachelor of arts - major in music.
I'm excited to see your journey!! I'm also trying to learn piano for producing / making music right now. I also don't really know what to practice, I've been spending my time just playing chords in the scales, experimenting with extending the chords. But it's all really confusing, because I know that for writing music sometimes it's a good idea to invert some chords, but while practicing it just seems a little too much.
But it's really motivating to see you progress!
wait actually i take that all back
No takesies backsies
Fixed key learning was game changer. Julian Bradley another TH-camr has a course callled the musical ear.
Learning things by ear and strengthening your ear is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. But I will say learning the boring stuff like scales, chords, arpeggios, and technique will make you progress way faster, and will make that ear training all come together. All you have to do is commit 15-30 minutes a day, set small goals, and just grind through it.
I also did that listening trick as a kid 😂
I agree with Simon you don’t have to learn proper techniques but I feel like it would just hold you back. Since you are new those bad habits are not welded ok as muscle memory. I play guitar, bass, and piano. For all of them I started off with bad technique but I was still able to make decent beats and stuff. After learning proper(ish) techniques it makes the instruments easier/fluid. It’s like practicing for the 100 meter dash without proper running form. Everyday you will get better, but not knowing the most optimal techniques that works for other you may just be holding yourself back on how fast you can progress. With that said glad to see episode 2 and can’t wait for you to conquer them keys
How did you go about practicing the technique for piano? Like scales etc.?
Wise words thank you! I'll work on this!!
@@JO.mp317 I watch and listen to my favorite artist and how they play and sing when it comes to music. My main tip for practicing to make it fun but also disciplined. When practicing anything you are going to sound bad at first. Take it slow and get familiar with what scale you are going to play in. If you were to play in f#major, play the 7 different chords and alternate voicings to get familiar with it. When you go to record you may feel the groove and have a happy improvisation accident. Remember we are PLAYING instruments. Piano is pushing down buttons, vocals is playing with an instrument you are born with, and guitar is a chunk of wood with some strings. It doesn't have to be that serious but keep yourself disciplined where you do something music related for at least an hour a day. (This is all over the place my bad ;)
Mastering a musical instrument requires persistence and dedication. While it typically takes years to achieve proficiency, consistent daily practice can significantly shorten the learning curve. As a beginner you should focus on building a strong foundation by following a few steps below:
1. Learning to recognize all 12 notes (note naming)
2. Understanding the basics of chord construction, starting with triads (Major, minor, aug, sus)
3. Learning three essential chord positions for triads (chord inventions)
4. Exploring scales in all 12 keys, focus on major and minor scale
By completing around 60% of these foundational steps, you'll be able to play hundreds of songs.
Scales are necessary. Playing and memorizing. Can't get around it. Knowing what key you're in and what "belongs" in that key makes playing/writing so much easier.
Also having someone help you learn how you learn is helpful too if that makes sense...so youre not just shooting in the dark trying to pick 12 notes out at one time.
good job so far dre! what helped me become a keys player over the years was imrpovisation : ) it seems daunting but like getting chords and then using notes in the scale and it helped me become hella confident !
Inversions are important!!!!!!
PSA - bro I’ve been producing 1999 & I’m still struggling to master the piano, play by ear, read sheet music… This sħît is frustrating, but he’s giving you solid advice, mimic your favorite songs, melodies & chords. This won’t teach you how to play the notes, but it will give you an eye opening idea of movements, key selection, timing etc… It’s all about practice / drive 💯
loved this video... but it made me realize how long it's gonna take if I wanna learn piano too. I can definitely relate to feeling anxious while taking too long to learn something, especially when trying to get a video filmed
I think learning songs by ear is a crazy way of starting, it's too difficult. When I started I learned the scales, just enough were you can at least start figuring out what the scale of the song is, and then I would write down all the 7 basic chords of the scale, and start trying them out to see which one it is. I would mix that with just doing the scales over and over again and then doing all major chords, then all minor chords over and over again (not in scale), then same but the different inversions.
As soon as you can get to a point were the scales stick and you can semicomfortably finger any basic chord, it becomes fun to find the chords as fast as possible and then you can really start getting good at it.
Also, I started with trap and reggaeton music so the chords are usually less jazzy and have simpler 3-4 chord progressions, without even changing in the hook, that helps a lot. If I had started with lofi, it again becomes boring because I can't really gamify it.
But then you will just naturally get the urge to properly learn a favorite song or something that's way more complex and you can still enjoy that and learn a bunch from it, but if all the songs you learn take a week then you're gonna hate life by the 4th song 😂
Just before the end I was thinking in my head that the chord should be a 9th based on the melody you were playing. Overall excited to watch your Journey and great efforts.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
perfect song I started to learn on was travis Scott - my eyes (Japanese house - over there - original sample). honestly really worth checking out, its not too hard
The last words of the video… iconic!
😂😂😂
I started at 13 and I learned by simply just messing around with the keys everyday until I got tired I learned the sharps and flats first but I agree it does get boring after a while
Use your ear as much as possible. Take a song you want to learn, sing the melody until you know it, then using your singing and ear figure the melody out on the piano Next do the same with the bass part of the song, learn to sing it, use your voice and ear to figure out the bass on the piano. Now for the chords if you know the melody and the bass its just about finding some notes in between that sound good together. Use your voice and ear as much as possible because what you want to develop is the connection of ear, brain, hands.
I shall try this!
bro my plan was that when i had saved enough to be able to buy a cheap midi keyboard coz im broke, id download one of those softwares or games that let you plug a midi so you can play a song based on the upcoming notes on a keyboard, i think itll help with timing and how you press a keyboard (hand placement etc...) coz i think youre where im at. so id suggest you do the same.
note: look for softwares like synenthesia
For me, the easiest way i learnt keys was to practice simple basic chords on key c, just triads on both hands, then I started holding octaves on my left hands, but i had to know be very good at holding my chords properly, hope this helps 🤷
just want to share in case this helps. Im a producer and I've always wanted to learn piano and bass. although I'm leaning more towards bass first I was following along with your video just now and wanted to see if what cords I was playing visually. so I opened up the scaler plugin. Ive used scaler as a cheat for so long but playing into it while I practice is helping me visually see the noted I'm playing and also is teaching my new chords and scales as well. Just a tip if you are ever practicing in the daw. i know you got the stage piano to practice outside the daw.
I don’t know if you’ll see this but if you learn intervals particularly triads are the tonic (first note of the chord the 3rd and the 5th any other chord variation is alternating that triad chord or adding onto it like a min 7 chord is just a major triad chord with the 3rd note down one note (that makes the minor chord and you add the 7th interval on top, all a melody is playing those is those intervals in a certain pattern in whatever scale your in and the melody almost always has the root the 3rd interval and the 5th some where in it hope this helps?
This is awesome L. Dre, I can't wait to hear what you come up with 😊
Thank you !
SWAG Lofi Man 🦁🐲🦖❤🔥
The fastest way to learn scales is learning your circle of fourths and fifths. Changed the scale game for me.
Really liked this video. Learning piano takes time keep going
Amazing video, man!🔥✊🏾Keep it up. You'll get there
Thank you 🙏🏾
Also Lofi and 7ths,9ths,11th are your best friends
Facts!
One thing I agree with is don’t use midi. Just record. If you use midi then don’t adjust the notes. Just play to you perfect it.
Thats actually genius I should try that
Lol that's is how I feel. I play piano and for the life of me can not make music in FL studios. My son can whip up stuff on FL studios that will make your head spin but can't use a piano 😅
True inspiration, keep it up g 💪🏻
Thank you! Will do!
There's no short cuts
That's a dope sweater though 🔥
Thank you 🙏🏾
Use Melodics... Best entry to learning piano I've seen
👏👏👏
Simon is beast..i mean humpty lol
An improvement in hand posture from last time!
I would still suggest you remove the armrests from your chair (it'll make it much easier to play)
Good idea thank you!
Learn how to form major and minor 9ths and playing them together
If you feel like you are putting too much time on to learning by ear cut it to about 10-15 minutes every day it will make you more inclined to practice and if you feel like going for longer it will still benefit you.
If you're going to try recreate music by ear, start with The Beatles, not Kendrick :-). You want to stick to simple stuff at first.
Also, notice how the white keys are the same width as the back keys near the top part (between the black keys). So just like how chord shapes are preserved on the Push in chromatic mode, its actually the same on piano if you played up in that top area. Its just impractical with fat fingers so they make those wide white keys but that confuses everything.
Not sure if it’s been asked but have you give melodics a shot?
Great video! Also, you asked how to know what chords you're playing, actually it's based on the scale you played. A typical chord is 1st, 3rd and 5th note of the scale you played, if you have a 7th then it is the 7th chord in the scale. So actually I would say playing scales are important. I agree with Simon that ear training is important, but even before hearing chords, you need to hear what intervals are. Right now, I honestly, feel like you're trying to run before you learn how to walk properly.
I was literally thinking about this in the morning.YT algorithm getting scary
You should learn the basics regardless. It's useful for any music composition - whether on piano or the DAW piano roll. Not to memorize everything but just know the basics - chords, basic hand and finger layout. Playing with a single finger is going to be so frustrating. Even with the rudimentary, you can start playing around on the piano and getting different results than if you only built in the piano roll.
I totally get how this feels. You should check in with Nahre Sol! She's good at making these excercises a little more simple or at least fun. She is incredibly smart. Check her out!
goats
L Dre in a past video you said you had guitars you haven’t even touched I’m curious do you know how to play guitar and if you also don’t know guitar I’d love to watch the series
I practiced for a solid 2 months straight before I gave up haha I'll have to make that the next series!
@@LDreTheGiant hell yea dude I would to see and I could also learn more from you later on when the series is out if it comes out of course
ONE THINNG ABOUT PIANO IS ALL ABOUT FASTER RELEASE FINGERS TO THE NEXT KEY ..MORE YOU MAKE SLOW MORE YOU FORGET WHAT YOU WANT ACHIEVED...
When did you start getting comfortable with the blacks im dead 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🖤💯💪🏽🔥
😂😂😂😂😂
yo @LDreTheGiant where'd you get the sweater from gang?
Melodics
How did you come up with the chords to place on top of the melody?
Tuesday B scales
First. Keep it up bro! Dope stuff.
Thanks G!!
we literally on the same journey bro
Number system will come but Monday all A scales
Toooop
What you really want is a deeper understanding of music and the technical skills will follow. Edwin Gordon music learning theory is what you're looking for.
Edit: the tune you're playing at 11:30 is the intro to All I Want for Christmas
First off, you gotta stop telling yourself you “can’t learn this chord..” sit down and become obsessed. Think of how you learned production. I 💯 positive that your first beat was trash compared to now. Sit down and play. Mistakes and all. Eventually, you’ll get better. Keep grinding and keep your head up. You’re already ahead of 90 percent of learners.
A good way to know what chords you are actually playing is using the Chordie App on your Mac/Computer. It will tell you the proper name of any chord you're playing. Keep sticking with it!
@simonservida What's the name or brand of your water bottle ? I need something like this to remember to drink enough daily
4:48 i saw it.......
It all started with me buying "Piano for Dummies 😂" then getting lessons from a guy who ONLY taught me how to play gospel songs , then when i found Jamal Hartwell here on youtube .. he changed the game for me ✊🏾
Try my chord code system, it will show you how to make chords immediately without scales.
Can make min9, maj9 in seconds once you understand the chord codes 😎
Send it over bro!!