HearandPlay.com Monthly Newsletter --- August 2004!
http://www.Hearandplay.com
Serving 84,371 Musicians Worldwide!
 
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Contents:
I. Welcome
II. Exciting Announcement!!!
Release of GospelKeysTM 202 - "Mastering Worship Chords" Wed, Sept 1, 2004! Click here for waiting list
III. Online Classroom:
       "Using Patterns to Master Worship Songs!"
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Dear Subscriber,
 
Welcome to my August newsletter on how to use simple patterns to learn all of your favorite worship songs by ear! You might want to print this lesson out because I reveal tons of information below that you won't find anywhere else ... literally!
 
Ask anyone who learns new songs regularly and they will tell you that the whole process is not about learning new chords or making new discoveries all the time. Why? Simply because chords, progressions, and changes are recycled over and over again in song after song. To know patterns is to know hundreds of songs, whether you realize it or not!
 
I'm talking about patterns like these:
 
1-4 patterns ... 1-6 patterns ... 2-5 patterns ... 3-6 patterns ... 3-4 patterns ... and the list goes on and on. (Don't worry if you don't know what these numbers mean. I will explain all of this to you in this month's classroom lesson below).
 
You'll find patterns like these in hundreds of slow worship songs. And you know what? They're even found in jazz, r&b, and contemporary music as well! ...And by the way, all of this will be in the new GospelKeysTM 202 video course being released on Wednesday, September 1, 2004!
 
I apologize in advance for not sending this newsletter out much sooner. We have been very busy preparing for the NEW release of my upcoming GospelKeysTM 202 video course: "Mastering Worship Chords!" This video course is scheduled to be released exactly 8 days from now (Wed, Sept 1, 2004). If you're a church musician (or you want to be one very soon), you can't afford to miss this 3-hour video course on worship chords, patterns, and songs!
 
In the GospelKeysTM 202 video course:
 
  • Learn what I call my "7-couple" formula to playing tons of worship songs by ear! Just like you learned 5 steps to playing praise songs in GospelKeysTM 300, I will show you easy-to-understand steps to understanding how worship and slow songs are arranged! Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
  • Discover my "3-4" principle to playing literally any worship chord progression by ear ... INSTANTLY! Chord progressions don't occur randomly. Certain chords lead to others and with this 3-4 calculation that I'm going to reveal, you will never ever have to guess where to go next! This has never been taught this way before! Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
  • Learn over 60 new voicings, chords, progressions, and fancy arrangements to playing worship music! From fancy inversions of the ninth chord to the secret "Quartal" chord (which sounds very very smooth), you'll learn how to replace all of your basic triads and 3-fingered chords with full-sounding 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, and altered chords! Believe me when I say: "Others will notice!" Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
  • Learn contemporary and alternative ways to playing worship favorites like "Hallelujah," "Thank You Lord," and others! While you'll be taught, step-by-step, how to play various songs by the end of GospelKeysTM 202, you'll be equipped with the chords, progressions, and "couples" (see below) to play over 95% of gospel worship songs by ear! But what you have to realize is that most songs use the same progressions over and over in different ways. GospelKeysTM 202 will show you how to recognize these changes in songs! Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
  • Learn patterns (or what I'm calling "couples") like: "1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 2-5, 2-6, 3-6, 3-4, 4-5, 4-3, 4-6, 4-7, 5-1, 5-2, 5-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-3, and many more! Don't be intimidated by the numbers. They are simply taken from major scales. The power in understanding all of these couples is that once you know them all, there will be absolutely NO SONG you won't be able to learn! These patterns are in 95% of all gospel worship songs and you'll know them on September 1, 2004! Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
  • Train your ear to recognize these small "couples" with specially designed ear-training sections of the video course (one-on-one with me)! Once you've mastered all of the "couples" above, then you must be able to recognize them in songs! I will constantly test you right there on the screen without you seeing the notes that I am playing in an effort to help you build your ear skills! Click here to be added to waiting list for Wed, Sept 1, 2004.
Also learn techniques like:
  • How to repeat the ending of a worship song without using the same exact chords over and over!
  • How to play 8-fingered chords using both the power of your left and right hands!
  • How to follow a singer, worship leader, or soloist. I am actually accompanying recorded singers in the video! You'll see it "live and in color!"
  • How to play "licks" and "tricks" even during slow-paced worship songs. I include a dozen of my favorite ones! You can outright steal them from me... I don't mind!
  • How to transform a basic structure of a worship song into a more contemporary-sounding arrangement ... in 5 minutes! I actually show you how to do this right there on the screen using a real-life example.
  • ... And much much more!

A full 15-pg online report on GospelKeysTM 202 will be released on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 so that you can read about every single technique that I'm going to show you in the course! Meanwhile, visit http://www.gospelkeys202.com to fill out the waiting list form. You'll then be e-mailed a *reminder* prior to the release of GospelKeysTM 202 and because you're on the waiting list, you'll be guaranteed to be one of the first 200 to order! Yes... there is a free gift involved for the first 200!


In 8 days, I will e-mailing you the website address where you can read more about the video course. I'll have midi files, video clips, and specific details on every concept, principle, and trick you'll learn!

Don't forget ... PLEASE check your e-mail in 8 days as the first 200 customers to order will receive a SPECIAL BONUS (trust me... you'll regret if you're not a part of this elite group of 200).


So bookmark Wednesday, September 1, 2004 now!

 
 

"The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" 300pg Course - Learn the secrets to playing literally any song on the piano with a few simple, "easy-to-understand" techniques and principles! Join Jermaine Griggs in learning tons of music theory, concepts, and tricks that will help you to learn piano by ear! Thousands of musicians have already taken advantage of this excellent program ... why not you?

"The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" is full of easy-to-understand tricks, tips, techniques and secrets to playing piano by ear! For this month only, I've also been able to throw in a few bonus items (3 additional piano software programs). Click here to learn the secrets to playing absolutely any song on the piano in virtually minutes! You won't regret it!


 
 
 
 
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Online Classroom:
 
"Using Patterns to Master Worship Songs"
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Note: You might want to print this lesson out for easier
reading...
 
 
In this month's online classroom, I'm going to share with you a few concepts from the GospelKeysTM 202 video course. I warn you beforehand! You probably have never seen anything quite like this before because there's not a lot of information out there for worship and praise music.
 
What will be covered in Gk202 is the whole concept of "coupling."
 
A "couple," as described in the course, is basically a 2-part chord progression. It consists of one chord pulling very aggressively to another chord. You saw them above as you were reading about what the GospelKeysTM 202 will teach you. They look like this:
 
 
1-2, 1-3, 1-4,
1-5, 1-6, 1-7,
2-5, 2-6, 3-6,
3-4, 4-5, 4-3,
4-6, 4-7, 5-1,
5-2, 5-4, 6-2,
6-7, 7-3, etc.
 
... and these are some of the many examples of what I call "couples."
 
Songs are built on progressions like these. Now most of you understand progressions like "2-5-1," "6-2-5-1," and "7-3-6-2-5-1" and I've even covered them throughout the year in past newsletters. Click here if you haven't read my newsletters from January 04 - July 04.
 
"Couples" create these larger progressions. For example, a "2-5-1" is made up of two small couples:
 
A "2-5" couple and a "5-1" couple.
 
Another example would be a "6-2-5-1" progressions, which is very common in gospel praise songs and even in slower tunes. This larger progressions has three smaller couples within it:
 
A "6-2", "2-5", and "5-1" couple.
 
So by using smaller couples to create larger progressions, the process will not only seem less intimidating but your ear will catch on a lot faster. It's a lot easier to calculate 2x2 and 3x3, and then add up the resulting numbers, right? 2 x 2 is 4 ... and 3x3 is 9. Add them together and you get 13.
 
Learning couples is the same way. You'll learn how to recognize "2-5" couples in songs ... "5-1" couples in songs ... and "6-2" couples in songs. Then, when necessary, you'll have to combine "2-5" couples with "5-1" couples to create famous "2-5-1" progressions. It's really a simple process and once you get it, you'll be able to play not only worship songs but all types of songs in different genres (jazz, r&b, blues, pop, etc.).
 
 
Ok... if you're new, then you might wonder: "Where do the numbers come from?"
 
I'm glad you asked.
 
Very simply, the numbers come from the major scale of whatever key you're playing in. So, yes, there are "2-5" couples for every key --- "5-1" couples for every key --- and many many more!
 
Let's say you're in the key of Db major.
 
First, you would have to know the Db major scale.
 
Db major scale: Db  Eb F Gb Ab Bb C Db
 
 
But memorizing scales alone will not allow you to play by ear. You have to understand the grand scheme of things. The scales provide the numbers and that's what you need to understand with your eyes closed.
 
Db = 1
Eb = 2
F   = 3
Gb = 4
Ab = 5
Bb = 6
C   = 7
Db = 8 (same as 1)
 
 
... Now here is where people go wrong:
 
They learn the scales. They memorize them but they do not know them by numbers! When I say "to know a scale by numbers," that means that you must know what is the "6" of Db within three seconds ... or the "5" of Db ... or the "2" of Db.
 
 
See... you don't want to know the "6" of Db by having to start at Db and say the major scale, one note at a time, because when you are doing it that way, you aren't learning the notes and numbers independent of each other.
 
It's like not knowing what's after "J" in the alphabet without having to sing your "ABC's" from the beginning. You don't want to know what comes after "J" by having to sing the entire song from the beginning. That's what slows you down. Playing by ear is all about thinking on your feet and if you can't think on your feet (with the method I just shared above), then you'll struggle time and time again.
 
YOU HAVE TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE YOU KNOW THE NUMBERS WITHOUT HAVING TO RECITE THE MAJOR SCALE.
 
Ok... let's take a quick mental test:
 
If you know your major scales forwards and backwards but can't answer these questions within 3 seconds, then you still have work to do!
 
 
Question #1:
 
What's the "2" of Ab major? ________
 
 
Question #2:
 
What's the "7" of G major? ________
 
 
Question #3:
 
What's the "5" of D major? ________
 
 
Question #4:
 
What's the "3" of Eb major? _______
 
 
Question #5:
 
What's the "1" of A major? ________ (you have to know this one within 3 sec!)
 
 
Question #6:
 
What's the "6" of Db major? _______
 
 
Question #7:
 
What's the "2" of B major? _______
 
 
 
ANSWERS: (Bb, F#, A, G, A, Bb, C#)
 
 
Once you've mastered your scales in this way, the concept of "couples" will appear very easy.
 
For example, here's the keynotes of a "2-5" couple in multiple keys.
 
C major:    D to G
F major:    G to C
Bb major:  C to F
Eb major:  F to Bb
Ab major:  Bb to Eb
 
 
Moving On...
 
Now that you know where the numbers come from, it should be easy to make sense of what the following couples are:
 
A "1-2" couple means a chord based on the 1st tone of the scale leading to a chord based on the 2nd tone of the same scale. An example in the key of Db would be: Dbmaj9 to Eb9. The Dbmaj9 is a "1" chord because "Db" is the 1st tone of the scale and the Eb9 is a "2" chord because "Eb" is the 2nd tone of the scale.
 
A "1-3" couple means a chord based on the 1st tone of the scale leading to a chord based on the 3rd tone of the same scale. An example in the key of Db would be: Dbmaj7 to F7 (b9). The Dbmaj9 is a "1" chord because "Db" is the 1st tone of the scale and the F7(b9) is a "3" chord because "F" is the 3rd tone of the scale.
 
Other couples based on the "1" chord:
1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7
 
 
A "2-5" couple means a chord based on the 2nd tone of the scale leading to a chord based on the 5th tone of the same scale. An example in the key of Db would be: Eb9 to Ab13. The Eb9 is a "2" chord because "Eb" is the 2nd tone of the scale and the Ab13 is a "5" chord because "Ab" is the 5th tone of the scale.
 
Other couples based on the "2" chord:
2-3, 2-6, 2-7
 
 
... And the list goes on and on:
 
3-4, 4-5, 4-3,
4-6, 4-7, 5-1,
5-2, 5-4, 6-2,
6-7, 7-3, etc.
 
 
Putting It All Together...
 
Basically the first hour of GospelKeysTM 202 is aimed at teaching you different chords for every tone of the major scale.
 
So, in essence, you'll learn tons of:
 
"1" chords
"2" chords
"3" chords
"4" chords
"5" chords
"6" chords
"7" chords
 
For this online classroom lesson, I will give you a sneak-peak of the GospelKeysTM 202 video course by showing you some chords from each tone of the scale. Then after you've learned each chord, I will show you how to couple them together to create progressions, which will then create songs! It's that easy!
 
Key of Db Major:
Scale: Db - Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb - C - Db
#'s:      1      2    3     4     5     6     7    8
 
 
An Example of a "1" chord:
Db on left hand / Bb + Eb + Ab on right hand
 
An Example of a "2" chord:
Eb on left hand / G + C + Db + F on right hand
 
An Example of a "3" chord:
F on left hand / A + Db + Eb + Ab on right hand
 
An Example of a "4" chord:
Gb on left hand / F + Bb + Db on right hand
 
An Example of a "5" chord:
Ab on left hand / Gb + Bb + Db + F on right hand
 
An Example of a "6" chord:
Bb on left hand / Ab + C + Db + F on right hand
 
An Example of a "7" chord:
C on left hand / Eb + G + Bb + D
 
 
* Keep in mind that you will learn several chords for each tone of the scale. Because I have limited space in this e-mail newsletter, I have only included one chord per scale tone. The GospelKeysTM 202 video course will have several.
 
 
The second hour of the GospelKeysTM 202 video course covers "coupling." This is where you'd actually take chords from each tone of the scale and combine them together to make small couples. Try doing this with the list above.
 
Take the "1" chord and "3" chord and play them one after the other.
Then take that same "3" chord above, add the "6" chord, and play them one after the other.
 
In this example, you've just played a "1-3" couple followed by a "3-6" couple. Since the "3" chords are the same in both couples, if you were to play a "1-3" to a "3-6," you wouldn't have to repeat the "3" since you're already playing it.
 
So in essence, when you combine the two smaller couples (which are easier to recognize in songs than huge progressions), you get a "1-3-6" progression.
 
That same "1-3-6" progression is used to begin "Thank You Lord", "I Really Love the Lord," "Silver and Gold" by Kirk Franklin, "Like the Dew in the Morning," "Trouble Don't Last Always," and a host of other ones! I could literally go on and on and on...
 
Look ... I can't really explain this entire concept to you via e-mail because it's just better explained in a video format. We've barely scratched the surface in this online classroom and I'm sure you're mind has been opened to more possibilities as a result of reading this. If you're serious about learning these concepts, I highly recommend that you check out my GospelKeysTM 202 video course on Wednesday, September 1, 2004. It is perfect for gospel musicians wanting to learn slower, worshipful music! So in 8 days, you'll be getting a release e-mail from me!
 
 

A full 15-pg report on GospelKeysTM 202 will be released on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 so that you can read about every single technique that I'm going to show you in the course! Meanwhile, visit http://www.gospelkeys202.com to fill out the waiting list form. You'll then be e-mailed a *reminder* prior to the release of GospelKeysTM 202 and because you're on the waiting list, you'll be guaranteed to be one of the first 200 to order! Yes... there is a free gift involved for the first 200!


In 8 days, I will e-mailing you the website address where you can read more about the video course. I'll have midi files, video clips, and specific details on every concept, principle, and trick you'll learn!

Don't forget ... PLEASE check your e-mail in 8 days as the first 200 customers to order will receive a SPECIAL BONUS (trust me... you'll regret if you're not a part of this elite group of 200).


So bookmark Wednesday, September 1, 2004 now!

 

Explore these chord types to prepare for the GospelKeys video course:

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed my August newsletter and I'll be back in September! Take care!


This concludes your August Online Classroom Lesson
 
If you were intrigued by the online classroom lesson above,
then you would definitely benefit from my course!
 
*** “The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear” 300-pg Course ***
 
With 20 chapters and over 300 pages, the home piano course provides several resources, techniques, tips, principles, and theories to playing the piano by ear. Along with hundreds of chords and scales, you'll also learn how to turn them into gospel, jazz and blues chord progressions and better yet, how to use them to play ABSOLUTELY any song you want ... IN VIRTUALLY MINUTES! Again, don't miss this opportunity. I've even added an additional bonus if you purchase the course this week --- You can read more about the course at:
https://www.hearandplay.com/course
 

 
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Yours Truly,
Jermaine Griggs
www.HearandPlay.com
www.GospelKeys.com
 
 

Further References

"The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" 300-pg Course

[5] Chords & Progressions: pgs 65-78, 105-130, 147-165, 182-227.

Do you know what a2-5-1” or "3-6-2-5-1" progression is? Or perhaps the famous 12-bar blues chord progression? In this piano course, you will not only learn how to play gospel, blues, and jazz progressions, but how to recognize them in songs. In addition, you will learn the simple techniques to playing these progressions, hymns, and songs in all 12 major keys! ... Enjoy learning:

The famous "2-5-1" Chord Progression: pgs 114-120, 153-156, 208, 235-236.

I - IV - I - V - I Chord Progressions: pgs 66-70.

I - IV - V - IV - I Chord Progressions: pgs 77-78.

Techniques behind the famous "5-->1" progression: pgs 68-72.

I --> IV,  I --> V Chord Progressions: pgs 74-75.

"Circle of Fifths" Chord Exercises: pg 78.

Major and Minor Chord Progressions: pgs 105-130.

"6 - 2 - 5 - 1" Chord Progressions: pgs 121-122, 157-159.

"3 - 6 - 2 - 5 - 1" Chord Progressions: pgs 122-123, 160-162.

"7 - 3 - 6 - 2 - 5 - 1" Chord Progressions: pgs 124-125, 190-191.

Gospel Chord Progressions ... ranging from "up-tempo praise" chord Progressions to "worship-oriented" chord progressions: pgs 65-78, 105-130, 147-165, 182-227.

Various Blues Progressions ... 12-bar, seventh chords, diminished chords ... and others: pgs 163-165, 192.

Jazz Chord Progressions ... using dominant ninth, eleventh and thirteenth chords: pgs 193-240

Study the different types of Root Progressions --- closing, opening, circular and other types of progressions: pgs 121-122.

Study how chord tones and scale degrees relate to each other [which chord progressions are most likely to be compatible]: pgs 122-130.

Learn various "turn-around" progressions [used in gospel music]: pg 213-214.

If you don't have the 300-pg Course, click here to read more about it.

 

 
"The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" 300pg Course - Learn the secrets to playing literally any song on the piano with a few simple, "easy-to-understand" techniques and principles! Join Jermaine Griggs in learning tons of music theory, concepts, and tricks that will help you to learn piano by ear! Thousands of musicians have already taken advantage of this excellent program ... why not you?

"The Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" is full of easy-to-understand tricks, tips, techniques and secrets to playing piano by ear! For this month only, I've also been able to throw in a few bonus items (3 additional piano software programs). Click here to learn the secrets to playing absolutely any song on the piano in virtually minutes! You won't regret it!


 

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