HearandPlay.com November 11, 2005  Newsletter
http://www.Hearandplay.com
Serving 205,000+ Musicians Worldwide!
 
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Contents:
I. Welcome
II. Announcements
III. Online Classroom:
       "How to combine chords and couples to create endless possibilities!"
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Dear Musician,
 
Welcome to this month's newsletter on how to combine various chords and "couples" to create endless possibilities. I'm talking about tons of chord progressions, chord changes, opening progressions, and closing progressions --- all from the same chords you already know!
 
If the words "couples" and "progressions" are new to you, don't worry. I'll make sure to explain them below in today's online classroom lesson.
 
Before I continue...
 
I apologize for not sending a newsletter out since the beginning of October. Some people actually thought they were kicked of the mailing list because they hadn't heard from me. Of course, if you're reading this newsletter right now, you're certainly on the mailing list!  :)
 
It has been so hectic since the release of my NEW GospelKeysTM 202 Special Edition course: "Mastering Worship Chords!" We literally sold out the first day while the second batch of dvds were still being replicated. As you can imagine, overseeing all of this can keep a person occupied for days!
 
The good news is that we have ample supply of our new course and things are back to normal now (... Thank God)!
 
I'm just excited to finally be able to write you again.
 
 By the way...
 
If you didn't get a chance to get my newest 5-hour dvd course on worship chords, patterns, and songs, visit http://www.gospelkeys202.com to read all about it!
 
 
In the GospelKeysTM 202 *Special Edition* 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!
 
===> 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!
 
===> 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!"
 
===> Learn contemporary and alternative ways to playing worship favorites like "Hallelujah," "Thank You Lord," "Anointing," "As the Deer," 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!
 
===> 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 have full access to them in this GospelKeys 202 course!
 
===> 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 for more information on this ALL-NEW 5-hour worship course!
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!
Click here for more information on this ALL-NEW 5-hour worship course!
 
 
OR... you might be interested in our home study course:
 
"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:
 
"How to combine chords and couples to
create endless possibilities!"
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Note: You might want to print this lesson out for easier
reading...
 
 
If you've been following me for some time, you know that I love to teach students how to master systems and patterns.
 
This lesson is no different.
 
We're going to explore various chords from my newest GospelKeysTM 202 course (...don't worry if you don't have this course yet --- I'll post the chords I want to use below).
 
 
But first, let me recap what you need to know to understand this lesson.
 
I believe that "repetition is the mother of skill" and that if you repeatedly hear the same thing over and over, you'll begin to act on it! So if you've heard me discuss the number system in the past, just think of this as a refresher.
 
I'll use the key of Db major simply because that's the major key I focus on in the GospelKeysTM 202 course:
 
 
When I say "number system," that is simply understanding a major scale like this:
 
Db major:
 
Db --- Eb --- F --- Gb --- Ab --- Bb --- C --- Db
1        2      3       4       5       6       7      8
 
 
These are also known as "tones" or "scale degrees."
 
Basically, the idea is to be able to recall, for example, the "7th scale degree" of Db major in a few seconds! Yes, you want to be that fast with all your major scales.
 
You don't want to have to recite your entire scale just to know that the 7th tone of Db is "C." You should know that without having to remember what comes before or after "C" in the scale. Still following me?
 
 
It's a mind game.
 
At least if you want to be a fast-learner of songs! You see, like I've always said, "learning songs occurs in the mind" and then you just transfer what you're already thinking to the piano."
 
Now, I could go deep into "melodic" and "harmonic" intervals but I won't cover that here. You can find that in my 300pg home study course or in my newsletter archives at http://www.pianoweekly.com.
 
 
Now, that you understand the basics of this numbering system and how to apply numbers to every major scale, we can move on...
 
Basically, the first disc (1 hour, 25 min) of the worship course covers dozens of chords to play on each tone of the major scale. Since the major scale we are learning in is Db major, the chords taught in this newsletter all center around these seven tones:
 
Db --- Eb --- F --- Gb --- Ab --- Bb --- C
1        2      3       4       5       6       7
 
Why not 8 tones? Because the eighth tone is Db and those chords are basically the same as the 1st tone of the scale (also "Db").
 
 
So the idea is to be able to take chords from tone #1 and play them with chords from tone #4.
 
...Or chords from tone (or set) #2 and play them with chords from set #5. Or chords from the 3-group and play them with chords from the 6-group.
 
Notice that I phrased each example a different way (..."tone," "set," "group"). They all mean the same thing in this lesson.
 
 
So obviously, in order to make this happen, you have to have knowledge of the chords in each group. That is what I'm going to help you with below.
 
 
Traditionally, each tone of the major scale is associated with a certain type of chord.
 
For example, the 1st tone of the scale is usually associated with the major seventh chord while the 6th tone, for example, is associated with the minor seventh chord.
 
That is not to say you'll always play a Dbmaj7 chord and never play a Dbmin7 chord in the key of Db major. You have several options to choose from, depending on the mood and feel of the song.
 
Below, I'll list potential chords for each tone of the scale just like I teach it in the GospelKeysTM 202 course. After that, I'll show you how to group these chords together to make full sounding progressions (or "chord changes").
 
 
Format: (Chord *right hand* / Bass *left hand*)
 
 
1st tone of the scale: Db
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Dbmaj triad: Db + F + Ab / Db
 
Dbmaj7:  C + F + Ab / Db
 
Dbmaj (add 9): Db + Eb + F + Ab / Db
 
Dbmaj9: C + Eb + F + Ab / Db * more info
 
 
2nd tone of the scale: Eb
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Ebmin triad: Eb + Gb + Bb / Eb
 
Ebmin7: Bb + Db + Gb / Eb
 
Ebmin9: Gb + Bb + Db + F / Eb
 
 Eb9: G Bb Db F / Eb * more info
 
 
 
3rd tone of the scale: F
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Fmin triad: F + Ab + C / F
 
Fmin7: Eb + Ab + C / F
 
Fmin7 (b5): Ab + B + Eb / F
 
F7 (#9#5): A + Db + Eb + Ab / F * more info
 
F7 (b9#5): A + Db + Eb + Gb / F * more info
 
 
 
4th tone of the scale: Gb
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Gbmaj triad: Gb + Bb + Db / Gb
 
Gbmaj7: Gb + Bb + Db + F / Gb
 
Gbmaj7: Db + F + Gb + Bb / Gb
 
Gbmaj (add 9): Gb + Ab + Bb + Db / Gb
 
 
 
5th tone of the scale: Ab
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Abmaj triad: Ab + C + Eb / Ab
 
Ab7: Ab + C + Eb + Gb / Ab
 
Abmin9: Gb + Bb + B + Eb / Ab
 
Ab13: Gb + Bb + Db + F + Ab / Ab * more info
 
 
 
6th tone of the scale: Bb
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Bbmin triad: Bb + Db + F / Bb
 
Bbmin7: Db + F + Ab / Bb
 
Bbmin9: Ab + C + Db + F / Bb
 
Gb maj / Bb: Db + Gb + Bb / Bb * more info
 
 
 
7th tone of the scale: C
Potential chords to play:
 
 
Cmin7 (b5): Bb C Eb Gb / C
 
Cmin11: Eb + G + Bb + D + F / C
 
Ab maj / C: Eb + Ab + C / C * more info
 
 
 
 
Moving on...
 
 
Now, that you have just a sample of chords to play on each tone of the scale, we can move on to making chord progressions.
 
Note: If you want ALL the chords for each tone along with 4 more hours of instruction, check out my worship course.
 
 
 
Now, all you have to do is mix and match chords from each group. I'll demonstrate to you the groups that work best together but feel free to use your practice time to explore this technique!
 
Did you know that by making different combinations among the chords above, that you have literally hundreds of possibilities?
 
Let me explain:
 
What if you took the the first chord from the "Db" group and played it before a chord from the "Ab" group. There's a combination right there! (... and believe it or not, this progressions is heard in thousands of songs from every genre of music)!!!
 
 
Here are the groups that work best together.
 
===> Try mix and matching chords from group #1 with chords from group #4 and #5. Actually, any group works well with group #1 because of the "home" feeling you get from the 1st group. It's generally the group of chords that begin and end songs so that's why it works well with just about any other group. But like I said, the 4th and 5th groups will sound very good played after a chord from the first group.
 
===> Try mix and matching chords from group #2 with chords from group #5. You'll get a very good connection with chords from these two groups.
 
===> Once you've mastered the 1-4, 1-5, and 2-5 group connections, try combining more than one pair. That means, play a chord from group #1 going to a chord from group number 4 --- then right after that, play a chord from group #2 going to a chord from group number 5. See how many possibilities can be created? This is just how music works!
 
===> Try mix and matching chords from group #3 with chords from group #6. This creates a very smooth sounding progression.
 
===> Once you've mastered the 3-6 combination, try combining a 2-5 pair with a 3-6. For example, play a chord from group #2 to a chord from group #5. Then immediately after that, play a chord from group #3 to a chord from group #6. Then, do it backwards. Play a 3-6 pair immediately followed by a 2-5 pair. Now you've created a 3-6-2-5 progression!
 
===> And the list goes on...
 
I really wish I had enough time and space to keep going. For those of you who have GospelKeysTM 202, just pop in disc #1 and you'll get this entire lecture right on your television. Disc 2 focuses more on where we just left off. It actually demonstrates to you how to combine these chords and what types of sounds various chords make.
 
 
If you don't have this course yet and you're serious about learning these concepts, I highly recommend that you check it out at http://www.gospelkeys202.com. It is perfect for gospel musicians wanting to learn slower, worshipful music in the process described above!
 
 
 
 
 
 
More information on the ALL-NEW GospelKeys 202 Special Edition Course
 
 
I talked briefly about parts one and two above (the first 3 hours of the course). Below is information on the last 2 discs including in the series. There are 4 discs total (almost 5 hours of content)!!!
 
 
 
Disc 3: Vocal accompaniment, "real-life" worship songs, and application! (1 hour and 25 minutes)
 
Part three brings everything together (the chords and voicings from part one and the couples and progressions from part two) and allows you to see, step-by-step, how to play worship hits like "Thank You Lord," "As the Deer," "Anointing," Hallelujah, "I Really Love the Lord (remix)," along with tons of "add-ons", "fill-ins," and tricks that bring your favorite songs to life!
 
While five songs are specifically covered, chord-by-chord, the systems and patterns you'll learn from the course will enable you to apply these same techniques to tons of worship songs --- all by ear!
 
With a live vocalist (not recorded -- but "live"), you'll get firsthand experience at how to accompany a singer and what it takes to play in this worship style. From left-hand movements to right hand chordal arrangements, this special edition over-delivers in many ways and you'll be sure to benefit from almost 5 hours of instruction, demonstrations, and explanations!
 
Disc 4: An in-depth 30-minute, one-on-one, personal interview with Jermaine Griggs, founder of the Hear and Play Music Group (over 200,000 students)!
 
Plus bonus "uncut" and "behind-the-scenes" footage, bloopers, mess-ups, the headquarters, and more! (40+ min).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
...So make plans to get your hands on the entire 4-disc (5 hour) package and your piano playing will never be the same!
 
Interviewer: Brian Hall, Marketing Dept.
 
Click here for more information on this ALL-NEW 5-hour worship course!

 

 

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

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and I'll be back soon! Take care!


This concludes your 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:
 
http://www.homepianocourse.com

 
Enjoy this edition? Visit our message board and let us know!
https://www.hearandplay.com/board
 
Please Let a friend know about HearandPlay.com! PLEASE FORWARD
THIS NEWSLETTER TO YOUR ENTIRE E-MAIL ADDRESS BOOK.

 
 
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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