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Transposing Keys

The Most Practical Way To Master All 12 Keys

by Jermaine Griggs · 3 comments

in Experienced players,Playing By Ear,Transposing Keys

I’m often asked the best way to learn all 12 keys and while I’ve advocated many methods in the past, the most practical way is to adapt my “3 x 12″ rule.

Simply put: Take 3 songs you know and learn them in all 12 keys.

It helps if they are songs that utilize a variety of different chords. That’s why picking 3 is important because between them, you should get a good mix of chords off every tone of the scale…

Ask Jermaine: “Transposition and Modulation”

by Jermaine Griggs · 3 comments

in Piano,Theory,Transposing Keys

Every other Monday night, we hold a live “Question & Answer” session in our Gospel Music Training Center and last night we got a great question from Miriam Tierno in NY: “What is the difference between Transposition and Modulation?”

So I’m going to repeat my answer concerning transposition and modulation here on the blog for everyone to see.

FINALLY CRACKED! How (and why) to use the circle of fifths to learn every chord in ALL 12 keys…

by Jermaine Griggs · 27 comments

in Playing By Ear,Theory,Transposing Keys

Wow, what can I say…

I think I’ve started something here…

The last few weeks, I’ve been trying out a new format
by taking really good questions from students and not only
answering them personally, but sending them to our entire
mailing list.

This has resulted in a lot of love — and even MORE
questions from dedicated students all around the world. I’ve
received at least a good couple hundred questions that could
easily keep me busy sending responses like this for years…

But here’s one that made the top of the list. I think
you’ll really be helped by my reply to Tyler. It’s long but
packed with details. About 5 lessons in one.

PRINT THIS OUT because it really is *that* important.

——————–

***Comment From Tyler N***

Hi Jermaine,

Dude, you are incredible. Your knowledge of theory is on
another planet. Thanks for what you do man, for real.

I’m trying to learn all 12 keys and I happen…

Numbers rule the world of music. Here’s how to really use them in chord patterns to learn all 12 keys

by Jermaine Griggs · 26 comments

in Theory,Transposing Keys

After last week’s e-mail, I received a host of replies. Here’s one that I think will really help you (VERY IMPORTANT STRATEGIES).

***Comment From Kelly W.***

Hi Jermaine,

Thanks for sending such an informative e-mail. I feel like you give so much through your website, blog, and e-mails (maybe too much). Do you ever sleep?

Well, here’s another e-mail to add to your insomnia. :-)

You mentioned the number system and how it is key when it comes to

How I quickly learn songs in all 12 keys

by Jermaine Griggs · 7 comments

in Transposing Keys

robothands-small.jpgSo this isn’t going to be easy but if you’re committed, you can learn to play in ALL 12 keys… not just one. I’ll lay out 2 ways to do it. One way, I learned about 16 years ago and still use at times. The other way is more involved, but will help your understanding of music a lot better…

How to transpose stuff…

by Jermaine Griggs · 8 comments

in Transposing Keys

To “transpose” a song, melody, chord, or progression is to play the same exact sequence of notes and intervals in another key. In other words, if I were to play a chord progression like “C major — F major — G major” in the key of C major, by transposing it, I can play the [...]