Q. I know basic piano - I can read very basic sheet music, and I can play by ear. I can get the melody to a song, play it with one hand, but how do figure out which notes I should be playing with the other hand to give it that complete, harmonizing sound? I took piano lessons years ago, so I can't remember. I think it has something to do with chords though, right?
A. Composing (writing) a song on the piano is way different than simply playing the piano. It sounds like you are really wanting to know how to put chords to a melody.
Unfortunately, this can't be answered here in a short amount of time.
What you need is to study music theory. Here are a few good sites I've found that should help you out, although ideally, you should take piano lessons again.
To get a better handle on what it's all about, I recommend:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory
Then, check out some of the following:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=books%3A+Music+theory&btnG=Google+Search
And yes, there is a book titled "Music Theory for Dummies."
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Music+theory+for+dummies&btnG=Search
HELPFUL ONLINE STUDIES:
http://www.musictheory.net
http://www.numbera.com/musictheory/
Also, take a look at some sheet music in a music store. Just looking at a few songs that you are familiar with will help you match the chords with the melody. What you will find is that, in most cases, the note in the melody matches a note in the accompanying chord.
Probably more info than you were looking for, but I'm just trying to share the wealth!
Kabum
What Are Some Key Points That A Bassist Should Learn?
Q. I am going to take up the bass and I am going to learn online.
Now I was just wondering what are some of the things that I should really focus on learning.
I don't have any musical experiance so i'm a little lost.
I've been playing the bass for like 6 months. I have tried lessons before but some things have caused me to have to quit. So I know a little bit about stuff.
A. I 3rd what the other 2 said about face-face lessons especially if this is yer first time picking up a music instrument, i was in the same spot as you when i started out on guitar. You get VERY lost & s*it from just playing online heres an old post of mine
alot of people i see here post things such as ''i taught myself piano its easy''
let me say any instrument is easy (&these are most likely the ramblings of people who have only played guitar a few months), but to properly play it & understand what the heck your doing (this helps your creative process when writing your own stuff or just in general) is another different matter.
i could be taught to recite out 10 basic piano tunes, but give me the likes of Mozarts music & ask me to use certain techniques that are heard on piano. i would fail (as would all the people claiming ''its easy'' on their respective instruments)
the problem with teaching yourself guitar (or any instrument) is that alot of people give up they get frustrated. (supposedly 90% of self taught musicians quit whilst quoting statistics are generally wrong i wouldn't put it past being a damn high figure)
also alot of people can ''play'' guitar, ie bang out a few songs & intros eg starirway to heaven. But there is a notable difference heard between a self-taught guitarist playing a song & a trained guitarist.
guitarists are a dime a dozen, everybody plays guitar (heck i play guitar) however a decent guitarist is hard to find this is where you can benifit from lessons as most people don't take lessons.
Lessons are definitely a great idea, a teacher can show you techniques & correct you. i still get corrected over things i do at my lessons.
alot of the internet resources aren't that great, again it is alot of amateurs with bad technique posting who started out similar to you, or looking to make a quick buck.
every music autobiography i have read (& i read quite a fair bit of them as i LOVE music) the guitarist/any instrument, has gotten lessons at some point.
there are a rare few virtuoso (ie talented) people who didn't get lessons but even at that they start practicing with other people who have got lessons & learn off them.
As somebody said those ''guitar for dummies'' are great, however that is as a side tool to reference to. not to just teach yourself, at a glance you learn the basics but when you study those books they can get quite complicated & a teacher can clear any questions you have.
a teacher also encourages you to practice & gives you set goals.
Don't get me wrong you can learn by yourself but if you are in any way serious about wanting to play music & want to get to a good level, i'd DEFINITELY suggest lessons. Also alot of people seem to start their music career out on guitar as it is such a famous instrument & lots of people own guitars in some form. Don't be suprised if you feel like quitting guitar because everybody plays it after a few months it happens to alot of people, it doesn't mean you aren't musically talented.
PS try not to ask people to give you the chords to a song, its better if you can work them out yourself it creates an ear for certain notes. however make sure what you are playing is correct.
PPS: i read here an answer off somebody who was in a music college, she roughly said ''the teachers would cringe when they heard that a new 'self-taught' musician was coming to the colllege, because the teachers all knew he/she would have to be retaught due to them having bad technique''
Rory Gallagher- Cradle Rock (Live ROCK/BLUES unbelievable guitar playing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k4iocWURPk
''Rory's death really upset me. I heard about it just before we went on stage, and it put a damper on the evening'' Jimmy Page (Led Zep)
Sources: bassist
experience in music (ie reading books, being out there etc)
How did you learn how to play the piano?
Q. Before I go and spend money, I was wondering if anyone taught themselves how to play. I plan on teaching myself with some help from my grandma. I was wondering what are some good books to buy. I was thinking of Piano for Dummies. I also need to refresh my memory on how to read music, what books are good for that?
A. I learned the basics online and just printed out the music. I liked it better than getting a teacher.
http://piano.about.com
That one tells you what to do with your fingers, and that's what I had the hardest time with. They tell you how to touch chords and scales with both hands, etc.
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Title : How do I compose a song on the piano?
Description : Q. I know basic piano - I can read very basic sheet music, and I can play by ear. I can get the melody to a song, play it with one hand, b...