Q. I just started lessons, and they are once a week. I am having a hard time with my fingers being able to stretch all the way for a G7 chord. Is there any exercises that I can do to help make my fingers stretch so I can eventually reach all the notes?
A. Hi,
The G7 is just short of a full octave reach... Many classical compositions require you to be able to reach a full octave, sometimes more.
I would venture to guess that since you just started playing, this will get easier with time. When I started playing piano, I could barely reach anything and thought it was hopeless. However, I learned with time that this was more due to clumsiness and not being used to the piano keys than my inability to stretch my fingers and hands.
I would try practicing the chord consistently until it becomes easier. Try using different finger arrangements to see what's most comfortable for you. Like, I find it easier to make wide stretches between my index and middle finger, even if most people would use, say, their thumb and middle finger. I also found it helpful to not just practice one specific chord or bar of a song over and over, but to kind of "jump" to it from other chords so I could reach it no matter where my fingers were before.
Good luck to you! Once your fingers become more used to being on the keys, I think you'll be surprised at how easy what once seemed difficult was! With practice, even the hardest pieces I tried to learn when I started I can now play with my eyes closed.
Don't give up!
What are some upbeat and happy chords for the piano?
Q. My friend and I are trying to compose a song and can't find any good chords. Preferably in the key of C.
A. The major chords are generally considered "upbeat", but it depends on how you use them. But something tells me if you have to ask online for "some upbeat and happy chords", you probably don't have a solid enough foundation in music to start composing yet.
Common major chords in C major:
C Major: C E G
F Major: F A C
G Major: G B D
bonus:
G7: G B D F
I suggest studying music theory and some common chord progressions.
How to know which chord to accompany the song?
Q. I can play piano by ear but only for the melody (right hand). What are your techniques or things you have learned to figure out what chords to accompany with the song I am playing?
A. Good question. There are all kinds of videos on youtube about "chording". It's hard to explain it in an answer but basically you have to know the key of the song and what chords go with the song. i.e. in C the chords are C, C Major 7 D minor, D minor 7, E minor, E minor 7, F Major, Fajor 7, G Major, and G7. Sevenths can be tricky since there is a difference between C7 and C Major 7. But those are some pretty basic chords. You can also play a minor tenth by taking the 3rd from the chord and playing it an octave higher. i.e. C G E. With E being the "tenth". You can do this with any key but you have to know your keys. As well as the key of the song, like I said earlier. And occasionaly songs will change keys within the song. But as long as you know your keys, you're good to go! Best of luck!
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Title : I am having a hard time reaching a G7 Chord on the piano?
Description : Q. I just started lessons, and they are once a week. I am having a hard time with my fingers being able to stretch all the way for a G7 cho...