| If you've ever wondered how you can know which | | | | For example, in the key of C there are 3 basic chords |
| chords go with which melody notes, I've got good | | | | (in music theory they are known as "primary chords") |
| news for you! | | | | that are organic to that key because they are the only |
| It's easier than you might think to learn how to go | | | | 3 chords that occur as major chords without having to |
| about matching the melody notes (the tune) of any | | | | add any accidentals. Those chords are the C chord, |
| song to the appropriate chords. It's really a simple | | | | the F chord, and the G chord -- also known in music |
| 2-step process, once you understand it, but if you don't | | | | theory as the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord |
| know the secret, you can wonder about it for years. | | | | (Roman numerals are used in classical music notation). |
| But if you learn it now, you will know it the rest of your | | | | So if you play any note of the C scale -- C, D, E, F, G, |
| life. | | | | A, B, C -- you can harmonize that note with one of the |
| Back when I was a teenager learning to play the piano, | | | | 3 primary chords -- either C, F, or G -- because all of |
| it used to puzzle me which chords to use with which | | | | the notes in the C scale are members of one or more |
| melody notes: | | | | of those 3 chords. |
| "I wonder how those top pianists know which chords | | | | Fact 2: These 3 chords rotate as the melody moves |
| to use? I mean, they don't always use the C chord to | | | | through the song, so pick the chord that has that |
| harmonize the C melody note, or the D chord to | | | | melody note in it. For example, let's say you are trying |
| harmonize a D in the melody, and so on -- so how do | | | | to pick out "Silent Night" by ear, and you start on G. |
| they do it?" | | | | Simply ask yourself "Which of the 3 primary chords -- |
| A few years later I had the extremely good fortune to | | | | C, F, or G -- has the G note in it? The answer is both |
| find a teacher in Hollywood by the name of Dave. He | | | | the C chord and the G chord. So you try one, and if it |
| was THE teacher -- he taught many of the recording | | | | doesn't sound quite right, try the other. Before long you |
| artists and names you would recognize -- plus a young | | | | will be sensing which chord is the better choice. Like in |
| aspiring piano player named Duane (me). And he | | | | any subject, there is a learning curve, but it's not a |
| showed me how to go about matching the melody | | | | steep learning curve -- especially when you enjoy |
| notes of any song to the appropriate chords. | | | | what you're doing! |
| That changed my musical life. I didn't have to wonder | | | | Then once you master the primary chords, you can |
| any more -- I knew for sure which chords went with | | | | widen your scope to "cousin chords" (known in music |
| which notes, and when and why. | | | | theory as "secondary chords") then later on you can |
| It's really a simple process once you understand it, and | | | | add "neighbor chords" and "color chords" and all kinds |
| it has to do with knowing just 2 facts: | | | | of other exciting variations, and then the sky is the limit |
| Fact 1: There are 3 basic chords that will harmonize | | | | in terms of improvising and making up your own |
| any note, and that note is a member of all 3 chords. | | | | musical sounds. |