Piano Chords & Scales - The Ultimate Guide (E-Book)

piano
chords
scales
&
the ultimate guide

by
piano
chords
scales
&
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

by
Copyright © 2021 by Musora Media Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-9991519-6-6
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the
publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and
certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Printed in China.
musora.com pianote.com
T a b l e of C o n t e n t s
Introduction 3 G Chords 99
C Chords 7 G Scales 106
C Scales 14 Practice Tip #7 108
Practice Tip #1 16 G Chords 111
C Chords 19 G Scales 118
C Scales 26 Practice Tip #8 120
D Chords 29 A Chords 123
D Scales 36 A Scales 130
Practice Tip #2 39 Practice Tip #9 132
D Chords 41 A Chords 135
D Scales 48 A Scales 142
E Chords 53 B Chords 147
E Scales 60 B Scales 154
E Chords 65 B Chords 159
E Scales 72 B Scales 166
F Chords 77 Circle of Fifths 169
F Scales 84 Building Major 170
Practice Tip #6 86 & Minor Chords
F Chords 89 Scales formulas 171
F Scales 96 My Final Thoughts 172
introduction
with
lisa witt
What would you do with musical freedom?
Musical freedom is the ability to play the songs you love, improvise—
and even create your own music if you want.
While we can’t absolutely promise this book will give you musical
freedom (our lawyer wouldn’t let us), we think it will help you get
closer than you’ve ever been.
That’s because chords and scales, the two musical elements this book
help you learn to navigate and incorporate into your piano music, are
the key to unlocking all the magic the piano has to offer.
Music is based around chords and scales, plain and simple. Learn a
scale, and you have the ingredients to play all the chords for that key
signature. Learn the chords of that key signature, and you can play
songs, improvise, and compose.
Like most forms of freedom, working towards musical freedom is…

work. You need to work on chords and scales, just like anything else.
And of course, you still have to put in keyboard time to develop other
aspects of musicality like rhythm, hand independence, dexterity, and
more, but at the heart of it all…chords and scales!
These important musical building blocks get complex, and too many
aspiring piano players worry about whether they’re playing them right.
That’s where this book comes to the rescue. It’s a complete* reference
guide, so you never need to wonder if you’re on track. All you have to
do is refer to the relevant section whenever you want to double check
that you’re playing something correctly.
What we can promise is that the information in this guide will help you
learn, play, practice, and understand the magical language of music.
Happy music making…
LISA WIT T
*Music theory super geeks will notice some keys are missing from this
guide—like D#, G#, and A#. Don’t worry! We left them out on purpose,
because they’re theoretical key signatures, and they’re never used in music.
You don’t need them to play the music you love.
C
The Key of
C CHORDS
C Major — Root
C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E
C Major — 1st Inversion
C Major — 2nd Inversion
C Minor — Root
5
C CHORDS
C Minor — 1st Inversion
C Minor — 2nd Inversion
C Sus2 — Root
C Sus4 — Root
6
C CHORDS
C Major 7 — Root
C Major 7 — 1st Inversion
C Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
C Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
7
C CHORDS
C Minor 7 — Root
E B
C Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
E B
C Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
B E
C Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
B E
8
C CHORDS
C Dominant 7 — Root
C Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
C Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
C Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
9
C CHORDS
Cm7b5 — Root
E G B
Cm7b5 — 1st Inversion
E G B
Cm7b5 — 2nd Inversion
G B E
Cm7b5 — 3rd Inversion
B E G
10
C CHORDS
C Diminished 7 — Root
E G
C D E F G B B C D E F G A B C D E
C Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
E G
C Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
G E
C Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
E G
11
C SCALES
C Major Scale
C Natural Minor Scale
E A B
C Harmonic Minor Scale
E A
C Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
12
C SCALES
C Melodic Minor Descending Scale
E A B
C Major Pentatonic Scale
C Minor Pentatonic Scale
E B
C Major Blues Scale
13
C SCALES
C Minor Blues Scale
E G B
PRACTICE
Tip
1 Practice Space
Set yourself up for success by

eliminating noise or any distracting
C D E Felements,
G A to
B the
C best
D of
E your
F abilities.
G A B C D E
Create a cozy comfortable space with

good lighting, a comfortable seat,
and some personal touches.
14
C
The Key of
D
C CHORDS
C Major — Root
C G
C D E E G A B C D E F G A B C D E
C Major — 1st Inversion
G C
C Major — 2nd Inversion
G C
C D E F G A B C D E E G A B C D E
C Minor — Root
C G
17
C CHORDS
C Minor — 1st Inversion
G C
C Minor — 2nd Inversion
G C
C Sus2 — Root
C D G
C Sus4 — Root
C F G
18
C CHORDS
C Major 7 — Root
C G
C D E E G A B B D E F G A B C D E
C Major 7 — 1st Inversion
G C
C Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
G C
C D E F G A B B D E E G A B C D E
C Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
C G
C D E F G A B B D E E G A B C D E
19
C CHORDS
C Minor 7 — Root
C G
C Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
G C
C Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
G C
C Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
C G
20
C CHORDS
C Dominant 7 — Root
C G
C Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
G C
C Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
G C
C Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
C G
21
C CHORDS
C m7b5 — Root
C m7b5 — 1st Inversion
C m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
C m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
22
C CHORDS
C Diminished 7 — Root
C B
C Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
B C
C Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
B C
C Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
B C
23
C SCALES
C Major Scale
C D F G A C
C Natural Minor Scale
C D F G C
C Harmonic Minor Scale
C D F G C
C D E F G A B B D E F G A B C D E
C Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
C D F G A C
C D E F G A B B D E F G A B C D E
24
C SCALES
C Melodic Minor Descending Scale
C D F G C
C Major Pentatonic Scale
C D G A C
C Minor Pentatonic Scale
C F G C
C Major Blues Scale
C D G A C
25
C SCALES
C Minor Blues Scale
C F G C
26
D CHORDS
D Major — Root
D A
D Major — 1st Inversion
A D
D Major — 2nd Inversion
A D
D Minor — Root
D A
C D F F G A B C D E F G A B C D E
27
D CHORDS
D Minor — 1st Inversion
A D
D Minor — 2nd Inversion
A D
C D E F G A B C D F F G A B C D E
D Sus2 — Root
D E A
D Sus4 — Root
D G A
28
D CHORDS
D Major 7 — Root
D A
D Major 7 — 1st Inversion
A D
D Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
A D
D Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
D A
29
D CHORDS
D Minor 7 — Root
D A
C D F F G A C C D E F G A B C D E
D Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
A D
D Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
A D
C D E F G A C C D F F G A B C D E
D Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
D A
30
D CHORDS
D Dominant 7 — Root
D A
C D E F G A C C D E F G A B C D E
D Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
A D
D Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
A D
D Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
D A
31
D CHORDS
D m7b5 — Root
C D F F A A C C D E F G A B C D E
D m7b5 — 1st Inversion
C D F F A A C C D E F G A B C D E
D m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
C D E F A A C C D F F G A B C D E
D m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
C D E F G A C C D F F A A B C D E
32
D CHORDS
D Diminished 7 — Root
D C
C D F F A A B C D E F G A B C D E
D Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
C D
C D F F A A B C D E F G A B C D E
D Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
C D
C D E F A A B C D F F G A B C D E
D Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
C D
C D E F G A B C D F F A A B C D E
33
D SCALES
D Major Scale
D E G A B D
D Natural Minor Scale
D E G A D
C D F F G B C C D E F G A B C D E
D Harmonic Minor Scale
D E G A D
C D F F G B B C D E F G A B C D E
D Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
D E G A B D
34
D SCALES
D Melodic Minor Descending Scale
D E G A D
C D F F G B C C D E F G A B C D E
D Major Pentatonic Scale
D E A B D
D Minor Pentatonic Scale
D G A D
D Major Blues Scale
D E A B D
35
D SCALES
D Minor Blues Scale
D G A D
PRACTICE
Tip
2 Warm Up
First, stretch and take some deep
breathes. Then, do something
C D E Fthat
G helps
A you
B Carrive
D mentally
E F Gand
A B C D E
physically at the piano — practicing a

dexterity exercise, playing a favourite
riff, or practicing a simple scale.
36
D
The Key of
D CHORDS
D Major — Root
D Major — 1st Inversion
D Major — 2nd Inversion
D Minor — Root
39
D CHORDS
D Minor — 1st Inversion
D Minor — 2nd Inversion
D Sus2 — Root
D Sus4 — Root
40
D CHORDS
D Major 7 — Root
F C
D Major 7 — 1st Inversion
F C
D Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
C F
D Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
C F
41
D CHORDS
D Minor 7 — Root
D Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
D Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
D Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
42
D CHORDS
D Dominant 7 — Root
D Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
D Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
D Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
43
D CHORDS
Dm7b5 — Root
Dm7b5 — 1st Inversion
Dm7b5 — 2nd Inversion
Dm7b5 — 3rd Inversion
44
D CHORDS
D Diminished 7 — Root
D Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
D Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
D Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
45
D SCALES
D Major Scale
F C
D Natural Minor Scale
D Harmonic Minor Scale
B C
D Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
46
D SCALES
D Melodic Minor Descending Scale
D Major Pentatonic Scale
D Minor Pentatonic Scale
D Major Blues Scale
47
D SCALES
D Minor Blues Scale
PRACTICE
Tip
3 Technique
Incorporate technique into your
practice; this includes major and minor
scales, triads, arpeggios, and diatonic
chords. Technique will help you to
become better at everything you play.
You can pick one key signature to work
on at a time or rotate between key
signatures as often as you’d like.
48
E
The Key of
E CHORDS
E Major — Root
E B
E Major — 1st Inversion
B E
E Major — 2nd Inversion
B E
E Minor — Root
E G B
51
E CHORDS
E Minor — 1st Inversion
G B E
E Minor — 2nd Inversion
B E G
E Sus2 — Root
E B
E Sus4 — Root
E A B
52
E CHORDS
E Major 7 — Root
E B
E Major 7 — 1st Inversion
B E
E Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
B E
E Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
E B
53
E CHORDS
E Minor 7 — Root
E G B D
E Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
G B D E
E Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
B D E G
E Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
D E G B
54
E CHORDS
E Dominant 7 — Root
E B D
E Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
B D E
E Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
B D E
E Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
D E B
55
E CHORDS
E m7b5 — Root
E G D
E m7b5 — 1st Inversion
G D E
E m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
D E G
E m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
D E G
C D E F G A B C D E F G B B C D E
56
E CHORDS
E Diminished 7 — Root
E G
C D E F G B B D D E F G A B C D E
E Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
G E
E Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
E G
E Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
E G
C D E F G A B D D E F G B B C D E
57
E SCALES
E Major Scale
E A B E
E Natural Minor Scale
E G A B D E
E Harmonic Minor Scale
E G A B E
E Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
E G A B E
58
E SCALES
E Melodic Minor Descending Scale
E G A B D E
E Major Pentatonic Scale
E B E
E Minor Pentatonic Scale
E G A B D E
E Major Blues Scale
E G B E
59
E SCALES
E Minor Blues Scale
E G A B D E
C D E F G A B C D E F G B C D E
PRACTICE
Tip
4 Sight Reading
Sight reading is an important aspect
of your daily practice routine because
it takes time and consistency to
master. For more resources on this
C D E F
skill,
G
you
A
can
B
check
C D
out
E
Level
F
5 ofAtheB
G C D E
Pianote Method to get you started.
60
E
The Key of
E CHORDS
E Major — Root
E Major — 1st Inversion
E Major — 2nd Inversion
E Minor — Root
63
E CHORDS
E Minor — 1st Inversion
E Minor — 2nd Inversion
E Sus2 — Root
E Sus4 — Root
64
E CHORDS
E Major 7 — Root
G D
E Major 7 — 1st Inversion
G D
E Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
D G
E Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
D G
65
E CHORDS
E Minor 7 — Root
E Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
E Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
E Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
66
E CHORDS
E Dominant 7 — Root
E Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
E Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
E Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
67
E CHORDS
Em7b5 — Root
Em7b5 — 1st Inversion
Em7b5 — 2nd Inversion
Em7b5 — 3rd Inversion
68
E CHORDS
E Diminished 7 — Root
B D
E Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
B D
E Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
B D
E Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
D B
69
E SCALES
E Major Scale
F G C D
E Natural Minor Scale
E Harmonic Minor Scale
F D
E Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
F C D
70
E SCALES
E Melodic Minor Descending Scale
E Major Pentatonic Scale
F G C
E Minor Pentatonic Scale
E Major Blues Scale
F G C
71
E SCALES
E Minor Blues Scale
C D E F
PRACTICE
G A B C D E F G A B C D E
Tip
5 Songs
Reconnect regularly with songs you love
— after all, we learn the piano so we can
play the songs we love, right?!? Review a
F G A B G A B
C D E
favourite song C
you D E
learned aF while ago, C D E
or begin working on something new.
72
F
The Key of
F CHORDS
F Major — Root
F Major — 1st Inversion
F Major — 2nd Inversion
F Minor — Root
75
F CHORDS
F Minor — 1st Inversion
F Minor — 2nd Inversion
F Sus2 — Root
F Sus4 — Root
76
F CHORDS
F Major 7 — Root
F Major 7 — 1st Inversion
F Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
F Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
77
F CHORDS
F Minor 7 — Root
A E
F Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
A E
F Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
E A
F Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
E A
78
F CHORDS
F Dominant 7 — Root
F Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
F Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
F Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
79
F CHORDS
Fm7b5 — Root
A E
Fm7b5 — 1st Inversion
A E
Fm7b5 — 2nd Inversion
E A
Fm7b5 — 3rd Inversion
E A
C D E F G A B C D E F G A C C D E
80
F CHORDS
F Diminished 7 — Root
F Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
F Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
F Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
81
F SCALES
F Major Scale
F Natural Minor Scale
A B D E
F Harmonic Minor Scale
A B D
F Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
A B
82
F SCALES
F Melodic Minor Descending Scale
A B D E
F Major Pentatonic Scale
F Minor Pentatonic Scale
A B E
F Major Blues Scale
83
F SCALES
F Minor Blues Scale
A B E
C D E F G A B C D E F G A C D E
PRACTICE
Tip
6 Challenge Yourself
Make sure you stay engaged by learning
a new scale or chord progression, a new
song, or anything that challenges your
skills and encourages growth.
84
F
The Key of
G
F CHORDS
F Major — Root
F A C
F Major — 1st Inversion
A C F
F Major — 2nd Inversion
C F A
F Minor — Root
F C
87
F CHORDS
F Minor — 1st Inversion
C F
F Minor — 2nd Inversion
C F
F Sus2 — Root
F G C
F Sus4 — Root
F C
88
F CHORDS
F Major 7 — Root
F A C
F Major 7 — 1st Inversion
A C F
F Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
C F A
F Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
F A C
89
F CHORDS
F Minor 7 — Root
F C
F Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
C F
F Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
C F
F Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
F C
90
F CHORDS
F Dominant 7 — Root
F A C
F Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
A C F
F Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
C F A
F Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
F A C
91
F CHORDS
F m7b5 — Root
C D E F G A B C D E F G B D E
F m7b5 — 1st Inversion
F m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
F m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
92
F CHORDS
F Diminished 7 — Root
F E
F Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
E F
F Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
E F
F Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
E F
93
F SCALES
F Major Scale
F G A C D F
F Natural Minor Scale
F G C F
F Harmonic Minor Scale
F G C F
F Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
F G C D F
94
F SCALES
F Melodic Minor Descending Scale
F G C F
F Major Pentatonic Scale
F G A C D F
F Minor Pentatonic Scale
F C F
F Major Blues Scale
F G A C D F
95
F SCALES
F Minor Blues Scale
F C F
96
G CHORDS
G Major — Root
G B D
G Major — 1st Inversion
B D G
G Major — 2nd Inversion
D G B
G Minor — Root
G D
97
G CHORDS
G Minor — 1st Inversion
D G
G Minor — 2nd Inversion
D G
C D E F G A B C D E F G B B C D E
G Sus2 — Root
G A D
G Sus4 — Root
G D
98
G CHORDS
G Major 7 — Root
G B D
G Major 7 — 1st Inversion
B D G
G Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
D G B
G Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
G B D
99
G CHORDS
G Minor 7 — Root
G D
C D E F G B B C D F F G A B C D E
G Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
D G
C D E F G B B C D F F G A B C D E
G Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
D G
C D E F G A B C D F F G B B C D E
G Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
G D
C D E F G A B C D F F G B B C D E
100
G CHORDS
G Dominant 7 — Root
G B D
G Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
B D G
G Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
D G B
G Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
G B D
101
G CHORDS
G m7b5 — Root
C D E F G B B D D F F G A B C D E
G m7b5 — 1st Inversion
C D E F G B B D D F F G A B C D E
G m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
C D E F G A B D D F F G B B C D E
G m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
C D E F G A B C D F F G B B D D E
102
G CHORDS
G Diminished 7 — Root
G F
G Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
F G
G Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
F G
C D E F G A B D D E F G B B C D E
G Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
F G
C D E F G A B C D E F G B B D D E
103
G SCALES
G Major Scale
G A B D E G
G Natural Minor Scale
G A D G
C D E F G B C C E F F G A B C D E
G Harmonic Minor Scale
G A D G
C D E F G B C C E E F G A B C D E
G Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
G A D E G
C D E F G B C C D E F G A B C D E
104
G SCALES
G Melodic Minor Descending Scale
G A D G
C D E F G B C C E F F G A B C D E
G Major Pentatonic Scale
G A B D E G
G Minor Pentatonic Scale
G D G
C D E F G B C C D F F G A B C D E
G Major Blues Scale
G A B D E G
105
G SCALES
G Minor Blues Scale
G D G
C D E F G B C C D F F G A B D E
PRACTICE
Tip
7 Take Breaks!
Stretch, relax, move your body.
Make sure you aren’t tensing up or
C D E F getting
G A frustrated.
B C D Staying
E F relaxed
G A B C D E
is an important part of practicing.
106
G
The Key of
G CHORDS
G Major — Root
G Major — 1st Inversion
G Major — 2nd Inversion
G Minor — Root
109
G CHORDS
G Minor — 1st Inversion
G Minor — 2nd Inversion
G Sus2 — Root
G Sus4 — Root
110
G CHORDS
G Major 7 — Root
G Major 7 — 1st Inversion
G Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
G Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
111
G CHORDS
G Minor 7 — Root
G Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
G Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
G Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
112
G CHORDS
G Dominant 7 — Root
G Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
G Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
G Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
113
G CHORDS
Gm7b5 — Root
B D
Gm7b5 — 1st Inversion
B D
Gm7b5 — 2nd Inversion
D B
Gm7b5 — 3rd Inversion
B D
114
G CHORDS
G Diminished 7 — Root
B D
G Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
B D
G Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
D B
G Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
B D
115
G SCALES
G Major Scale
G Natural Minor Scale
B E
G Harmonic Minor Scale
B E F
G Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
B F
116
G SCALES
G Melodic Minor Descending Scale
B E
G Major Pentatonic Scale
G Minor Pentatonic Scale
G Major Blues Scale
117
G SCALES
G Minor Blues Scale
B C
PRACTICE
Tip
8 Listen To Yourself
If you can, record yourself and listen
back. Take note of what you liked, what
you didn’t like, and use that information
to improve and shape your playing.
118
A
The Key of
A CHORDS
A Major — Root
A E
A Major — 1st Inversion
E A
A Major — 2nd Inversion
E A
A Minor — Root
A E
121
A CHORDS
A Minor — 1st Inversion
E A
A Minor — 2nd Inversion
E A
A Sus2 — Root
A B E
A Sus4 — Root
A D E
122
A CHORDS
A Major 7 — Root
A E
A Major 7 — 1st Inversion
E A
A Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
E A
A Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
A E
123
A CHORDS
A Minor 7 — Root
A E G
A Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
E G A
A Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
E G A
A Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
G A E
124
A CHORDS
A Dominant 7 — Root
A E G
A Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
E G A
A Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
E G A
A Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
G A E
125
A CHORDS
A m7b5 — Root
A G
C D E F G A C C E E F G A B C D E
A m7b5 — 1st Inversion
G A
C D E F G A C C E E F G A B C D E
A m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
G A
C D E F G A B C E E F G A C C D E
A m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
G A
C D E F G A B C D E F G A C C E E
126
A CHORDS
A Diminished 7 — Root
C D E F G A C C E E G G A B C D E
A Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
C D E F G A C C E E G G A B C D E
A Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
C D E F G A B C E E G G A C C D E
A Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
C D E F G A B C D E G G A C C E E
127
A SCALES
A Major Scale
A B D E A
A Natural Minor Scale
A B D E G A
C D E F G A C C ED F F G A B C D E
A Harmonic Minor Scale
A B D E A
A Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
A B D E A
128
A SCALES
A Melodic Minor Descending Scale
A B D E G A
A Major Pentatonic Scale
A B E A
A Minor Pentatonic Scale
A D E G A
A Major Blues Scale
A B E A
C D E F G A B C D E F G A C D E
129
A SCALES
A Minor Blues Scale
A D E G A
C D E F G A C C D E F G A B C E
PRACTICE
Tip
9 Be Consistent
It’s very important to maintain a
consistent practice. Even if you
can’t spend a long time practicing,
C D E F getting
G A even
B 10
C or
D 15Eminutes
F G inA B C D E
every day will help you develop

your skills better than doing longer
but sporadic practice sessions.
130
A
The Key of
A CHORDS
A Major — Root
A Major — 1st Inversion
A Major — 2nd Inversion
A Minor — Root
133
A CHORDS
A Minor — 1st Inversion
A Minor — 2nd Inversion
A Sus2 — Root
A Sus4 — Root
134
A CHORDS
A Major 7 — Root
C G
A Major 7 — 1st Inversion
C G
A Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
G C
A Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
G C
135
A CHORDS
A Minor 7 — Root
A Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
A Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
A Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
136
A CHORDS
A Dominant 7 — Root
A Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
A Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
A Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
137
A CHORDS
Am7b5 — Root
Am7b5 — 1st Inversion
Am7b5 — 2nd Inversion
Am7b5 — 3rd Inversion
138
A CHORDS
A Diminished 7 — Root
E G
A Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
E G
A Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
E G
A Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
G E
139
A SCALES
A Major Scale
C F G
A Natural Minor Scale
A Harmonic Minor Scale
A Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
F G
140
A SCALES
A Melodic Minor Descending Scale
A Major Pentatonic Scale
C F
A Minor Pentatonic Scale
A Major Blues Scale
C F
141
A SCALES
A Minor Blues Scale
PRACTICE
Tip
10 Improvise
Make space in your practice sessions
for some creativity by exploring an
improvisation concept. Improvising
along to music you love can be a fun
C D E Fway
G to AhelpB you
C train
D that
E Fmuscle
G AandB C D E
help become a better listener. (Psst...

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!)
142
B
The Key of
B CHORDS
B Major — Root
B Major — 1st Inversion
B Major — 2nd Inversion
B Minor — Root
B D
145
B CHORDS
B Minor — 1st Inversion
D B
B Minor — 2nd Inversion
B D
B Sus2 — Root
B Sus4 — Root
B E
146
B CHORDS
B Major 7 — Root
B Major 7 — 1st Inversion
B Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
B Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
147
B CHORDS
B Minor 7 — Root
B D A
B Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
D A B
B Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
A B D
B Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
A B D
148
B CHORDS
B Dominant 7 — Root
B A
B Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
A B
B Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
A B
B Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
A B
149
B CHORDS
B m7b5 — Root
B D A
B m7b5 — 1st Inversion
D A B
B m7b5 — 2nd Inversion
A B D
B m7b5 — 3rd Inversion
A B D
C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D F
150
B CHORDS
B Diminished 7 — Root
B D
B Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
D B
B Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
B D
B Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
B D
C D E F G A B C D E F A A B C D F
151
B SCALES
B Major Scale
B E B
B Natural Minor Scale
B D E G A B
B Harmonic Minor Scale
B D E G B
B Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
B D E B
152
B SCALES
B Melodic Minor Descending Scale
B D E G A B
B Major Pentatonic Scale
B B
B Minor Pentatonic Scale
B D E A
B Major Blues Scale
B D B
153
B SCALES
B Minor Blues Scale
B D E A B
PRACTICE
Tip
11 Get Inspired!
Make sure that you listen to your
favorite artists and composers. Let
them inspire you with their work, and
immerse yourself in your favorite genre.
154
B
The Key of
B CHORDS
B Major — Root
D F
B Major — 1st Inversion
D F
B Major — 2nd Inversion
F D
B Minor — Root
157
B CHORDS
B Minor — 1st Inversion
B Minor — 2nd Inversion
B Sus2 — Root
C F
B Sus4 — Root
158
B CHORDS
B Major 7 — Root
D F A
B Major 7 — 1st Inversion
D F A
B Major 7 — 2nd Inversion
F A D
B Major 7 — 3rd Inversion
A D F
159
B CHORDS
B Minor 7 — Root
B Minor 7 — 1st Inversion
B Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion
B Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion
160
B CHORDS
B Dominant 7 — Root
D F
B Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion
D F
B Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion
F D
B Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion
D F
161
B CHORDS
Bm7b5 — Root
Bm7b5 — 1st Inversion
Bm7b5 — 2nd Inversion
Bm7b5 — 3rd Inversion
162
B CHORDS
B Diminished 7 — Root
B Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion
B Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion
B Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion
163
B SCALES
B Major Scale
C D F G A
B Natural Minor Scale
C F
B Harmonic Minor Scale
C F A
B Melodic Minor Ascending Scale
C F G A
164
B SCALES
B Melodic Minor Descending Scale
C F
B Major Pentatonic Scale
C D F G
B Minor Pentatonic Scale
B Major Blues Scale
C D F G
165
B SCALES
B Minor Blues Scale
PRACTICE
C D E F G A B C D
Tip
E F G A B C D E
12 Have Fun!
Spend some time just having FUN at the
piano! Play your favorites, perform for
your family and friends, or take time to
write your own compositions! Whatever
C D E itF is that
G feelsB good
A C to
D you,
E make
F G sure
A B C D E
you create space in your practice time

for those things.
166
c i r c l e of f i f t h s
building Major
& minor chords
Major Chord Formula. 4 half steps / 3 half steps
Major Chord Formula= 4+3
C Major Chord — C, E, G
C to E is 4 half steps, E to G is 3 half steps.
Minor Chord Formula 3 half steps/ 4 half steps

Minor Chord Formula= 3+4
C Minor Chord — C, Eb, G

C to Eb is 3 half steps, Eb to G is 4 half steps.
scale formulas
Major Scale Formula
WWHWWWH
+ + STEP + STEP + STEP + STEP +STEP
WHOLE WHOLE HALF WHOLE WHOLE WHOLE HALF
STEP STEP
Minor Scale Formula
WHWWHWW
+ + + + + +
WHOLE HALF WHOLE WHOLE HALF WHOLE WHOLE
STEP STEP STEP STEP STEP STEP STEP
my
final thoughts
If you were to ask me what the most important thing for piano players
to practice is, I’d say chords and scales.
That’s because chords and scales are the building blocks of everything
we play on the piano, which makes them the key to being able to
improvise, write your own songs, and play the songs you’ve always
wanted to learn.
As you move closer towards musical freedom, are you playing more of
the songs you love? Do you feel more confident when you improvise?
Have you taken the leap to start composing your own songs?
I want to know! And so do your fellow pianists in the Pianote

community. If you’re wondering what Pianote is, then come check us
out at www.pianote.com.
You’ll find me there, along with tons of other experienced piano

teachers—plus a community of aspiring piano players just like you.
We offer online video lessons you can watch anytime, along with real
teachers who’ll support you every step of the way.
Remember, this book is something you can come back to at any time!
Whether you’re stuck on a certain chord or trying to figure out how to
play a new song, this book will get you back on track so you can play
the songs you love on the piano.
Happy Practicing,
LISA WIT T

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the ultimate guide

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Copyright © 2021 by Musora Media Inc.

Like most forms of freedom, working towards musical freedom is…

Happy music making…

C Major — 1st Inversion

C Major — 2nd Inversion

C Minor — 1st Inversion

C Minor — 2nd Inversion

C Major 7 — 1st Inversion

C Major 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Major 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Minor 7 — 1st Inversion

C Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion

Cm7b5 — 1st Inversion

Cm7b5 — 2nd Inversion

Cm7b5 — 3rd Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Natural Minor Scale

C Harmonic Minor Scale

C Melodic Minor Ascending Scale

C Melodic Minor Descending Scale

C Major Pentatonic Scale

C Minor Pentatonic Scale

C Major Blues Scale

C Minor Blues Scale

Set yourself up for success by

Create a cozy comfortable space with

C Major — 1st Inversion

C Major — 2nd Inversion

C Minor — 1st Inversion

C Minor — 2nd Inversion

C Major 7 — 1st Inversion

C Major 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Major 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Minor 7 — 1st Inversion

C Minor 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Minor 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 1st Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Dominant 7 — 3rd Inversion

C m7b5 — 1st Inversion

C m7b5 — 2nd Inversion

C m7b5 — 3rd Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 1st Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 2nd Inversion

C Diminished 7 — 3rd Inversion

C Natural Minor Scale

C Harmonic Minor Scale

C Melodic Minor Ascending Scale

C Melodic Minor Descending Scale

C Major Pentatonic Scale

C Minor Pentatonic Scale

C Major Blues Scale

C Minor Blues Scale

D Major — 1st Inversion

D Major — 2nd Inversion

Piano Chords & Scales - The Ultimate Guide (E-Book)

Piano Chords & Scales - The Ultimate Guide (E-Book)