Lesson 1...

How to build major and minor piano scales

Piano scales are the building blocks so to speak on which piano chords are formed. For our studies we will concentrate on diatonic scales for the piano. A diatonic scale is composed of a series of five whole stepsand two half-steps. A half-step consists of immediately adjacent keys on a keyboard. A half-step is asemi-tone. A whole-step consists of 2 half-steps (2 semi-tones) in the same direction. A whole-step is afull-step. Both major scales and minor scales are diatonic. Below you will find a picture of a piano keyboard with the notes identified.

Before you begin learning how to form major piano scales and the different minor piano scales, it is important that you understand whole steps and half steps. If you start with the note C and progress up the keyboard to the piano key immediately adjacent to C you will be at C#/Db. This is a half step. Had you progressed up the keyboard and played the white tone (note) next to C, which would have been a D you would have taken a whole step. If you were to begin on C#/Db and want to move a half step up the keyboard you would move to the D tone (note). If you wanted to move a whole step up from C#/Db you would play the D#/Eb tone (note). Now, you probably have noticed that there is no black tone (note) between E and F or B and C. So, from E to the adjacent F is a half step and from B to the adjacent C is a half step. A whole step up from E would be a F#/Gb. A whole step up from B would be C#/Db. The # (sharp) symbol following a tone (note) means you raise that tone (note) one half step. So a C followed by a # (C#) means you have raised the C note one half step to the Black tone (note) C#. If a b (flat) symbol follows a tone (note) this means the note is lowered one half step. So a D followed by a b (Db) means you have lowered the D note one half step to the black tone (note) Db. Which as you see can also be correctly spelled C#. On our piano graphic you will notice that all the black tones (notes) have two types of spelling C#/Db, F#/Gb, A#/Bb, etc. While it is important when forming piano scales that you know both spellings are correct, it is beyond the scope of these beginner piano lessons to get into theory. Right now, I want you to know the location of these tones (notes) so that if you see either spelling, you will know where they are on the piano keyboard. Now that you are familiar with whole steps and half steps its time to start using them to form piano scales. So lets get started! Click on the links below to see how to form Major, Natural Minor, Melodic Minor, and Harmonic Minor piano scales.

Major piano scales are composed of a series of five whole and two half steps in this sequence: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. So, based upon this sequence a C major scale would be comprised of the following tones: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (octave).

Lets refer back to our piano graphic and count the steps. C to D is a whole step, D to E whole step, E to F half step (notice no black note between), F to G whole step, G to A whole step, A to B whole step and we finish our C Major piano scale with B to octave C half step (again notice no black note between). Let's try a few more for practice. The D major scale would contain the scale tones of: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D (octave). D to E is a whole step, E to F# whole step, F# to G half step (notice we "stepped" down from a black tone to a white one), G to A whole step, A to B whole step, B to C# whole step, (from white key to black key) and we finish the D Major piano scale with C# to octave D half step (again black tone to white tone). One more, this time we will begin with F#. The piano scale tones would be F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F# (octave). Again, this major scale follows our rules of whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, and half step. Based upon this sequence of whole steps and half steps, you can now build major scales upon any key on the piano. A music term you need to become familiar with is interval. An interval is simply the distance from one piano scale tone to another. So again using the C major scale, C to D is a Second, C to E is a Third, C to F is a Fourth, C to G is a Fifth, C to A is a Sixth, C to B is a Seventh, and C to C is an Octave. This is the interval order ascending (going up) the piano keyboard. What you need to do now is, by using these rules for building scales construct the major scales for all 12 keys. To help you with this "task" we have provided a link to a cool tool which will show you the tones (notes) of the major scales in all 12 keys. Just click on a note for example "A" and scale "Major" and the notes for an "A" major scale will be spelled out on the "virtual piano keyboard". Go to major scales now and click on a few to see how they look on the piano keyboard. When you are done close the window and you will be brought back to this page. You may have noticed on this application a multitude of scales we have not covered. For now, the study of major and minor piano scales will be sufficient for these lessons. After you learn the notes of the scales, practice all 12 of the major scales with both hands. As you become more proficient at playing, gradually increase the tempo (speed) at which you practice your scales. At first you may practice each hand individually. But as soon as possible, practice using both hands simultaneously (at the same time). I cannot stress enough how important it is to master this part of your piano training. Scale (not just major scales) passages appear in many popular recordings. When you practice your scales, I want you to use the fingering technique I have outlined here, scale fingering technique. This technique works with major and minor piano scales and will help with your finger dexterity and control. Now, get to work practicing those major scales!

Piano Scales-Natural Minor

A natural minor piano scale is also known as a relative or related minor scale. To find the relative minor scale of any major scale, locate the 6th tone (note) in a major scale and you will have found it's related minor. For example, C major scale is composed of C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (octave). The 6th note of the C major scale is A. Therefore A minor is the relative or related minor of a C major piano scale. This means that both A minor and C major are comprised of the same tones (notes). If you start at A (any A tone (note) on the piano keyboard) and play all the white notes to octave A, you can count the series of whole and half steps which make up a natural minor scale. The sequence is whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. Take a look at our piano graphic below.

A to B is a whole step, B to C is a half step (notice no black key in between), C to D is a whole step, D to E is a whole step, E to F is a half step (again no black tone (note) between), F to G is a whole step, and we finish the A natural minor piano scale with G to octave A whole step. What we have done is taken the A major scale and lowered (flatted) the 3rd, 6th, and 7th tones (notes) a half step. Now lets do one more this time beginning with one of the black piano keys, G#/Ab. Using our rules for forming natural minor scales and beginning on G#/Ab we have the tones (notes); G#/Ab, A#/Bb, B, C#/Db, D#/Eb, E, F#/Gb, and G#/Ab (octave). G#/Ab to A#/Bb is a whole step, A#/Bb to B is a half step (notice you went from a black key to the white key immediately adjacent which is a B), B to C#/Db is a whole step (remember B to C is a half step because the two tones (notes) are immediately adjacent to each other), C#/Db to D#/Eb is a whole step, D#/Eb to E is a half step (again you move from a black key to the white key immediately adjacent to D#/Eb which is an E), E to F#/Gb is a whole step, and we finish the G#/Ab natural minor piano scale with F#/Gb to octave G#/Ab whole step. By using these rules you can now construct a natural minor scale from any point (key) on the piano keyboard. If you would like to see the natural minor scales in all 12 keys click on minor scales and you will be transported via our link to Chordhouse.com to their "virtual piano keyboard". Just pick a key (C, D, F#/Gb, etc) and click Aeolian (refer to our section on "Modes") and the notes for a natural minor scale will appear on the keyboard. When you are finished close the window and you will be brought back here. Practice these piano scales with bothhands until you can move smoothly (not necessarily quickly) from beginning to end and back againin all 12 keys. When you practice your scales, I want you to use the fingering technique I have outlined here, scale fingering technique. This technique works with major and minor piano scales and will help with your finger dexterity and control. So get to it and practice those natural minor scales!

Piano Scales...Melodic and Harmonic Minor

To form melodic minor piano scales simply lower the 3rd tone (note) of a major scale a half step. This would give you the following sequence of whole steps and half steps; whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. So, a C melodic minor scale would be comprised of the tones (notes) C, D, D#/Eb, F, G, A, B, C (octave). These tones (notes) would be played ascending (going up from low to high) the piano keyboard. Melodic minor scales differ from other minor scales in that you play a natural minor scale decending (going down from high to low) the piano keyboard. This would make the tones (notes) decending (going down) a C, A#/Bb, G#/Ab, G, F, D#/Eb, D, and ending on the C tone (note) you began on.

Lets take a look at our piano keyboard graphic and count the whole steps and half steps in a C melodic minor piano scale ascending (going up the keyboard from C to octave C). C to D is a whole step, D to D#/Eb is a half step (no tones (notes) in between), D#/Eb to F is a whole step (half step down to E and then on to F) F to G is a whole step, G to A is a whole step, A to B is a whole step and we finish the melodic minor piano scale ascending with B to octave C, half step (no tone (note) between these two keys). As noted above, you will play the natural minor scale decending (going down from high C to the beginning lower C). If you have not already reviewed the rules for the construction of natural minor scales you can click here or the link below and see the series of whole steps and half steps used in their formation. One more melodic minor scale this time beginning on C#/Db. The tones (notes) would be; C#/Db, D#/Eb, E, F#/Gb, G#/Ab, A#/Bb, C, and C#/Db (octave). C#/Db to D#/Eb is a whole step, D#/Eb to E is a half step (stepping up from the black tone (note) to the white key immediately adjacent which is E), E to F#/Gb is a whole step (E to F is a half step so going up to F#/Gb makes a whole step), F#/Gb to G#/Ab is a whole step, G#/Ab to A#/Bb is a whole step, A#/Bb to C is a whole step (no black key between B and C), and we finish the C#/Db melodic minor piano scale ascending (gong from low tone (note) to octave higher tone) with C to C#/Db octave, half step. Again as already mentioned you would play the natural minor scale decending (going down from high C#/Db to the lower beginning C#/Db). By using these rules you can now construct a melodic minor scale from any point (key) on the piano keyboard. If you would like to see the melodic minor scales in all 12 keys click on minor scales and you will be transported to Chordhouse.com's "virtual piano keyboard". Just pick a key (C, D, F#/Gb, etc) and click melodic minor scale and the notes will appear on the keyboard. You will notice that they have included both the ascending (going up) and descending (coming back down) melodic minor piano scales. When you are finished close the window and you will be brought back here. Practice these scales with both hands until you can move smoothly (not necessarily quickly) from beginning to end and back again in all 12 keys. When you practice your scales, I want you to use the fingering technique I have outlined here, scale fingering technique. This technique works with major and minor piano scales and will help with your finger dexterity and control. So get to it and practice those melodic minor scales!

Piano Scales-Harmonic Minor

Harmonic minor piano scales are formed by lowering the 3rd and 6th tones (notes) of a major scale a half step. This will give you the following sequence of whole steps and half steps in constructing a harmonic minor scale. Whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step plus a half step, half step. As you can see, this minor piano scale is different from the other minor scales in that it has a whole step plus another half step between the 6th and 7th tones (notes) of the scale.Therefore the tones (notes) in a C harmonic minor scale would be; C, D, D#/Eb, F, G, G#/Ab, B, and C (octave).

If you look at our piano keyboard graphic and use the C harmonic minor scale example you get the following sequence of whole steps and half steps. C to D is a whole step, D to D#/Eb is a half step (moving to the next key with no keys in between), D#/Eb to F is a whole step (there are no keys between E and F so this is a half step), F to G is a whole step, G to G#/Ab is a half step (moving from the black key to the white key immediately adjacent (next) to G#/Ab), G#/Ab to B is our whole step plus another half step (one and a half steps), and we finish the C harmonic minor piano scale with B to C octave, half step. Lets do another example this time beginning with A#/Bb. The tones (notes) would be; A#/Bb, C, C#/Db, D#/Eb, F, F#/Gb, A, A#/Bb (octave). A#/Bb to C is a whole step (remember from B to C is a half step because their is no key between them), C to C#/Db is a half step (moving to the immediately adjacent key to C), C#/Db to D#/Eb is a whole step, D#/Eb to F is a whole step (E to F is a half step because their is no key between them), F to F#/Gb is a half step (moving from the white key to the black key immediately adjacent (next) to F), F#/Gb to A is our whole step plus another half step (one and a half steps), and we finish the A#/Bb harmonic minor piano scale with A to A#/Bb octave, half step. By using these rules you can now construct a harmonic minor scale from any point (key) on the piano keyboard. If you would like to see these scales in all 12 keys click on harmonic minor scales and you will be transported to Chordhouse.com's "virtual piano keyboard". Just pick a key (C, D, F#/Gb, etc) and click harmonic minor scale and the notes will appear on the keyboard. When you are finished close the window and you will be brought back here. Practice these scales with both hands until you can move smoothly (not necessarily quickly) from beginning to end and back again in all 12 keys. When you practice your scales, I want you to use the fingering technique I have outlined here, scale fingering technique. This technique works with major and minor piano scales and will help with your finger dexterity and control. So get to it and practice those harmonic minor scales!

Lesson 2...Major and Minor Piano Chords

Piano chords, or any chord for that matter, are formed by combining two or more scale tones (notes). You now know the tones (notes) that comprise all 12 major scales and you can play these scales smoothly (not necessarily quicklyyet!). It is now time to apply this knowledge and begin combining the scale tones to form chords. You may also see this referred to as combining two or more intervals (remember the definition from your study of major scales). We will begin our study with the simplest and most common type of piano chords, the triad. As the name implies a triad is composed of 3 notes from the major scale. We shall begin with the major triad. A major triad consists of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. You will also see this referred to as the root (1st), major third (3rd), and perfect fifth (5th). So, based upon this C major chords would consist of the notes C, E, and G of the C major scale. The symbols for a major triad are Major, M, or Maj. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to major triad chords. Or if you are just given the note (C, D, etc.) it is inferred to be a major triad. If you would like to see some major chords go to Chordhouse.com piano chords finder tool. All you have to do is select the chord name (C, Eb, F, Ab, F#, etc.) and then select "Major". The chord will be highlighted for you on their "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be back here. Take a look now and view some major chords then come on back. Now, when you practice these major chords, I recommend you form them using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left hand will form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st) middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th).

Piano Chords-Minor Triads

You now know that combining the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale form major triad piano chords. If you lower the 3rd tone one half step it becomes a minor triad. So, minor triad chords are the 1st, b3rd, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. The b3rd is the symbol for "flatted 3rd". As stated this means the 3rd tone (note) of the major scale is lowered one halfstep. You will also see this referred to as root (1st), minor third (b3rd), and perfect fifth (5th). So, based upon this a C minor chord would consist of the notes C, Eb, and G. The symbols for a minor triad are minor, m, min. or -. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to minor triad chords. As with the major chords, you can go to Chordhouse.com piano chord finder and check out some minor piano chords. All you have to do is select the chord name (C, Eb, F, Ab, F#, etc.) and then select "minor". The chord will be highlighted for you on our "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be back here. Go now and view some minor chords then come on back. Now, when you practice these minor chords, I want you to form them using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left hand will form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st) middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th).

Piano Chords-Other Triad chords

Two other 3 tone (note) piano chords we will discuss are the augmented and suspended 4th. An augmented chord is formed by combining the 1st, 3rd, and #5th tones (notes) of a major scale. #5th (sharped 5th) means you raise the 5th tone (note) of the scale by one half step. Based upon this

combination of tones, C augmented chords would consist of C, E, and G#. The symbols for an augmented chord are aug., (#5), and +5. Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to augmented piano chords. A suspended 4th chord is formed by combining the 1st, 4th, and 5th tones (notes) of a major scale. Based upon this combination of tones a C suspended 4th piano chord would consist of C, F, and G. The symbol for a suspended 4th chord is (sus4). Whenever you see this name or symbol following a piano note (C, D, Eb, F#, etc.) you know it is referring to suspended 4th piano chords. Examples of both the augmented and suspended 4th piano chords can be found by viewing the piano chord finder at Chordhouse.com. Use the same procedure as with locating and viewing major and minor chords. Simply highlight the note (C, D#/Eb, F, etc.) and then select either "augmented"or "suspended 4th". When you are done close the window and you will be taken back to this page. Now, when you practice these piano chords, I recommend you form them using the 1st, 3rd, and5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), middle finger (3rd), and pinky (5th). Your left handwill form these chords using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th fingers also, but the numbering is pinky (1st)middle finger (3rd) and thumb (5th). It is now time to move on to seventh (7th)piano chords. These chords are constructed using 4 scale tones (notes) and have a richer soundthan the triads. We shall learn how to form Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th, and Half Diminished7th chords. So continue practicing triad chords and when you are ready click on the linksbelow to continue your studies on piano chords.

Piano Chords...Major 7th and Minor 7th Chords

We shall begin our studies of 7th chords with the Major 7th piano chords. A major 7th chord is constructed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) of a major scale. This represents an interval combination of root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th) and major seventh (7th). So to form a C major 7th we would use the scale tones C, E, G, and B. The symbols for a major 7th are Major 7, M7 or Maj7. Whenever you see these symbols or names following a piano note (C, D, Eb, etc.), this designates that a major 7th chord is to be played. All major 7th chords are constructed using this simple rule. With this knowledge you can now form a major 7th piano chord from any tone (note) on the piano. Rather than provide you with more examples here, go to Chordhouse.com piano chord finder and view as many major 7th piano chords as you like. All you have to do is select the chord name (B, F#, Ab, etc.) and then select "Major 7". You can then see how the chord(s) are formed on their "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be brought back here. When you practice these major 7th chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointer finger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommend using the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th) and thumb (5th). If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales and triad chords. Soon you will develope more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the "stretch".

Piano Chords-Minor 7th

As I stated earlier, you construct major 7th piano chords by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) of a major scale. By lowering the 3rd and 7th tones (notes) a half step you now have a minor 7th piano chord. The interval combination is root (1st), minor third (b3rd), perfect fifth (5th), and minor seventh (b7th). The b3rd is the symbol for "flatted 3rd" and b7th is the symbol for "flatted 7th". As stated this means the 3rd and 7th tones (notes) of the major scale are lowered a half step. Using this rule for minor 7th chords a C minor 7th chord would consist of the tones (notes) C, D#/Eb, G, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a minor 7th chord are m7, min7, and -7. If you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, F#, etc.) you know that a minor 7th chord is to be played. With this knowledge you can now construct a minor 7th chord from any point (key) on the piano. To view some minor 7th piano chords go to Chordhouse.com's piano chord finder. Just select the chord name (C, G, Ab, etc.)and then select "minor 7". The chord will be highlighted for you on our "virtual piano keyboard".This will open up a new window so when you are done close our piano chord finder page and you will be brought back here. When you practice these minor 7th piano chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointerfinger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommend using the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th) and thumb (5th). Continue practicing your major 7th and minor 7th piano chords. When your ready lets move on with our study on 7th chords to the Dominant 7th and Half Diminished 7thchords!

Piano Chords...Dominant 7th and Half Diminished 7th Chords

Dominant 7th piano chords are constructed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and b7th tones of a major scale. The symbol b7th means "flatted 7th" so you would lower the 7th tone (note) of the major scale a half step. This would make the interval combination root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th), and minor seventh (b7th). So to form a C dominant 7th we would use the scale tones C, E, G, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a dominant 7th piano chord are 7, Dominant 7, or Dominant seventh. Whenever you see these symbols or names following a piano note (C, D, Eb, etc.), this designates that a dominant 7th chord is to be played.You now have the knowledge to construct a dominant 7th piano chord at any point on the keyboard. You can go to Chordhouse.com's piano chord finder tool and view some dominant 7th piano chords on their "virtual piano keyboard". All you need to do is click on the tone (note) of the chord you wish to see (C,D,G#, etc.) and then click dominant 7 and the chord will be highlighted for you. This will open up a new window so when you are done close our piano chord finder page and you will be brought back here. When you practice these dominant 7th piano chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointer finger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommend using the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th) and thumb (5th). If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales, triad chords, and other 7th chords. Soon you will develop more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the "stretch".

Piano Chords-Half Diminished 7th

The Half diminished 7th piano chord is constructed by combining the 1st, b3rd, b5th, and b7th tones (notes) of a major scale. This means that, with the exception of the root (1st) tone all other tones (notes) are lowered a half step. You have learned from previous studies that a "b" preceeding a tone (note) means you lower that particular note (C,D, Eb, etc) a half step. This makes the interval combination a root (1st), minor third (b3rd), diminished fifth (b5th), and minor seventh (b7th). A diminished fifth is a new term in our studies and is the name given to a perfect tone (note) which is lowered a half step. So using these interval combinations a C half diminished piano chord would consist of the tones (notes) C, D#/Eb, F#/Gb, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a half diminished piano chord are 1/2dim, 1/2dim7, m7(b5), and m7(-5). Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C,F,A#, etc.) this designates that you play a half diminished 7th piano chord. You now know the rules for forming a half diminished 7th chord at any point on the piano keyboard. As with all the 7th chords you have been learning, to view how a half diminished 7th chord looks on a "virtual piano keyboard" go to Chordhouse.com piano chord finder. All you need to do is click on the tone (note)of the chord you wish to see (C,D,G#, etc.) and then click 1/2 diminished 7 and the chord will be highlighted for you. This will open up a new window so when you are done close our piano chord finderpage and you will be brought back here. When you practice these half diminished 7th piano chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointer finger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommendusing the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th)and thumb (5th).

Scale tone chords, as the name implies, are piano chords which are comprised (formed) from the tones (notes) of a particular scale (C,D,F#,etc.). They are present in both major and minor keys. The three notemajor triad scale tone chords will always follow these rules. The first chord will always be major, the second chord will always be minor, the third chord will always be minor, the fourth chord will always be major, the fifth chord will always be major, the sixth chord will always be minor and the seventh chord will always be diminished. A diminished chord is formed by combining the 1st (first), b3rd (flatted third), and b5th (flatted fifth) tones (notes) of a major scale. Based upon these rules, the scale tone chords in the key of C Major would be: C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, G Major, A minor, and B diminished. As you can see, these chords are all comprised of the white tones (note) just like the C Major scale. You now know what scale tone chords are, and the rule for forming them for any Major key. But, I also told you that there are scale tone chords for minor keys also. To find the three note minor triadchords use this rule. The first chord will always be minor, the second chord will always be diminished, the third chord will always be major, the fourth chord will always be minor, the fifth chord will always be minor, the sixth chord will always be major, and the seventh chord will always be major. So, based upon this the scale tone chords for A minor, which happens to be the related or relative minor key to C Major, would be: A minor, B diminished, C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, and G Major. As with C Major, all the scale tone chords in A minor are comprised of white notes. I have used the terms "key" and "scale" throughout this lesson. It is important for you to know that scale tone chords are chords which belong to a particular "key", C Major, A minor, F# Major, etc. These chords are formed by combining the different intervals (tones or notes) of a major scale. We have already covered the rules for making major and minor chords in lesson #2. And in this lesson you learned the interval combinations for diminished chords. I have built a page which will show you the scale tone chords in all 12 major and all 12 minor keys. For ease of use, I will place the relative minor key in a column to the right of the Major key. You can go to scale tone chords now and view all the chords, in both major and minor keys. Practice all 12 keys, both major and minor.

Lesson 4...Chord progressions for the piano

Chord progressions are simply movement from one chord to another in a harmonic framework. Translated in language you will understand if you are a beginner piano or music student this means you will be playing chords which, when combined, sound "right" or pleasant to the ear when played and are "harmonically" correct. You know how to form a major scale from any point (note) on the piano. You have also learned how to construct chords by combining various scale tones (notes) together. It is now time to put this knowledge to use by learning some chord progressions. Now, there are many, many different ways to combine chords to form a piece of music. We will focus on some of the more "popular" chord progressions so you can get the "feel" of what we are talking about. When I say, "combine chords" you need to understand I am speaking of moving from one chord to another in this harmonic framework I spoke of earlier. All the chord progressions we will be learning are based uponmajor scales and the scale tone chords. This means that the the 1st, 4th, and 5th tones (notes) will always be Major chords, the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th tones (notes) will always be minor chords and the 7th tone (note) will always be a diminished chord. These will be our 3-note or triad chord progression chords. A diminished chord is composed of a 1st, b3rd (flatted third), and b5th (flatted fifth) tones (notes) of a major scale. This means the 3rd and 5th tones (notes) are lowered one half step. Using the key of "C" as an example the B diminished chord (triad) would contain the tones (notes) B, D, and F. For our 7th chord progression chords, the 1st and 4th tones (notes) will always be Major 7th chords, the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th tones (notes) will always be minor 7th chords, the 5th tone (note) will always be adominant 7th chord and the 7th tone (note) will always be a half diminished 7th chord. A dominant 7th chord is formed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and b7th (flatted seventh) tones (notes) of a major scale. This means you would lower the 7th tone (note) one half step. A half diminished 7th chord is formed by combining the 1st, b3rd (flatted 3rd), b5th (flatted fifth), and b7th (flatted seventh) tones (notes) of a major scale. This means you would lower the 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) one half step. Using the key of "C" as an example a G dominant 7th chord would contain the tones (notes) G,B,D, and F and a B half diminished 7th chord would have the tones (notes) B,D,F, and A. Click on the links below to get a description of the different chord progressions and a chart showing the corresponding chords.

I-IV-V chord progression 3-note (triad) chords for all 12 major keys
On this page you will find the 3-note (triad) I-IV-V chord progression chords for each of the twelve (12) keys. We shall begin with the key of "C" and proceed through to "B". Practice the I-IV-V chord progression in all twelve keys...and have fun!

Scale
C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

I Chord
C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

IV Chord
F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major

V Chord
G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major

Remember, while you are forming the chords and practicing the I-IV-V chord progression you can always go to Chordhouse.com piano chord/scale finder if you need help or want to see how a chord looks on the piano keyboard. Experiment with all the new chords you now know how to make on the keyboard! Try playing the 3-note (triad) I-IV-V chord progression chords with your left hand, while playing the major scale for each chord with your right. When you feel comfortable with the triad chords, go to 7th progression chords for the I-IV-V chord progression. Here you will be playing major 7th and dominant 7th chords. This will be slightly more challenging but will give a richer, fuller sound to the I-IV-V chord progression.

II-V-I chord progression 3-note (triad) chords for all 12 major keys
The II-V-I chord progression consists of the 2nd, 5th, and 1st (root) steps of a major scale. Unlike the I-IV-V chord progression which is all major chords, you begin with a minor and progress to major chords (triads). In the key of C major this would make the chords a D minor (II), G major (IV), and C major (I). The key of D#/Eb major would be F minor (II), A#/Bb major (V), and D#/Eb major (I). Again, the 2nd, 5th, and 1st (root) tones (notes) are used to form the chords in a II-V-I chord progression. On this page you will find the 3-note (triad) II-V-I chord progression chords for each of the twelve (12) keys. We shall begin with the key of "C" and proceed through to "B". Practice the II-V-I chord progression in all twelve keys...and have fun!

Scale C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

II Chord D Minor D#/Eb Minor E Minor F Minor F#/Gb Minor G Minor G#/Ab Minor A Minor A#/Bb Minor B Minor C Minor C#/Db Minor

V Chord G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major

I Chord C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

Remember, you can always go to Chordhouse.com piano chord/scale finder if you need help or want to see how a chord looks on the piano keyboard. Experiment with all the new chords you now know how to make on the keyboard! Try playing the II-V-I chord progression 3-note triad chords with your left hand, while playing the corresponding major scale for that key with your right. When you feel comfortable with the triad chords, go to 7th progression chords for the II-V-I chord progression. Here you will be playing minor 7th, dominant 7th, and major 7th chords. This will be slightly more challenging but will give a richer, fuller sound to the II-V-I chord progression.

III-VI-II-V-I chord progression 3-note (triad) chords for all 12 major keys
The III-VI-II-V-I chord progression is made up of the 3rd, 6th, 2nd, 5th, and 1st (root) steps of a major scale. This would give the chord progression 3 minor triad and 2 major triad chords. In the key of "C" major the chord progression would be E minor (III), A minor (VI), D minor (II), G major (V), and ending on C major (I). For variety you can also begin on C major (I) instead of E minor (III). On this page you will find the 3-note (triad) III-VI-II-V-I chord progression chords for each of the twelve (12) keys. We shall begin with the key of "C" and proceed through to "B". Practice the III-VIII-V-I chord progression in all twelve keys...and have fun!

Scale
C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

III Chord
E Minor F Minor F#/Gb Minor G Minor G#/Ab Minor A Minor A#/Bb Minor B Minor C Minor C#/Db Minor

VI Chord
A Minor A#/Bb Minor B Minor C Minor C#/Db Minor D Minor D#/Eb Minor E Minor F Minor F#/Gb Minor G Minor

II Chord
D Minor D#/Eb Minor E Minor F Minor F#/Gb Minor G Minor G#/Ab Minor A Minor A#/Bb Minor B Minor C Minor

V Chord
G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major

I Chord
C Major C#/Db Major D Major D#/Eb Major E Major F Major F#/Gb Major G Major G#/Ab Major A Major A#/Bb Major B Major

D Minor D#/Eb Minor G#/Ab Minor C#/Db Minor F#/Gb Major

Remember, you can always go to Chordhouse.com piano chord/scale finder if you need help or want to see how a chord looks on the piano keyboard. Experiment with all the new chords you now know how to make on the keyboard! Try playing the 3-note (triad) III-VI-II-V-I chord progression chords with your left hand, while playing the corresponding major scale for that key with your right. When you feel comfortable with the triad chords, go to 7th progression chords for the III-VI-II-V-I chord progression. Here you will be playing minor 7th, dominant 7th, and major 7th chords. Let's go have some fun!