YMSD Improvisation Workshop 3

In this continuing installation, we shall focus on triads (chords). Chords provide the harmony that accompanies the melody and improvised melody. Music without the support of chords will sound empty and not so interesting to listen to.

In music theory, the study of Triads lead to understanding chords. Let's quickly summarize what triads are:

• Triads are the most basic form of chords consisting of three notes, which are; the tonic, third and fifth.
• Each triad has three positions, namely Root position, 1st inversion and 2nd inversion.
  
• Each position creates a slightly different sound of the same chord.

Let's begin with a simple chord progression using chord I and chord V in C major key. This chord progression requires you to start with C chord going to G chord and back to C chord again.

Chord I is C chord, which consist of three notes namely, C E G.

Chord V is G chord, which consist of three notes namely, G B D.

Since there are three positions for each chord, there will be three variations of playing this chord progression as shown below. Be attentive to the finger positions and movement of the chord progression below.

Notice that any chord progression will sound good when there are shared common notes, and by keeping the movement of chord notes as minimal where possible, within a whole tone or semitone. Try the examples below to know better.

1. Begin with C chord in root position going to G chord in 1st inversion and back to C chord in root position again. You will realize; the finger movement between the two chords are easier to play, it sounds better and there is room for the melody. Therefore, movement has to be kept as minimal as possible. The common note between these two chords is G note. Play this chord sequence one octave below Middle C.


C chord in root position


G chord in 1st inversion

2. Compare the above example with the one below, starting with C chord in root position and going to G chord in 2nd inversion. Notice that the E and G note (in C chord) has to move up by a third to G and B (in G chord). It does not sound better than the above example.

Now, try playing C chord in root position going to G chord in root position and you will realize it sounds even more unmusical.

Play the following chord sequence one octave below Middle C.


C chord in root position


G chord in 2nd inversion

3. Begin C chord in 1st inversion going to G chord in 2nd inversion. The common note between these two chords is G note. This chord progression sounds better than the one above. The left hand thumb is on Middle C note.


C chord in 1st inversion


G chord in 2nd inversion

4. Begin C chord in 2nd inversion going to G chord in root position. The common note between these two chords is G note. Left hand 2nd finger on Middle C note.


C chord in 2nd inversion


G chord in root position

Now that we have studied these two chords, let's apply them to the improvised melody of 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' from Piano Lesson Made Easy Level 1. In the video clip below, two young students play this together. One plays the chords in Alberti bass accompaniment, while the other plays the improvised melody.

• Primary Chords
• YMSD Improvisation Workshop
• YMSD Improvisation Workshop 2
• YMSD Improvisation Workshop 4
• YMSD Improvisation Workshop 5
• YMSD Improvisation Workshop 6
• YMSD Composition: Encouraging the young musicians