Why Your Piano Chords Suck
Learning Focus
Music Style
Free Lessons
Get free weekly lessons, practice tips, and downloadable resources to your inbox!
How do you make your piano chords not suck?!
Most students think that if they just learn those cool “extra” notes, their chords will suddenly sound pro.
But then they try adding those notes… and their chords still sound blah.
After teaching piano for 19 years and listening to thousands of students play, I am convinced there are five core chord problems that hold students back.
And when you fix these five issues, your chords instantly sound fuller, richer, and more professional.
In this week’s video, I break down both the amateur approach and the pro approach for each technique.
When you hear the difference, you’ll probably be surprised—because every one of these concepts makes a huge impact.
But here’s the best part:
Once you understand these five techniques, you can apply them to any song, in any style, at any level.
The fundamentals of great-sounding chords apply across all genres…
Jazz, pop, contemporary, blues, funk—they all use these same five principles.
And once you learn them, you’ll start recognizing them in your favorite recordings too.
After you watch the lesson, I’d love to hear which of the five “chord issues” you feel you currently have.
Writer
Jonny May
Jonathan May is a pianist from Southern California who specializes in many styles of piano. At age eighteen, Jonny became the youngest pianist to perform at Disneyland. Each week he entertained thousands of guests with his arrangements of American classics and Disney songs. Jonny has also performed with the Youtube...
More Free Lessons
Learn my “no note” system for turning plain major, minor and dominant chords into thick, lush cluster voicings, then use it to transform Amazing Grace.
Learn to play sensual jazz piano with four crunchy chords, a left hand accompaniment for every level, and the four key soloing positions for improvising with the minor blues scale.
Learn three of Post Malone's pianist David Crutcher's best licks (funk, blues turnaround, and a showstopping waterfall lick), all built on a simple three chord system.
Looking for downloads?
Subscribe to a membership plan for full access to this Quick Tip's sheet music and backing tracks!
Join Us
Get instant access to this Quick Tip and other member features with a PWJ membership!
Guided Learning Tracks
View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels
Progress Tracking
Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress
Downloadable Resources
Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks
Community Forums
Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums
Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!
