Piano Play-Along
Sounds: Wurlitzer EP200 samples by Greg Sullivan, CC BY 3.0 · Drums, Bass, Guitar: Karoryfer Lecolds, CC0
Learn piano chords: a play-along with band and hand positions
Many people learn chords one at a time – C major here, G major there – and wonder why the song stumbles. The reason: the hand jumps. Good pianists take the next chord where the fingers already are. That is exactly what this play-along shows: above each bar is the chord, below it the keyboard with the position for left and right hand, and next to it the following chord.
Four levels: “Beginner” plays the root in the left hand and the 1-3-5 triad in the right. “Pop” finds the shortest path for the hand to each chord. “Soul” puts root and fifth in the left hand and a close 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th in the right. “Jazz” takes root and seventh in the left hand and rootless voicings with 9th and 13th in the right – the way jazz method books teach them.
The band plays along: drums, bass and chords in styles like pop, rock, funk, soul or jazz. Any instrument can be muted, the tempo set freely, a loop placed over eight bars. The chords of every song can be changed – tap a bar and pick a new chord.
Frequently asked questions about the play-along
Who is the play-along for?
For anyone who wants to accompany on piano or keyboard: beginners playing their first triads and more advanced players learning soul and jazz voicings. Bass and guitar students can mute their own part and play with the band.
How do I practise with it?
Pick a song, set the tempo slow enough that every change works, and play the right hand alone first. Then add the left. Once four run-throughs go without stopping, raise the tempo by five BPM.
Why are some notes shown as E♭ and B♭ rather than D♯ and A♯?
Notes are named after the chord and the key, as in sheet music and lead sheets. Jazz almost always reads E♭ and B♭; in sharp keys such as G major or E minor you see F♯ and C♯.
Can I load my own songs?
Yes, as MusicXML – for example from iReal Pro or MuseScore. The program takes chords, bars and form. Everything stays in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
Does it work on phone and tablet?
Yes, in the browser, no app. Sound starts after the first tap. For the keyboard with two hands a tablet or laptop is more comfortable.
Chords with someone who plays along?
The play-along shows the voicings. In piano lessons in Munich you hear how they should sound – and get the accompaniment for your own songs.
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