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#355990 10/25/02 05:27 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,519
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Can anybody tell me the basic ways I can play a melody whith chords or arpeggio (like for guitar folk songs) starting from the melody and perhaps the chords names (like in the fake books).

I have a real book of folk songs but the other voices are a bit too complex. There must be standart simple formulas that will give a pleasant result.

The best thing would be a progression of formulas from very simple (just playing the chord in the root form, then with inversions, then simple arpeggios...).

If there is a web site or a book for dummies, I would be very happy.
You can also mail me some examples if you wish.

I think if it simple and progressive, I can transfer it to any song or even melody that I like.
Unfortunately the harmony books I have are extremely "intellectual". It is like it was shameful just to do simple things and be happy whith it for the moment.
I just want to sing my favourite songs with my children : folk songs, carols, Dylan, Cohen, Beatles, etc.

Thank you for your help.


Benedict
#355991 10/27/02 05:21 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 790
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The way I started, and the way many people start is to memorise each chord position in the twelve keys by going around the key circle. For example take the major chord plus octave C,E,G,C and learn it in all keys by playing it around the key circle in C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db,Gb,B,E,A,D,G. Then do the same thing with the other two inversions (E,G,C,E), (G,C,E,G) then the minor chords, then any other chords you want to learn.

I don't know what styles you want to play, but if you want to play tunes in, say ,stride or swing, then use the same procedure with left hand basses. The method can be applied to whatever way you want to play your chords. The object is to become so familiar with all common chord types in all twelve keys to the point where the response is automatic.

If you just intend playing single note melodies in the right hand accompanied by simple chords in the left, then just do this procedure for whatever chords you intend using, maybe just left hand triads.

Practising the chords in this way won't predispose to favouring particular keys and after a while you should be able to play any given chord instantly without having to work out its position.

If you can visualise the keyboard you'll find that much of this sort of practice and chord learning can be done mentally away from the piano.


"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" - Aleister Crowley
#355992 10/28/02 04:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 101
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Supporting what Ted2 suggests, here is a chart that may be of some help:

Circle of 5ths


If you dig Jazz visit
http://www.apassion4jazz.net

Moderated by  Brendan, platuser 

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