The V7 Chord is the only chord that has complete freedom in the theory of music.

RULES OF THE V7 CHORD……..IT HAS NOT RULES The V7 chord supports all tones chromatically, which means, a V7 chord can be used with any melody tone. The melody does not have to have any tones of the chord, in fact, in jazz or advanced arranging, we strive for these “color tones”.
This is the only chord that can that supports all extensions chromatically. Using the V7 chord as a substitution chord. A substitution Chord is a chord that is either inserted into music or replaces a chord in music. Why? Because we want to fill in our music with interesting harmony, color tones, or just fill-in empty spaces.

RULE…….Any chord may be preceded by its’ V7 chord. The V7 is the easiest substitution to learn and use.
EXAMPLE of using the V7 chord as a substitution Chord.

Here is the original music: CM7 | Dm7 | FM7| CM7| Now let’s add the V7 substitution chords: CM7 | A7 Dm7| C7 FM7| G7 CM7

Now here’s the fun! The V7 chords can be preceded by it’s V7 chords. CM7 | E7 A7 Dm7| G7 C7 FM7| D7 G7 CM7 How do I use these chords?
These chords are perfect for empty repeat bars moving back to the verse or into the chorus. Use a nesting of V7 chords to go back to the IM7 chord.

Example: You have 2 repeat bars going into CM7 chord in measure 1, use E7 A7| D7 G7. 2. Add V7 chords under the melody. This will also fill in measures that only have 1 or 2 chords plus will give you that jazz sound.

Example. let’s play Twinkle Little Star MELODY: | C C G G | A A G- | F F E E | D D C | CHORDS: |C— |F-G-| F-C-| G-C-| Now let’s add V7 substitution chords: CHORD: C- G7 C7| F G7 C C7| F G7 C A7| D7 G7 CM7-| Notice in measure 2 I added the G7 chord and the melody is on the note A. This is an example of changing the chord to get a jazz sound, the melody note A is the 9th of G. This is what we strive for in arranging and in jazz, using color tones instead of the 1-3-5 of the chord. 3. Improvising on the V7 chord: Since the V7 chord is the only chord that supports all extensions, 9th’s, 9-, 10-, 11, 11+, 12-, 13, 13+, you can improvising on any note of choice.

In Classical Music it is the same, composers can use any melody tone against the V7 chord. Here’s a couple of tips for playing the V7 chord in the left hand using G7 chord.
1. As a comping chord play F, A FLAT, B D (7, 9-, 10, 12) OR F, G,A, B, D (7, 8, 9, 10, 12)

2. As a Tri-Tone Quartal, (great for blues) F, B, E (7, 10, 13) This article is quite simplified, but I have found if one can get an overall picture first, then we can back up and learn step by step. The V7 chord is part of our lessons on adding substitution chords to arranging and jazz piano lessons at
http://www.musicandyou.com

Questions or responses to this article can be sent to:

alana@musicandyou.com

Idea 1, fingering written on your music is only suggested fingering, it can be changed.
Yes, you can experiment with the fingering and you will find there are several options, sometimes better solutions to fingering.

Idea 2: take a look at your hand and fingers.  We have 3 long fingers, fingers 2, 3 and 4.  Now look at the piano, there are sets of 2 black keys and sets of 3 blacks keys.
See how easy it is, which fingers do you think go on the black keys?
The piano was made for the hand.  Long fingers reach easily on the black keys, and the thumb and 5 fingers on the white keys.

Idea 3: The thumb is short and stubby, but can move very easily.  The thumb is a pivotal finger and when used as a pivotal finger repositions the hand to move up or down.
Example using the right hand:  Play C, D, E, F, using fingers 1-2-3-4.  Next, lift your thumb off the key of C, and “pivot” it under your hand and play the key G.  Notice your hand position, you now have all of your fingers available to play new keys.

Idea 4: The 5 finger is only used when you finish playing the highest note in the right hand or the lowest note in the left hand.  Why?  Once you play the 5 finger, the hand is in a difficult position to pivot to a new position.

How to add your own fingering to a song.  First, find the black keys and start experimenting with the long fingers.  You will use a 2-3- or 4 finger on the black keys.

Next, add your 5 finger on the highest point in your music for the right hand, or the lowest point in the left hand.

Next, add the thumb.  Place the thumb in the music at the point you will need to pivot the hand so you can reach notes higher or lower.  The 2 finger will fall into place at this point.

If your song has all white notes, place your thumb on the keys needed to pivot the hand up or down.

Yes, this is a thinking process but you can do it. When your hand is comfortable on the keyboard, you will know you have the correct fingering.

In this sessions we are learning, ‘Can you Feel the Love Tonight’, by Elton John

Can You Fell the Love Mp3

Elton John wrote this song in the key of Bb and it’s a very simple
chord structure. He has mainly used the I, IV and V Chords.

The intro is compiled of these very simple chords, and he adds interest by using descending and ascending bass lines in the left hand. This creates interest and drama to the music.

This is a simple technique that we use in most music. As you can see, it sounds great and so easy to add this idea to all music.

Elton John also has a simple technique of filling in his beats with the chord in the right hand. First you are playing the melody and then you add another layer of fill-in with the simple chord.
Therefore, the right hand is playing 2 parts, the melody and the inner harmony with simple rhythm.

Yes, it sounds easy, but it must be practiced to get it into your fingers. Once you can do this on 1 song, you can apply this idea to all of your music.

Join Alana in her Live Piano Workshops.  This is the quickest way to learn how to play piano chords, arrange, play blues and jazz.

There are 2 workshops depending on your level of playing, Intermediate for those learning chords & arranging, and advanced for those learning advanced arranging and jazz piano.

Piano students that purchase the Intermediate Piano Lessons, receive a 5 week free workshop.  You can also join the workshops at:

http://www.musicandyou.com/simplygrandpiano.html

Look forward to working with you and helping you learn to play the piano with freedom and creativity.

Want to buy a baby grand?  You can lay out newspaper to see how it will fit in your room.  This layout is for a 5’1″ baby grand.

How to measure for a Baby Grand Piano

I always suggest when placing your piano in a room, to be sure you are not facing a wall.  Always be able to look out into the room.

Marcome

This a ‘must’ to hear her sing.  I love her voice and her music is upbeat and original.    You can hear her music at her website. Believe me, this isn’t the same old ‘New Age’ music that you are used to, it’s refreshing,  full of rhythm, creative and inspiring.

Marcome is  a Canadian singer songwriter. I compose, produce and engineer all of my music, which is a blend of Ambient New Age and World music that I like to call
New World Music.
I blend lyrics with wordless languages (Wordpainting)
to create a soothing and ethereal musical tapestry. Besides layered voices, my music mainly incorporates dreamy keyboards,fretless bass, jazzy guitar riffs, and traditional world beat percussions.

Marcomé (pronounced Mar-ko-may) is a Canadian singer songwriter. Gifted with a pure voice, she blends lyrics with a unique wordless language that brings us in an atmospheric universe. Marcomé carefully fuses different world music influences with jazz style and classical vocals creating a new world music genre. Marcomé produces, arranges and engineers her musical work. She is a keyboardist, programmer and sound engineer as well as a proficient percussionist.

After completing her post-graduate studies in commerce and communications, Marcomé worked in theatre, in both music composition and sound creation. She then moved into the music industry. Her impressive professional experience and background as a quality sound and mastering engineer, has allowed her to collaborate with renowned artists and producers. This is the source of both her musical inspiration and artistic sense. Her industry collaborations include work with such artists as Diana Krall, Cecilia Bartoli, Le Cirque du Soleil, Branford Marsalis, Sir George Martin, Tom Waits, Daniel Lanois, Pat Metheny and Yes.

My favorite is Nostrie Tiempo.  Go over to her website, listen to her music, and drop her a note.  When we find such a fabulous and inspiring artist, we must share the music and talent.

Marcome has also composed a song for twitter and it’s fabulous.

You can hear it on her blog.

Alana LaGrange,

Jazz Piano with Alana LaGrange

Greensleeves mp3

Greensleeves Piano Sheet Music

Christmas is such a perfect time to display your talents and all the hard work you have put into learning the piano.Here’s an arrangement that you will truly enjoy playing.  It has simple comping chords, simple improv for the right hand and I have added jazz scales.
Of course, you should take the arrangement and add your own improv and be creative with the scales and rhythms.
I love sharing my ideas and music with everyone.  Every year I add to my Christmas piano arrangements, and I have to say, each year I am in different place musically, and I always wonder where the idea came for the music that I have already written.  There is no way that I would arrange a song the same today as I did last year.  Creativity is always changing according to what is in our environment and also how we have progressed in our technique or knowledge.

Alana's Piano Christmas

Greensleeves is a song on my 2005

Christmas Album.  Alana’s Christmas.

Music and You have the best piano lessons online.  Why?  Because most of the piano lessons online are either for basic simple piano or for advanced jazz piano.  Music and You.com can take an adult piano student from the beginning piano basics to the advanced lessons, with lessons that are intuitive, easy to learn, and fun to play.
By intuitive I mean that students start playing the complete piano, hands together, without all of those boring transitions that most students have to take to reach their goals.

BEGINNING PIANO LESSONS:

It doesn’t have to take years to learn to play piano.  The normal basic lessons are all about ‘how to read music’.  This is very necessary, but…….let’s add to this premise.  Basically, your skills playing the piano are contingent on how well you read music, so let’s also learn how to play the piano without music.  Learning to play boogie and piano chords, gives you the ability to start playing all of the keyboard which, starts to strengthen your hand, improv hand & eye contact, and many other technical advantages.  You can learn beginning piano and know how to read music, plus play the whole keyboard in less than a year if you practice regularly.  PLUS, it’s great fun and you don’t have to play childrens music.

CHORDS AND ARRANGING 101

This piano course will take you into advanced piano.  Learn all about how to play piano chords, play styles, and arrange all of your favorite music.  Alana teaches you in exact methods and formulas so you can apply the lessons to your favorite music.  What’s in the piano lessons:  1)  How to add to the right hand 2) What to do in the left hand and how to play different styles 3)  How to add fill-ins, intros and endings  4)  How to add scales  5) playing blues piano and so much more.
This course guides you step X step in learning piano, plus how to practice and what to practice to have the most success.

JAZZ PIANO LESSONS

Jazz isn’t just learning improvisation. In these piano lessons you will learn:
1)  How to add substitution chords 2)  How to add extensions, 9th’s 11th’s & 13ths;  3)  Adding bass lines;  4) How to play comping chords  4)  How to play many styles;  5)  How to open up the chords  and so many more basics to jazz piano.

Silent Night

Silent Night-Jazz Version?

Every year I arrange Silent Night in a different version.
This year, I’ve gone a little ‘out there’, by adding jazz
sounds.  Plus, I have kept it simple so everyone can
play this version.

As a learning piece, you will see how I’ve changed the chords and how I have used the chord symbols for reharmonizing.

We have been learning how to add chords and extensions to our music in the ‘Simply Grand Workshops, and here is another example of ideas you can use in a different song.
This song is written with 3 chords, C- F & G, and I added Am7, Em7 and D7 & A7.  Adding these chords gives us a very different sound and tension in the song.

In this song, I was thinking about poly chords, so I started with the CM7 in the right hand and the Em7 in the left hand.  I used this idea again with the FM7 over a Dm7.  When adding the chord markings, I did not want any confusion so wrote them using a single chord  such as CM7/D.

What does that mean when you have a chord with a slash?

The top part is the chord, and the part under the slash is what you play in the left hand. We do not have to play the root of the chord in the left hand bass.
Example:  CM7/D = C chord played with the D in the bass.

What does that mean when you have a number with a (-) or (+) sign?

When you see a – sign you will lower the tone, when you see a + sign you will raise the tone.
Example D7 -9, Play the D7 chord, add the -9th  which would be Eb.

Silent Night

Silent Night-Piano Sheet Music Arrangement

The “Shearing voicing” is described as being achieved through playing the melody in both hands, playing the appropriate chord below the right hand melody note and bringing out the melody with the left.

In  1952, he wrote one of the most famous jazz songs of our times, “Lullaby of Birdland”, in which he used this style of blocked playing or sometimes called “locked hands.
I have found, with a little practice, this is an easy style to play on the piano, and is worth the effort to learn.
(We will learn Lullaby of Birdland in our Simply Grand Workshops.)

As most of you know, I studied jazz piano with Bud Conway, and he knew George Shearing.  In fact, when George was performing in San Diego, they would always get together for dinner and musical fun in Bud’s studio.  Fortunately, one evening I was invited to share in the fun, and met George.
I was in such awe that I couldn’t even open my mouth.

Bud taught me how to play the blocked style and incorporated it into many of his arrangements, such as Stardust.
Fortunately, I am able to share this my students, plus a piece of history which makes the music even more important.

Enjoy the music, and take your time learning the arrangement. Be sure to listen to yourself as you are playing, making sure that every tone of the chord is being played. It’s very easy not to sound every note with weak fingers.

1. Stardust mp3
2. Sheet Music preview


Purchase piano arrangement. $6.95

How I used the minor Scales to compose Time on My Hands.

Composing

Time on My Hands mp3-
Composer, Alana LaGrange
Print: Time Sheet Music
I have always been fascinated with composers and wonder, where do they get their ideas? Do they hear it first and then lay it out in music, if so, how does that happen?

There are 3 different approaches to composing, and I have found that in each instance, it’s like priming the pump, you have to have a starting point then the ideas start to flow. There have been times I have heard a melody with a rhythmic idea, and have used that as a starting point, but to me, this is the most difficult starting point.

Starting Points:
1) Starting with Lyrics: If you are a lyricist, you will start with the words and fit a melody into the word phrasings.
2) Starting with a melody: You have melodic idea and write a song starting with the melody.
3) Start with chord progressions: This is the process that most jazz artists will use to prime the pump.

When writing this song, I started with #3, playing chord progressions.
Tip & Trick:
When using a minor key, you can pull chords from all 3 minor scales.  This gives you 3 different choices when playing minor chords.  I wrote this song in the key of Am, so I will use the A minor scales as my example.
There are 3 different minor scales:
1.  Natural minor Scale: Starting with the A major scale, lower the 3-6 & 7th points of the scale to form an A Natural Minor Scale.
A Natural Minor Scale = A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A
Chords on A Natural Minor Scale = Am7-B half dim -CM7 -Dm7 -Em7 – FM7 -G7 -Am7

2.  Harmonic minor Scale: Starting with the A major scale, lower the 3 & 6th points of the scale.
A Harmonic Minor Scale = A-B-C-D-E-F-G#-A
Chords on A Harmonic Minor Scale = Am +7 – B Half Dim7 – CM7 +5 -Dm7 -E7 -FM7 -G#half Dim – Am +7

3.  Melodic minor Scale: Starting with the A major Scale, lower the 3rd only.  (There is more to this theory, but for this application let’s keep it simple)
A Melodic Minor Scale = A-B-C-D-E-F#-G#-A
Chords on A Harmonic Minor Scale = Am +7 – Bm7 – CM7 +5 -D7 -E7 -F#half dim7 (Fm7 -5) -G#half dim7 (G#m7 -5)
- Am +7

Yes, this looks very complicated, but to make it simple, let’s work only with 1 chord Am7 and use the 3 different minor keys.
Now we have, Am7 (A-C-E-G) or Am+7(A-C-E-G#).
Next, I add to this pattern the F# half dim7, and I can form a descending pattern in the left hand.  You can use this pattern every time you play any minor chord.
Am7/A,  Am-7/G#, Am7/G, F#half dim7/F#
This gives us a descending pattern of A to G# to G to F#.

Next, play the chords in the right hand, with the descending pattern in the left hand, and write your own music.

To get the most out of this piano lesson:
1. Listen to the Mp3;
2. Print the piano music to Time On My Hands;
3. Listen to the podcast;

Print "Time on My Hands"