Bonus Lesson 37

Amazing Piano!
The Complete Piano Learning System
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Bonus Lesson #37
"How To Save A Life" - Chorus - 37.1, 37.2, 37.3
1-5-1 Broken Chord - 37.4 and 37.5

1-5-1 Broken Chord: In sections 37.4 and 37.5 of this lesson, I will be introducing the 1-5-1 broken chord, which is undoubtedly the most useful playing technique I have ever learned.

It may seem very simple, and it may be a while before you even start using it in songs on a regular basis, but now is the time to start getting acquainted with this amazing musical tool.

The 1-5-1 broken chord and all it's variations will be that one technique in your music arsenal that will add ear-dazzling flare to your piano playing. I have no doubt that it will be your Go-To Broken Chord.

R.H. Melody

Click the play button for the video directly below to see and hear the right hand melody for "How To Save A Life" - Measures 6 to 8.

Both Hands

Click the play button for the video directly below to see and hear both hands for "How To Save A Life" - Measures 6 to 8.

Both Hands

Click the play button for the video directly below to see and hear both hands for "How To Save A Life" - Measures 1 to 8.

1-5-1 Broken Chord

If you remember from Lesson 7, I described a broken chord as a chord in which the notes of the chord get played one after the other instead of together at the same time. Broken Chords create a more colorful and complex sound.

A G major chord is made up of the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the G major scale.

This is true for every major chord. Every major chord is made up of the 1st , 3rd and 5th notes of its corresponding major scale.

G Major Scale

A 1-5-1 Broken Chord is made up of just the 1st and 5th notes of the scale.

I suppose I could call it a 1-5-8 broken chord, but since the 1st and the 8th are the same pitch, just an octave apart, calling it a 1-5-1 is just as accurate.

A left hand 1-5-1 broken chord based on the G major scale is G-D-G, (see illustration below).

Technically, you can play the 1-5-1 broken chord with either hand, anywhere on the piano. I tend to play them with my left hand, below middle C, ninety percent of the time.

Next month in Lesson 38, you'll start using the 1-5-1 left-hand broken chord in real songs. I'll also introduce a few variations of the 1-5-1 that will really start to spice up your playing.

1-5-1 Broken Chord

Click the play button for the video directly below to see and hear the left hand broken chord for G major.

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Just wanted to let you know that we have made a lot of positive changes based on all the feedback from students, and we are continually looking to bring you the best lesson content to fit your busy schedule.

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Enjoy!

- Guy