Piano question - for those who play by ear?

Question

When I play a song that has diminished chords and major 7th chords, I always have to write down the notes above the chord, otherwise I cant remember it. After I practice the song, I memorize the chords, so I dont really have to read the lead sheet anymore - but I still dont know how to make a diminished or major 7 right off the cuff. When will I be able to look at a chord chart and just play the music without having to write in all my aug and maj7 chord letters? How should I teach myself how to do this?

Answer 1

I tend to think of them as patterns of keys between notes. If you can remember the number of keys inbetween each note played, you can start to see patterns. The pattern always stays the same for each type of chord no matter what note you start on, so all you have to do is get the feel of the chord underneath your fingers. I used to practice placing my hands in the same chord for each note in the chromatic octave until it automatically adjusted to that feel. It basically requires a lot of practice at the piano and muscle memory. What you are doing right now (writing down the notes) can help too... just make sure that you don't use it too much as a crutch.

Answer 2

Just memorize the formula. This is what it is:

Augmented (aug): just raise the fifth a half step. Example: G, instead of being G B D is G B D#.

Diminished: made up of stacks of minor thirds. So whatever the diminished chord is, turn it into a minor chord, and flat the fifth. Example: G dim(inished). Take Gm (G Bb D) and flat the fifth (so you get G Bb Db).

Major seventh: add the note just a half step below the root. So if the chord is Gmaj7, G is G B D so add on half step below G, which is F#, and you get GBDF#.

Memorizing the formula is SOOOOOOO much easier than memorizing each individual chord, and helps you think on your feet better.

Answer 3

I wish I had an easy formula for you. Practice and experience plays an awful lot on getting a feel for those kind of chords. Myself, I see the keys in blocks, not individual keys... best bet would be for you to get some blues recordings, and play along, over and over, and even better if you live in an area where there may be some open jams, bring your keyboard and play along. Before I started playing the blues I didnt really worry about 7ths, ect much, but they are essential for the blues, so saturate yourself with that and see if it starts getting easier! Good luck!

Answer 4

You need to study music theory, that's the only way this will ever fully sink in and become more than just memorization for you.