How to Play Piano: Chord Variations in the Key of

Let us try a few chord variations in the key of C. You can work them out with either hand.

For C6, play the basic C chord which is C, E and G and add the 6th note of the C scale which is A. If you want to work out a 6th chord in any other key, just count up to six notes in the scale from the root and add that note to the basic three-chord. (Demonstration) In C, it could be C, E, G and A.

We did this once before, I believe, but try soloing to the C6 chord with your right hand using the notes of the C major pentatonic scale. C, D, E, G, A and C. (Music playing)

For C7, flat the major 7th B. (Demonstration) So, C7 would be C, E, G, B flat. There is much Blues sound in the chord. Play the Blues scale with these chords. (Demonstration) Try the C major 7 at the 7th note in the scale, (Demonstration) but this time, without flatting it. The C major 7 would be C, E, G and B.

For soloing, try playing the Aeolian C scale with the C major 2nd chord. (Music playing) It is probably best to leave out the 4th note of the C major scale which is F, due to its desolate nature when played with a major 7th. Certainly it can be played, whatever sounds good to you in your context of the tune you are playing. The 4th can work nicely as a passing note. (Music playing)


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