How to Play Piano: Practicing C9's

Sometimes, a chord symbol may also request you alter the 5th note of the chord in some way. Perhaps, a flat five or a five. Try to work out which notes you would play if the chord were a C9 flat 5. Let us see what would that be. (Demonstration)

Let us try working a C13 flat 9. (Demonstration)

As I mentioned before, you will need both hands in some of these chords. The notes on top can often dictate the melody of a tune. Remember to count up from the root. You will count 13 notes up from the root of the chord, in this case, C and ends in A. (Demonstration) Play C9, flat the D, to make a C flat and simply add the A. That is C13 flat 9.

If you want to solo using these chords for accompaniment, unless you are reincarnated, it is not likely that you will be able to play all these chords with your left hand only. So, try building the chords from the third instead of the root.

For instance, you could build C sharp 9 with your little finger on E instead of on the C, on E with, a thumb with on the sharp 9, D sharp. Hopefully, the base player may be taking care of the root anyway. (Demonstration)

Much later you can try rolling the notes of a large chord to get them all in with just your left hand. (Demonstration) Perhaps, playing a base note with your left in rhythm, right? (Music playing)

Remember that all these chord or variations applied to building chords from scales in any key, whether the root is a white note or a black note.


Transcription by: Scribe4you Transcription Services