The Church Pianist: Foundational Tools for Improvising

Before a pianist can improvise effectively,

one must have a common knowledge of the

major and minor scales.

Of course some pianists play by ear and may
sound wonderful but cannot explain theoretically

what they're doing.

I know...I also can play by ear but read music and

have studied theory. I do not claim to be the theory

expert but did have teachers that required me to

learn theory.

Over the past ten years, I've learned a good bit of

theory through personal study.

It's imperative to have a working knowledge of the

scales and chords in all major and minor keys.

Today's image displays some very important tools

that prepare the church pianist for improvising.

It's really quite simple when learning the scales and

chords with the numbering system.

For example, a scale consists of 8 notes. A chord can

be built on each note of the scale as demonstrated in

today's image.

When numbering the chords in the scale...the upper

case roman numeral refers to a Major chord and the

lower case roman numeral indicates a minor chord.

Notice, the notes in the chords are made up of 3rds.

Meaning....the notes are a third apart from each other.

Anytime a three note chord consists of consecutive

thirds...it is in root position...meaning...the bottom

note of that chord names the chord.

For example...the chord (CEG) is called a C chord

because it's made of consecutive 3rds and the

bottom note is 'C'.

Now you're ready to hear about chord extensions.

To create a richer or fuller chord...add another note

a 3rd from the top note. This is called extending

the chord.

For example: The C chord (CEG).

Add another note a 3rd from the top and you now

have: CEGB

Chord extensions can be used for either hand.

They work best in the left hand.

The scales and chords are the foundational tools

for learning to improvise.

For starters, learn the scales for the easy major

keys with their chords (triads).

Try: C, G, D and F Major

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