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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The Church Pianist: Chord extension for the ii chord

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Chord extensions are easy!


All you do is... add a 3rd above the root chord.


For example:


C E G is the root chord for the C chord.


Just add the 7th note above the root note (C)
and you find B.


This added note (B) gives an even richer, fuller tone.


This extension can be added to any root chord within
a scale.


Here's a list of the first 3 chords in the C scale with the
added 7th:


Oh....by the way..........


(Knowledge of the scales is an essential to improvising)


C E G B


D F A C


E G B D


F A C E


etc. etc. You get the idea.


I illustrated 'adding the 7th' to the ii chord in today's image.


The 'added 7th' doesn't even conflict with the vocal parts!


The vocal and piano score are given for the sake of comparison.


I tried to keep the piano accompaniment simple for a (hopefully)
clear presentation.


You will notice I show the same application in several songs and
in different keys.


Challenge yourself!


Try adding this extension to other chords as well.


Your playing will sound richer and fuller.

The Church Pianist: Adding the Major/minor 7th

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The church pianist can rejuvenate
a hymn by just using chord extensions.






A chord extension occurs when
consecutive 3rds are added above
the 5th note of a chord in root
position.









For example, the C chord (CEG)....
add a B to it and you have a richer
chord!









The note 'B'....is a major 7th

above the root note (C).





Lowering the 'B' to a 'B' flat creates
a minor 7th above 'C'.......therefore
creating the Major/minor 7th.






Ingredients of the Major/minor 7th:




(I'll use C chord as example)









Major=CEG
minor 7th=B flat








Together= Major/minor 7th chord







A minor 7th can be added when a I chord
is leading to a IV chord. (Hope you know
your chords by numbers).








Key of C:
C is the I chord
F is the IV chord








Explanation of today's example:






I first showed the added 7th in the vocal
score for easy-to-see example and then
gave the piano score for a more practical
demonstration.








Challenge to the church pianist:








Take a church hymnal and try to find
the Major/minor 7th already used
in the following songs:






At Calvary (chorus)
Victory in Jesus (twice in chorus)
Lily of the Valley (no hint!)

Clarification: The Major/minor 7th is not a chord

substitution. It's simply an extended chord.