The Church Pianist: Improvising Hymns with Chord Inversions

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Chord inversions add variety when improvising hymns.

A root chord such as C E G (consecutive thirds) can be inverted
two different ways for variety in sound.

See the following link for a simple explanation of chord inversions.

http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2009/02/church-piansit-using-chord-inversions.html

The following scenario makes good use of chord inversions.

When one chord lasts for at least 4 beats....the left hand
can invert the chord (same chord...just in a different note
order).

Example #1 (There is a Fountain) *See image below

The first left hand broken chord begins with the note "C"
"C" is the root of the C chord....so this broken chord would
be considered the root chord (even though E and G swapped
places for a more open tone).

The second broken chord of the left hand begins on note "E".
This is still a broken C chord but....considered in first inversion.
The true order of the C (first inversion) is EGC....but G and C
swapped places to create a more open tone.

Basically, the bass note dictates what chord inversion is being used.
But...you have to look at the complete picture for this analysis.
Meaning...notes in both hands must be combined for proper
chord analysis.

Special note:

A chord in 1st inversion is labeled with the number six (6)
Why? Well...remember that the notes in the first inversion
of a C chord are: E G C

The note "G" is the 6th note from the bottom note (E)

The same left hand chord pattern occurs in "Just As I Am".

What a mouthful! Hope this makes sense. Feel free to ask
questions if needed.

Chord inversions add color to improvising!

The Church Pianist: Chord Inversions for Fill-Ins in Congregational Accompaniment

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Chord inversions work well for congregational

singing because they add fullness to the accompaniment.


For clarification: a chord inversion is nothing more than a
root chord out of order.


For example:


The 'C' root chord = CEG


There are three notes in the 'C' chord...so....the notes in the
root chord can be scrambled (inverted) three different ways
and add such a variety in sound!


Root (CEG) starting position


First inversion (EGC)


Second inversion (GCE)


Notice: the first note of each chord above....spells out the order
of the root chord.


Inversions create a more open tone compared to the close sound
of the root chord. Excessive use of the root chord produces a
cloudy tone. Learn to use more inversions!


Chord inversion fill-ins work best under the following conditions:


*When the same chord lasts for at least two measures
(allows time for the inversions to fit)


*Militant style hymns such as the examples on today's image


*4/4 time is best


Keep in mind...in 4/4 time...only beats one and three are
accented.


Playing the same weight for each beat will create unnecessary
hand tension and cause you to get bogged down in the mud;
creating a sluggish tempo.


All three examples on today's image are in 4/4 time.

The examples are geared to congregational accompaniment.


All three examples are on this one audio with a pause between
each one.


The audio below would be most beneficial if you view the music
while listening. You will hear how I accent beats one and three
for a more musical flow.


Warning!


The constant movement of the chord inversions
may cause disorientation at first :)


Simply practice the chord inversions over and over before
implementing them in congregational accompaniment.




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