Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
One of the best ways to get into piano improvisation is with a simple four-chord exercise, so that's what we're looking at today. The slight twist is that we're going to do it in a "difficult" key — D flat major — though, as we'll see, it's not really that difficult at all. In the tutorial I go through the basic chord progression, the single hand position we'll be using in the right, and explore some of the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic techniques you can use to create a great-sounding improv.
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Nord Piano. Latest model is the Nord Piano 5: sweetwater.sjv.io/Gm3RNn
Rode NT-USB microphone: sweetwater.sjv.io/AWXR6a
Sony DCZV1/B digital camera: sweetwater.sjv.io/3erm1n
(Disclosure: I receive commission from Sweetwater if you click through and buy these or any other products from their website.)
If you want more piano exercises and challenges, take a look at this tutorial: youtu.be/f8kQ2qn7qCk
Want to know more about the theoretical background of piano chords? Check out this tutorial: youtube.com/watch?v=AYBQUvmhAX8
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00:00 The improvisation
01:25 The chord progression
02:41 The basic improv principles at work
03:23 Sustain pedal
04:33 Right hand anticipation
05:49 Adding interest to the chords
06:42 Managing the dynamics
07:34 Left hand patterns and rhythms
07:58 Effective chord voicing/spacing
09:11 Relationship between the two hands
10:06 Getting started if you're new
11:08 Try asking yourself questions
12:10 Do more by doing less
One of the best ways to get into piano improvisation is with a simple four-chord exercise, so that's what we're looking at today. The slight twist is that we're going to do it in a "difficult" key — D flat major — though, as we'll see, it's not really that difficult at all. In the tutorial I go through the basic chord progression, the single hand position we'll be using in the right, and explore some of the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic techniques you can use to create a great-sounding improv.
👉Join my Patreon community — we're a very friendly bunch of piano learners!
patreon.com/billhilton
👉Improve your piano skills with my great value Piano Packs and 3 Ebook Bundle deal:
billspianopages.com/pianopacks
billspianopages.com/bundle
👉Revolutionise your music skills with my new book, How To Be A Better Musician:
bettermusicianbook.com
👉My gear (in association with Sweetwater.com)
Nord Piano. Latest model is the Nord Piano 5: sweetwater.sjv.io/Gm3RNn
Rode NT-USB microphone: sweetwater.sjv.io/AWXR6a
Sony DCZV1/B digital camera: sweetwater.sjv.io/3erm1n
(Disclosure: I receive commission from Sweetwater if you click through and buy these or any other products from their website.)
If you want more piano exercises and challenges, take a look at this tutorial: youtu.be/f8kQ2qn7qCk
Want to know more about the theoretical background of piano chords? Check out this tutorial: youtube.com/watch?v=AYBQUvmhAX8
BILL’S SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: fb.me/billhiltonpiano
Twitter: twitter.com/billhilton
Instagram: instagram.com/billhilton
TikTok: tiktok.com/@billhiltonpiano
00:00 The improvisation
01:25 The chord progression
02:41 The basic improv principles at work
03:23 Sustain pedal
04:33 Right hand anticipation
05:49 Adding interest to the chords
06:42 Managing the dynamics
07:34 Left hand patterns and rhythms
07:58 Effective chord voicing/spacing
09:11 Relationship between the two hands
10:06 Getting started if you're new
11:08 Try asking yourself questions
12:10 Do more by doing less
