The Essentials of Piano Playing

93 CQ
10 Lessons
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    9 CQ
    1. Notes and Major Scales on Piano
    A lesson with Paul Corgan
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    Just getting started on piano? In this introductory lesson, find middle C, the most important note on the keyboard, and start learning major scales.

    Notes and Major Scales on Piano
    with Paul Corgan

    Just getting started on piano? In this introductory lesson, find middle C, the most important note on the keyboard, and start learning major scales.

  • Playing
    8 CQ
    2. How and When to Use Piano Pedals
    A lesson with Paul Corgan
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    Paul Corgan shows you the ins and outs of the three pedals found on a traditional grand piano: the soft pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the sustain pedal.

    How and When to Use Piano Pedals
    with Paul Corgan

    Paul Corgan shows you the ins and outs of the three pedals found on a traditional grand piano: the soft pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the sustain pedal.

  • Playing
    7 CQ
    3. Basic Triads and Inversions on Piano
    A lesson with Paul Corgan
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    In this lesson, you will learn how to play major and minor triads and inversions on piano. Take the next step on the path to mastering piano today!

    Basic Triads and Inversions on Piano
    with Paul Corgan

    In this lesson, you will learn how to play major and minor triads and inversions on piano. Take the next step on the path to mastering piano today!

  • Playing
    6 CQ
    4. Major/Minor 7ths and 9ths on Piano
    A lesson with Paul Corgan
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    In this lesson, Paul Corgan explains the rationale behind numbered notes and chords on the piano and reveals how to jazz up your favorite chord progressions.

    Major/Minor 7ths and 9ths on Piano
    with Paul Corgan

    In this lesson, Paul Corgan explains the rationale behind numbered notes and chords on the piano and reveals how to jazz up your favorite chord progressions.

  • Playing
    10 CQ
    5. Introduction to the Blues Scale
    A lesson with Paul Corgan
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    Learn the ins-and-outs of the blues scale on piano. This lesson covers everything from the notes in the scale itself to the beginnings of comping and soloing.

    Introduction to the Blues Scale
    with Paul Corgan

    Learn the ins-and-outs of the blues scale on piano. This lesson covers everything from the notes in the scale itself to the beginnings of comping and soloing.

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    72 Comments
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    Mary O
    Thank you. I have wanted to learn piano since I was a child. It's now on my bucket list & I learned so much just now!
    appreciate appreciated
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    Paul Corgan
    That's great to hear, Mary! Thanks for choosing to watch my videos!
    appreciate appreciated
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    Dori W
    Small correction just so no one gets confused, g has one sharp, not one flat, because if it were a flat you'd have to say G flat and the rule is you can't say the same note twice in a scale. G, g flat can't work, but f sharp, g can because they are a different note name.
    appreciate appreciated
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    Paul Corgan
    Thanks for that clarification – that's a great tip for beginners to remember the flats/sharps! However, I intentionally break the rule here to simplify my teaching for beginners. Since I mostly teach by ear, I almost always refer to the black notes as flats for the sake of simplification. Thanks for watching!
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    Hannah R
    This is the best app ever! I love it!
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    Paul Corgan
    Agreed, glad you like it!
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    Alvin R
    Thanks. This was a great introductory piano lesson.
    appreciate appreciated
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    Paul Corgan
    Glad you thought so, Alvin! Thanks for the comment and for watching! Best, Paul
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    Michael H
    Awesome lesson great job thx for teaching!
    appreciate appreciated
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    Paul Corgan
    Thanks Michael! Glad you liked the lesson. ~ Paul
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