Otis Singleton
Electric pianos have become a popular instrument, second only to the guitar in France, and are a great way to learn the piano. They are highly accessible, with online classes and apps that can help teach you how to play. Electric pianos also offer more freedom to play any style of music, without needing to learn how to read music, major scale progressions, notation, or octaves. They are also highly portable, making them perfect for live performances. When choosing an electric piano, it is important to consider not only the sound but also the ease of transport and the number of sounds the piano can produce. Some popular options include the Roland FP-10, Casio CDP-S160, and Yamaha Clavinovas, which offer a range of piano and non-piano sounds. For those looking for a more realistic piano feel, the Kawai MP11SE offers a Grand Feel wooden-key keyboard action, while the Roland RD-2000 is a favorite among studio owners and performers for its PHA-50 action and realistic playing experience. If you're looking to play So Electric by Lifelike, the chords you'll need are B maj, D# min, C# maj, and A# maj, which are part of F# maj.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chords | B maj, D# min, C# maj, A# maj |
| Tempo | 125 BPM |
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What You'll Learn
Learning piano chords
The most common type of piano chord is a triad, or three-note chord. One way to play a triad is to place your thumb and fingers on adjacent white keys and push down with your thumb, middle finger, and pinky. This technique will allow you to play various basic piano chords with ease. The distance between piano notes, called an interval, determines how they sound when played together. Intervals are measured in half-steps and whole-steps. A half-step is the distance from one key to the next immediate key on its right or left, while a whole-step is the distance of two half-steps. A common interval used in piano chords is the major third, which is the distance of two whole-steps or four half-steps.
To play a major chord, start by choosing any root note on the keyboard. From this root note, count up two whole steps to find the "third," so-called because it is the third note in the key beginning with the root note. Then, from the third, count up one and a half steps (or three half-steps) to find the "fifth." When you play these three notes together, you hear a major triad, which typically has a happy sound. Major chords are used in almost every rock and pop song. For example, the opening chord of "Let It Be" by The Beatles is a C major chord.
Once you learn the pattern of I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, dim, it becomes much easier to learn chords in a new key and memorise them. Chords and their names are based on patterns that you can play up and down the piano. They range from simple two-note chords to complex chords that use five fingers or even more. When you learn how chord shapes work in one key, you can apply the same movements to other keys. For instance, the movement from C (CEG) to G (BDG) is I -> V, and you can apply this same movement in any key.
Diminished chords are less common than major and minor chords but are still frequently used in rock and pop songs to create a tense or spooky sound. They are often used to transition between two other, more stable-sounding chords. For example, the song "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys uses a diminished chord in this way.
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Piano apps and online classes
There are many piano apps and online classes that can help you learn how to play the electric piano. Here are some options to consider:
Piano Apps
- Simply Piano: This app has an appealing, game-like interface that makes learning fun for all ages and skill levels. It uses MIDI data from a connected keyboard or listens to your instrument's audio output through your device's microphone. Simply Piano offers lessons for beginners and intermediate players, with a generous library of current songs to play along with.
- Flowkey: Flowkey is an app that helps you learn your favourite songs on the piano, regardless of your level. It provides instant feedback on your playing and allows you to watch expert pianists perform and follow sheet music. You can also practice at a reduced speed to get comfortable with a piece.
- Skoove: Skoove is an interactive piano learning app with beginner and intermediate courses. It uses a ''listen, learn, play' approach to help you master new skills quickly, with an emphasis on good technique. The app offers real-time feedback and teaches music fundamentals, making learning enjoyable and effortless.
Online Classes
ArtistWorks' Piano with Christie Peery: This program offers hundreds of classical piano lessons for every level of expertise, from novice to advanced. You can submit videos of your playing for personal review and feedback from Christie Peery, a renowned concert pianist and teacher. The platform also provides access to a vast Video Exchange Library archive.
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Choosing the right piano for your style
The next step is to decide between a digital and an acoustic piano. This decision depends on several factors, including your skill level, available space, and personal preferences. If you're a beginner, an upright piano is a perfect choice as it is more affordable and requires less space than a grand piano. Digital pianos are also a great option for beginners as they offer portability, special effects, and a lower price point. They can also effectively simulate the physical elements of an acoustic piano, such as the feel of the keys and the sound produced. However, some purists may favour the rich tones and craftsmanship of an acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos, such as the renowned Steinway, are known for their warm, full sound and the responsiveness of their keys, allowing for subtle nuances in tone and musical composition.
When choosing an acoustic piano, it's crucial to select a suitable location in your home. These pianos are sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations, so they should be kept in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Consider a room where the piano will be showcased and played frequently, balancing aesthetics, convenience, and the daily patterns of your household.
Whether you choose a digital or acoustic piano, pay close attention to the sound quality, including tone, resonance, and consistency. Play all the notes with the same strength and listen for any deviations in loudness or unexpected changes in tone. Ensure the keys have a smooth surface, adequate resistance, and sufficient cushioning to protect your finger joints. Check that all the pedals work and consider the weight of the piano, as heavier models tend to provide a more stable playing experience.
Lastly, don't forget to inspect the piano's finish and interior for any damage. All the white keys should be level, and every note should sound when pressed. If you're purchasing a used piano, it's especially important to have it inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it's in good condition.
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Piano acoustics and live performances
Playing the piano involves more than just creating music; it involves delving into the intricate world of sound and acoustics. The piano is a string instrument at its core. When you press a key, a felt-covered hammer strikes a string, causing it to vibrate and produce sound waves. These sound waves are then amplified through the piano's soundboard and resonant body, creating a rich and complex timbre. The soundboard, a thin wooden panel under the strings, is critical to piano acoustics.
The environment in which a piano is placed significantly impacts its performance and preservation. The acoustics of a room can transform a piano's tone, enhancing its sound or making it profoundly moving. A larger room with high ceilings tends to improve the piano's sound, allowing it to resonate fully. Ceiling height is also important, as higher ceilings enable sound waves to travel freely, adding depth and volume. The materials in the room also play a role, with hard surfaces reflecting sound and making it clearer and louder, while soft materials absorb sound and reduce echoes.
Understanding the science of sound in piano acoustics adds a new dimension to your musical journey. The relationship between string tension and pitch is fascinating. Adjusting the tension of a piano string with tuning pegs directly affects its pitch. Higher tension results in a higher pitch. When a key is struck, the string produces a fundamental pitch and a series of harmonics, creating each note's unique character.
When it comes to live performances, the Keybird L1 acoustic piano offers an innovative solution for musicians on the go. Its lightweight design and magnetic strip pickup system amplify string vibrations directly, eliminating microphone feedback. The Keybird L1 provides both portability and accessibility without compromising sound quality.
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Piano keys and major scale progressions
To play Lifelike's So Electric on the piano, it is important to understand piano keys and major scale progressions.
Major scales are the most important piano scales as they are very common and fundamental to understanding keys. Each major scale has its own set of notes, intervals, semi-tones, and formula. For example, the C Major scale consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, while the D Major scale consists of D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#.
To form a major scale, you can use the formula whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half, or w-w-h-w-w-w-h. Here, "whole" represents a whole step on the piano, which means skipping a key, and "half" represents a half step, which means moving to the next key. For instance, moving from C to D is a whole step, while moving from C to C sharp is a half step.
Once you know a certain major scale, it becomes easier to grasp the chords in the same key. For example, in the key of C, the standard chords used are C, Em, F, G, and Am. An easy way to start improvising on the piano is to play major scales together with the chords that use the same notes. A common approach is to play chords with your left hand and notes from the scale with your right hand.
Additionally, different major scales have their own "sounds" due to factors such as instrument resonance and tuning systems. For example, the key of C is suitable for ballads, while the key of E is often used in rock music. Understanding major scales and keys is crucial for playing piano and interacting with other musicians.
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Frequently asked questions
The chords in the song are B maj, D# min, C# maj, and A# maj.
The song has a tempo of 125 BPM.
Thanks to online classes, it is much easier to teach yourself how to play the piano. You can also use new technologies like AI, AR, or VR to help you immerse yourself in the music.
Playing the electric piano is more of a way to learn the piano for people open to any style of music. You won't be learning about reading music, major scale progressions, notation, or octaves.
It is important to consider how easy your electric piano is to move around to live performances. It is also beneficial to use a keyboard with weighted action as it helps build finger strength and allows for more variation and musicality in the way you play a note.
