There are many songs you
can learn with 3 or 4 chords in them, in fact if you're not afraid to
improvise a little, you can play any song with less than 3 chords if
this is what you prefer to do.
There are many music books
that are specially arranged so that pianists who aren't confident enough
in their ability to tackle multi-chord changes within a song can use.
These books may not show the music as the composer intended, but they do
allow for a player who is still learning techniques to make music that
sounds good.
What you need to
remember about song playing is that you can change the chords at will.
If you prefer to only use 1 or 2 chords and can improvise the tune on
what's in the music, then you can do this. You will end up with a
harmony that isn't as interesting as one with a myriad of chords in it,
but if you can play it confidently without hesitating, then it will
sound better than one with many chords that your fingers stumble over.
If you're not confident
about chord changes and prefer to use only 3 or 4 chords, then you
should learn some chord techniques such as suspensions and anticipations
that will allow you to use the few chords you are sure of to better
effect. Just by moving a finger here or there during the chord playing
you'll add an additional interest that will make the music you play
sound more complicated than it actually is! In turn this will raise
your own confidence level and motivate you to experiment more with the
music.
Learning major chord
structure is something that should be part of your everyday practice
session. As you become more confident playing these chords you'll find
that you aren't afraid to choose songs that have many chord changes in
them. Until you have that confidence play the chords that you are
familiar with and concentrate on getting them right. Involuntarily
hitting the wrong notes in the chord can create a completely different
sound, perhaps in a way that completely throws your entire piece of
music into an unintended discord, by keeping the chord progression
simple even an inexperienced pianist can create good music that doesn't
hurt the ear of those listening!
Whether you are just
starting out with learning to play the piano, or are a little more
experienced but still feel that you don't have the confidence in your
ability to create music requiring many different chord changes in your
music, you can find music at the level you require it. On the other
hand, if you prefer to improvise, just confidently play the chords that
fit naturally with the harmony line. Add some interest with passing
notes, and appoggiaturas and listeners will enjoy your playing as much
as they would one with a complicated chord progression that's played
with hesitation.
Don't let
lack of chord confidence put you off playing. Continue to practice
chord changes, but in the meantime enjoy playing pieces of music with a
minimum amount of chords that allow you to strengthen your skill base
with these chords as well as increase your confidence in your ability as
a pianist. Click on the picture below for lots more good info:
