As you know, there are many ways to make your piano playing fuller, including fillers, chord subs, runs, all kinds of chordal techniques, and so forth. And one of the best ways is to use passing tones. Passing tones are non-chordal tones that “pass through” from one chord note to another. Listen to this 10 minutes podcast and I think you’ll get the idea.

You can create motion in your songs by adding passing tones to your repertoire of piano techniques. Look for opportunities to add a 2nd or a 6th or a 7th under the right hand melody — non-harmonic tones that “pass through” the chords you are playing in the right hand.

For a complete course in using passing tones please go to Passing Tones To Add Motion & Interest To Your Songs

Passing tones are notes that are not in the chord, but “pass through” between chord notes. An ostinato is a sustained bass note — usually the 5th of the chord — that is held while different chords occur over the top of it. Watch this short video on O Come All Ye Faithful and you’ll understand quickly.

Musical passing tones and ostinato in “O Come All Ye Faithful”