Everything Comes Together
“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.”Dale Carnegie
Step 5 Overview
Being Part of the Band
Listen, Groove, Play Less and More
Melody Harmonization
Learn to Harmonize a Melody
Nashville Numbers
Play One Song in Many Keys
Ear Training
Figure Out Chords Part 3, Chart a Song in D
Choosing Singing Keys
Know the Ranges
Lead Sheet Jam (Chords, Tricks and Such)
Play with a Lead Sheet
Sweet Sounding Chords
The “Anchor Pinky”
More Great Sounding Tips/Tricks
The “Anchor Pinky”
“But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.”Luke 22:26
Practice
Find a practice schedule that works for you. Choose a time every day or at least three times a week that you block off to practice. Let your family know : )
Print Checkoff Sheet
Click the link to download and print the check off sheet. This will be important motivation for you. Leave it out in the open to remind you what you are working at accomplishing.
1 – Being Part of the Band
Are you Listening? I hope so! Are you trying not to overplay? I hope so! Now listen for what the song needs.
- Play Only what is NEEDED
- Transitioning to New Keys (During Worship)
2 – Melody Harmonization
You should now be getting familiar with the process…soon you will be able to do this on your own!
3 – Nashville Numbers
Now it’s time to practice figuring out and playing Nashville Numbers in many different keys. Each link has a chord progression and jam tracks. Workout ALL keys and get familiar with reading numbers.
The links below only go to jam tracks. You will need to use the download provided on that page to help you figure out what to play. Start to think in numbers! If you need to review how this works then click here for a crash course in numbers.
5 – Choosing Singing Keys
Learn to pick what is key is best for the “Solo Vocalist” or for the Church to Sing Along With…they are not the same.
6 – Lead Sheet Jam (Chords, Tricks, and More)
Key of B (4/4 Time)
Chords Used (B, F#/B, Bsus4, F#/A, G#m, E, F#, and B/F#)
*Similar to the chord progression in songs like “Lord, I Need You”.
Checkpoint 1 – Grounded in Prayer – Basic Chords
Don’t be afraid of new chords or keys…you can do it!
Videos:
Checkpoint 2 – Reading a Chart, Intro and Jam
Learn your way around this kind of chart…it’s not too bad : )
Checkpoint 3 – Magic Shape and Rocking
Not your first attempt at these things…and man do they work!
Checkpoint 4 – Groove Patterns and Jam Ideas
Here are some new patterns you can use to sound pro. You’ll need to work them enough to where your hands don’t have to think any more.
Checkpoint 5 – Fills
Spice up the spaces a little more with fills.
Checkpoint 6 (Optional) – Extra
Practice this in other keys.
7 – Sweet Sounding Chords
This is a great trick that naturally creates sweet-sounding chords for worship. You wouldn’t think that keeping your pinky finger in one spot could sound so great…but it does!
The Anchor Pinky (Part 1)
The Anchor Pinky (Part 2)
FURTHER TRAINING
Perfect for this progression: Am7 G4 F2 C
Nashville Numbers: 6-7 5(add4) 4(add9) 1
Using this trick will immediately help you achieve the “modern worship sound” for piano. Just keep your right-hand pinky in one spot…you won’t regret it!!
C Example
G Example
D Example
E Example
A Example
F# Example
8 – Even More GREAT SOUNDING TIPS/TRICKS
Key of A “Next Level” Tips
Key of A Worship (Slow) | (Songs with A, E, F#m, D, A/C#, A/E, G, D/F#, Esus)
*Similar to the chord progression in songs like “Shout to the Lord”.
Keep learning the subtleties of great players. Observe what the teacher does and use the jam track over and over until your hands start to make these movements.
2m to 1 Trick
By moving between only two chords you’ll be able to create some sweet-sounding fills!
Key of C – Similar to the bridge chords in songs like “Stand in Your Love”.
Key of D – Similar to the chords in songs like “Open the Eyes of My Heart”.
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EXTRA CREDIT – More Songs
Choose one song in each key to work through from Wade’s free YouTube channel. Take some time to expand your skills by applying some of the tricks that you have learned to the following songs.
Key of F#/Gb
Reckless Love
Who You Say I Am
Key of Ab
*You can find a big list of songs in those keys HERE