How to Play Advanced Gospel Chords & Reharmonize ANY Song

Summary

In this video, the instructor teaches an advanced reharmonization technique called chromatic looping using the song 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' Starting with the basic melody and key of E-flat, the video demonstrates how to apply chromatic scales in the left hand, creating unique dissonances and textures. The instructor walks through various chord variations, including 'dirty chords' and poly chords, providing step-by-step guidance. Emphasizing creativity and ear training, the video also highlights the personal inspiration behind the technique, encouraging viewers to experiment and embrace the beauty of music exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chromatic looping is an advanced reharmonization technique that involves matching a melody with a chromatic scale played in the left hand, going down semitone by semitone.
• 😀 The technique of chromatic looping is demonstrated through simple songs, starting with 'Mary Had a Little Lamb,' making it accessible even for beginners.
• 😀 The approach allows for the creation of dissonance and tension, encouraging listeners to develop an ear for more complex harmonies.
• 😀 The key to chromatic looping is that each note of the melody corresponds with a note in the chromatic scale, which is looped in the left hand.
• 😀 The tutorial emphasizes the importance of understanding musical intervals, and the teacher uses chord variations and 'dirty' chords for unique harmonic effects.
• 😀 The process involves breaking down chords and intervals step-by-step, giving learners a clear understanding of the theory behind the techniques.
• 😀 The tutorial introduces 'poly chords,' which combine two different chords, played simultaneously, adding richness to the reharmonization process.
• 😀 The instructor highlights the use of passing chords to create smooth transitions between harmonies, contributing to a more complex, dynamic sound.
• 😀 The lesson encourages creativity, and the teacher shares how chromatic looping emerged from a personal creative block, inspired by prayer and experimentation.
• 😀 The overall goal of the tutorial is to simplify the learning process for students, making complex musical techniques more accessible through practical examples and study guides.

Q & A

What is the main technique being taught in the video?

The main technique being taught is chromatic looping, which involves playing the melody with the right hand while using the chromatic scale in the left hand to create harmonic tension and dissonance.

What does chromatic looping involve?

Chromatic looping involves playing the chromatic scale (all 12 notes of the scale) in the left hand while following the melody line in the right hand. This technique creates a unique reharmonization effect by pairing the melody with the chromatic scale.

Why is the technique called chromatic looping?

It is called chromatic looping because the left hand plays the chromatic scale in a looping pattern, going down by semitones and then restarting once it reaches the bottom note.

How does this reharmonization technique affect the sound?

The chromatic looping technique creates a dissonant and tense sound by juxtaposing the melody with the chromatic scale, resulting in interesting harmonic progressions and variations.

What is the role of 'dirty chords' in this tutorial?

'Dirty chords' refer to chords that add harmonic complexity and richness, often using extended and altered notes. The tutorial includes these chords to create a more colorful and expressive harmonic structure while reharmonizing songs.

How does the video integrate different chord types?

The video integrates various chord types, including major, minor, suspended, diminished, and poly chords, to add harmonic depth and variety to the reharmonization process. These chords are used to support the chromatic looping technique and enhance the overall musical expression.

What are poly chords and how are they used in this context?

Poly chords are chords created by stacking two different chords on top of each other. In this video, they are used to add complexity and tension to the reharmonization process, such as layering a B-flat major over a C minor chord.

What is the significance of the chromatic scale in reharmonizing 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'?

The chromatic scale is used in the left hand to create harmonic tension while following the melody in the right hand. By playing the chromatic scale with the melody, the song is reharmonized, giving it a fresh, unique sound that goes beyond the traditional harmony.

Why does the tutorial mention that beginners can benefit from this technique?

The tutorial emphasizes that even absolute beginners can benefit from chromatic looping because the technique opens their ears to hear dissonance and allows them to experiment with harmonic variation, improving their musical ear and understanding of harmony.

What advice does the instructor give for overcoming creative blocks?

The instructor shares that when facing a creative block, they prayed for inspiration and experimented with new techniques. This led to the discovery of chromatic looping, illustrating the importance of patience, faith, and experimentation in overcoming creative challenges.