Arpeggios
This 12 bar Blues once again uses the chords C, F and G in root position, but this time they are played arpeggio style. An arpeggio is a chord played one note at a time. For more information on arpeggios, see Progressive Beginner Piano.
Here are two new chord shapes to be played by the left hand. The first is a different version of the G chord and the second is D7. These chord shapes are important for playing songs in the key of G major.
The G Chord
To play this G chord, use the first, third and fifth fingers of your left hand, as shown in the G chord diagram.
The D7 Chord
The D7 chord contains an F sharp note which is the black key immediately to the right of the F note (white key) below middle C. This F# note is written on the fourth line of the bass staff. To play the D7 chord, use the first, third and fourth fingers of your left hand as shown in the D7 chord diagram.
This traditional Italian song makes use of the chords G and D7 shown above. When changing between G and D7, keep your third finger in position as this note is common to both chords. This song also introduces the note E above the C one octave above middle C.
The song 500 Miles is in the key of G major and uses the chords G and D7, along with C and G7. When changing chords, always look for notes common to both chords. This means you can use the same finger, which will make chord changes easier.
You now know enough chord shapes to play hundreds of songs in the keys of C major and G major. Go back through the book and find other songs to harmonize with these chords and look through the sheet music at your local music store for more songs. For a more in-depth study of chords and accompaniment techniques, see Progressive Beginner Piano .
