Playing Chords in All Keys
To be comfortable playing in all keys, it is important to be able to play any type of chord built on any note of the chromatic scale. A good way to practice chords is to choose a chord type (e.g., major triads) and play them around the key cycle either clockwise, or anticlockwise as shown in the following example. Say the name of each chord out loud as you play it. The chords are all shown here in root position, but it is essential to practice all inversions of each chord in the same manner, i.e., play first inversion triads around the cycle, then second inversion triads.
Once you can play each inversion of a chord in any key, the next step is to play a chord type around the key cycle using inversions which are close together on the keyboard. This means using different inversions within the same chord sequence. There are three ways of doing this exercise, each one starting on a different inversion of the same chord. For example, if you play major triads around the cycle starting with a root position C chord, the closest F chord is a second inversion and the closest G chord is a first inversion. The following example demonstrates major triads played around the key cycle anticlockwise in this manner.
This time the chords are played with the left hand, starting with a first inversion C chord. It is important to be able to play chords equally well with both hands, so make sure you practice all chord exercises this way as well.
The following example demonstrates first inversion minor triads played clockwise around the key cycle. Remember to practice root position and second inversion minor triads as well. Although only major and minor triads are shown in this lesson, it is important to practice diminished and augmented chords in this manner also.
As well as playing chords around the key cycle, it is also useful to practice each inversion chromatically up or down, in major 2nds up or down, minor 3rds up or down and major 3rds up or down. When you select these intervals, the chords will divide into two, three or four groups. For example, if you play major triads down in major seconds, one group will consist of C, Bb, Ab, Gb, E and D, while the other group will consist of Db, B, A, G, F and Eb.
