3 Tricks to Make ANY Chords Sound BETTER

Here are three game-changing tricks that will elevate your piano chord game to a whole new level even if you're a beginner or a seasoned player. These techniques will revolutionize the way you approach chords, making them sound cleaner, richer, and more harmonious.

Trick 1: Chord Blocking

If you ever find yourself struggling to play chords cleanly or voicing them smoothly, chord blocking is the answer to your woes. This technique trains your brain and hands to treat all the notes of a chord as a single unit, eliminating the messy sound of disjointed notes.

To master chord blocking, start by breaking down each chord into its individual intervals. Take the first chord by isolating each combination of notes and practicing squeezing them together, you'll build muscle memory and improve the cohesion of your chords (you can see this demonstrated in the video tutorial below). Remember, gentle contractions and short practice sessions are key to avoiding injury.

Trick 2: Consistent Fingering

Inconsistency in fingering can sabotage even the most well-practiced chords. Ensure smooth execution by establishing and sticking to a consistent fingering pattern from the start. Consult multiple editions of your score to find fingering suggestions that make sense for your hands and the piece you're playing. Then, write them into your music for easy reference and consistency.

Avoid the pitfalls of random fingering choices and follow the guidance of reputable sources to enhance your chord-playing technique.

Trick 3: Hand and Finger Alignment

The alignment of your hand and fingers is crucial for achieving a balanced and resonant chord sound. Pay attention to the shape of each chord and the lengths of your fingers to optimize alignment. Try stretching across black and white keys or navigating tricky finger placements, aim to play on the edge of the keys with rounded fingers for maximum control and uniformity.

Focusing on proper alignment and dropping your entire arm into the keys can help you produce chords that ring out beautifully and effortlessly.

Incorporate these three tricks into your practice routine, and watch as your piano chords transform from ordinary to extraordinary.

To see how to practice this method using Chopin's Prelude in E minor, check out the full length tutorial on the YouTube channel where you’ll see this in action. 👇🏻