The 3 Worst CHORD Mistakes You (Likely) Make and How to Fix Them

Many piano players unknowingly make these common mistakes, which hold them back from playing chords effortlessly and beautifully. Let’s identify the three worst mistakes and learn how to correct them for smoother, more confident playing.

1. Improper Positioning

The Mistake:

• Playing chords with fingers falling naturally without adjusting for anatomy.
• Placing fingers too far back on the keys, losing control over tone and dynamics.

The Fix:

• Play at the edge of the keys for better sound control.
• Adjust your wrist to align fingers for optimal positioning, compensating for variations in finger lengths.
• Check your fingering: Proper fingering enhances comfort and accuracy.

Pro Tip: Wrist movement is key! Shift your wrist subtly to allow your thumb and pinky to stretch comfortably without strain.

2. Sliding to Find Chords

The Mistake:

• Sliding fingers along the keys instead of lifting and repositioning.
• Fear of leaving the keys creates hesitation and slows you down.

The Fix:

• Think of your hand motion as an arc in the air, like a cat pouncing or a cannonball reaching its target.
• Practice lifting your hand, aiming at the next chord, and landing confidently.

Pro Tip: This technique speeds up transitions and reduces tension, giving you more control over your playing.

3. Viewing Chords as Individual Notes

The Mistake:

• Seeing each note of a chord separately rather than recognizing patterns.
• Reading note-by-note slows down learning and playing.

The Fix:

• Memorize chord shapes and patterns. Start with major and minor chords.
• Practice grouping notes of a chord together instead of analyzing each one individually.

Pro Tip: Dedicate a few minutes per practice session to chord memorization. Consistent effort yields significant progress.

By addressing these common mistakes and implementing these strategies, you’ll elevate your playing, make transitions smoother, and enjoy a more confident piano experience.

To see how we fix these mistakes, check out the full length tutorial on the YouTube channel where you’ll see this in action. 👇🏻

Plus get a FREE Major and Minor Chord Formula Guide PDF