Introduction to the Music Category
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Submit to Slashdot“I’m poor.” Sadly, this is a fact of life that most college students need to eventually accept. For myself, I’m a “starving artist” with no money to buy the sheet music that I want to play. In the past, buying sheet music was the only way for me to play the songs that I really liked. Later, in the midst of middle school and high school, I discovered chords.
The Mystery of Those Who “Play by Ear”
Have you ever wondered how people play with little or no material at all? “Playing by ear” is such a vague and elusive talent that I’m still trying to master (and discover for that matter). From my understanding, these people read chords or think of chords and then try to “make something out of it” on their instrument be it guitar, piano, etc.
On the latter, I’m very slow. It takes me about an hour to create decent (more than just your regular Tonic [C], Subdominant [F], and Dominant [G]) chords for a song when listening to a recording. But, I’m fast at reading written chords.
Chord Sources
So, where do I obtain these chords? That is essentially what this new category is about. I get my chords from these sources:
- Myself – Like I said previously, I listen to recordings and strain to hear the chords used in the songs. I write them down as I hear them. This requires a piano, writing utensils, and a buttload of time!
- Sheet Music – Most contemporary sheet music with lyrics show the chords at the top of measures. This picture is a fine example:
- Online – I often say that the Internet has the answer to every question imaginable. From “Where can I find John Jameson?” to “What is the meaning of life?” to “What are the chords to Don’t Know Why?” You just have to learn to look.
Topics
Mostly, in this category, I will be posting the elusive songs that I’ve found online and the chords that I have transcribed from a song. I was inspired to do this because I know how it feels to desperately search for chords but not find anything at all online. I’m into playing Christian Contemporary, Jazz, and Ballad-style Pop. So, that’s what you’ll mostly find here.
I’ll also be posting various other articles like how to “make something out of these chords,” how to chord a song, and how to find chords online effectively.
Everyone’s Included
The chords that I’ll be listing are not only for piano. Though they will be directed towards that instrument. It is very common for guitar to use these chords. In fact, piano chords sometimes borrow from the original guitar chords. Guitar chords are called tablature (or tabs for short). Generally, you can use chords for every instrument unless, of course, it is an instrument that can play one note at a time
For the most part, chords are legal. I think it’s when the chords include lyrics that it starts to cross the line.
So, enjoy this new category! Feel free to contact me. I’m open to new comments and suggestions!
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Posted on Monday, February 20th, 2006
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