How to Play Piano Chords

This page on how to play piano chords deals directly with playing them on the piano keyboard. Everyone plays chords a little differently. You develop your own style as you play. Here are some areas to start with.

How To Play Piano Chords

Step 1: Learn to Read Chords

Starting from scratch? Your first step is learning to read chords and what they mean. 

If you need to know about chord names, you need to go to reading piano chords

Here's a little video on how to play chords. Watch it first or second. There are also videos that cover the same things but broken up  and explained a little more on the piano chord lessons page.

How To Play The Chords

The first thing to note is that you don't have to play chords all in one spot. You just need to play the notes of the chord.

For example, to play the C chord, you can play CEG or EGC or GCE or any other combo. You can even start adding other notes later on to improvise and fill things in. 

C Chord Variations

I usually play the chord in the right hand. If you do this, it is easy to combine the chord notes with the melody.

In the left hand, play the root note. Some chords will specify a different bass note. For example, C/G. In this chord the G should be played in the left hand - as the lowest note.

Another thing you can do in the left hand is play a broken chord. You don't have to play all chords as a block. The important thing is play those notes of the chord.

C Chord Broken

This technique works especially for play slower songs.

At first it just takes practice. The more you practice, the more you can experiment. Learning how to play piano chords is just the beginning. The rest comes with your creativity.

Learn To Play Chords With An Online Course

If you really want to learn how to play chords, understand them and use them to play the songs you love, then check out the You Can Play Piano Chords program.

This course is designed to help you fulfill that dream of learning the play the piano, play the songs you love and do it all with a fun, easy to follow, self-paced course. 

Plus, this is my signature course so I know it's good! 

Piano Chords Course Banner

For a list of chords, download the free Chord Cheat Sheet below. 

Free Download:

Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

Subscribe below and get free access to the (printable) Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet.

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    Free Download:

    Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

    Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

    Subscribe below and get free access to the (printable) Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet.

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