For piano beginners, this part explains the basics of the piano keyboard and how keys work in relation to the Daniel L. Garner Pattern Method.
Every Floor in the Piano House is the Same
The eighty-eight white and black piano keys always intimidated me, but all that changed when I realized the piano consisted of seven repeating sections of the same notes. There was a lot less to worry about than I first thought.
Keys and Families of Notes
As the piano is grouped into seven repeating sections, notes can be grouped into “families” that sound good together, regardless the order of who in the family “speaks” first. Each L-pattern is a different family of notes, and I found that if you stay in the family, you’re safe.
Navigate the DLGPM Video Series
- Introduction to the Pattern Method
- The DLGPM Chart: L-Pattern Basics
- Example: The Cameraman
- Piano Basics: “Floors,” Keys and Families of Notes <—
- Examples of Patterns on the Piano
- Improvisation Examples: Blend Creation With Practice
- Improv Technique: Anchor and Dance Hands
- Two-Handed Improvisations on Every Floor
- Play With Others In A Pattern!
- Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie
- Play with Someone on a Different Instrument
- Pattern Method Transitions
- Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Beethoven
- Ideas
- Closing
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