Part 4: Piano Basics: “Floors,” Keys and Families of Notes

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

  1. Introduction to the Pattern Method
  2. The DLGPM Chart: L-Pattern Basics
  3. Example: The Cameraman
  4. Piano Basics: “Floors,” Keys and Families of Notes <—
  5. Examples of Patterns on the Piano
  6. Improvisation Examples: Blend Creation With Practice
  7. Improv Technique: Anchor and Dance Hands
  8. Two-Handed Improvisations on Every Floor
  9. Play With Others In A Pattern!
  10. Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie
  11. Play with Someone on a Different Instrument
  12. Pattern Method Transitions
  13. Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Beethoven
  14. Ideas
  15. Closing

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