Creative Piano Playing Starts With THIS Chord Exercise!

[@dopapier]

I wish I had had this 76 years ago when I had already been learning piano for 6 years and probably would have been able to follow your advice. Hopefully now is not too late!!!

[@Encapdirect]

😂😂😂 76yrs f u get this 🎉🎉🎉 🎉🎉🎉 right now 😂😂

[@kathysmith6149]

Never too late. Keep going !

[@BGMurphy]

@@kathysmith6149 Music is a life learning endeavor! That's what makes it so fulfilling!

[@robertmarier5987]

I'm only twelve years behind you. Hopefully not too late for any of us.

[@charlet8422]

This is so awesome!, I don't know where it will take me as I continue to learn and apply to gospel music. Thank you.

[@TedBuffington390]

This is GREAT! Understanding Circle of 5ths is not as complicated as some teachers make it. You articulate it in simple terms and illustrations! Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks!

[@mark.timlin]

I do something similar which trains all 3 triad inversions in all 12 keys. Moving by 4ths, I start with C in 1st inversion, then F in root, Bb in 2nd inversion, Eb in 1st and continue this pattern to the next C, then do the same in reverse (which is then by 5ths) back to the starting C. Then go around again with the same pattern but starting with C in root, and then again with C in 2nd inversion. Then I do the same for the 12 minor keys. The opposite hand does the same pattern but starts in root position or the other inversion than the other hand. Great lesson, by the way.

[@austineabram6073]

Please do you have a note for this? I would love to learn this. Very beautiful.

[@carolmurphy4627]

I often struggle to decide what to practice, and this exercise is brilliant, thank you!

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Carol!

[@kathleenking47]

I used to have a circle if 5ths watch​@@thekeyscoach

[@Ivanhoedrummerboy]

Bought your books, but got the ebooks by mistake. Wanted the hard copies but didn't notice I was buying the ebooks. Silly mistake on my part. Your video lessons are FANTASTIC Adam, thanks.

[@robbes7rh]

Absolutely it sounds beautiful and very modern. I love the fact it covers every note of the chromatic scale but in a way that we hear no dissonance. All movement comes across as perfectly smooth and seamless. Great video. I'm looking forward to taking a look at your books.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks! Yes it's a useful exercise this one - I've got a couple more videos in the pipeline that build on the concepts here. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@theodorekorbos2804]

Mr Adams sir where were teachers like you 40 years ago❤

[@noelomandam9917]

he was teaching elton john!

[@jillgrzonka7224]

I'm not sure I know enough yet to do this, but this gives me something to reach toward.

[@Almightservant]

You are an awesome teacher, I'm learning a lot and I love your accent. Greetings from Brazil.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks! I went to Brazil this year - loved it! Thanks for the support!

[@DarrenWicks]

You absolutely nailed this tutorial! Thank you! The most annoying factor in many piano tutorials are presenters over-explaining everything, naming keys we can clearly see in the video, and assuming we don’t know chord tones. It tends to slow down the momentum and distract from the technique being explored. I think you got the pace right and people that need more can use the playback tools to dive deeper.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks so much Darren!

[@musicman0559]

Just retired from 40 years in IT, and looking forward to progressing with the piano. Will definitely pick up your book! Thank you for these videos.

[@dannuttle9005]

This is your science-fiction twin from one year in the future. Prediction: You're going to have fun!

[@musicman0559]

@@dannuttle9005 👍🏻 best to you!

[@philjagdon6774]

Happy to hear that. I'm 68yo IT too and just learning piano. I found the theory is simple to understand but my finger is all over.

[@musicman0559]

@@philjagdon6774 👌🏻best to you!

[@musicman0559]

@@philjagdon6774 go for accuracy first speed comes with time. Slow and methodical is the answer.

[@_mickmccarthy]

Absolutely love this exercise! I'm starting to get into some jazz piano and have been really enjoying running my 2-5-1's though all keys as an exercise. But with that, you end up just walking your thirds/sevenths down and never actually getting the individual chords properly into your head. This is a great partner exercise to that to make sure you know all your chords in isolation. Thanks again Adam!

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Mick!

[@gAlbert23500]

This session was absolutly Fantastic ... - easy to understand - comprehensive Thank-you so very, very. Much ,,, ready to get started

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks! Lots more videos on the channel to check out!

[@ricespana]

@thekeyscoach You have found your niche. God has given you a clear talent both to play and teach. You were brilliant. I wouldn’t change a thing. Keep going! While I am not into rock/pop I’m looking forward to exploring your channel because I know I will learn much. God’s blessings on you. Cheers.

[@calicookstunes6530]

Thank you! Been looking for a good circle of 5ths exercise and this is perfect for what I want to work on.

[@dannuttle9005]

This is a truly great exercise. I've been working on triads around the circle for over a year, and this is showing me that I still have important things to learn. Thanks!

[@kanenomoja]

This is awesome! I wish I’d had you as a teacher so long ago. It would have opened up worlds. Thank you!

[@bobbysbeats5249]

Is like a gym for the body, but only for the fingers and the brain on the piano. Greetings, BOBBY BEAT

[@michaelekwulugo8659]

Thanks for this uniquely practical lesson, really great way to start exploring the circle of 5ths. But the true genius of this lesson is that it gets you practicing “Drop 2” chords at the same time! 🤩👏🏾🙏🏾🔥🔥

[@joyalami_sp]

I love you sir! You’ve changed everything for me. I’ve been dealing with drop two voicings, inversions and the circle of fifths and you’ve given me all in one!😭❤️❤️❤️

[@thekeyscoach]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@ltcbio1]

Excellent use of the circle with the dial that moved to each chord as it was played, very useful in tracking what you were playing!!!

[@JuliusLindsey-g8c]

Thanks!!! Youve made memorizing the circle so easy. GREAT JOB!!!

[@ScarletteFiesci]

Hi Adam. Been away again and not been able to watch your excellent videos. Loved this one but then I love all of them lol. You just put things across simplistically but pedagogically and although you really are teaching early students, your way of teaching really does make a more advanced learner think about other ways of playing things but more than that, you are filling in so many gaps which as a classically-trained pianist, we just didn't get. I wish you had been my teacher as I have said a dozen times before but I really do mean it sincerely. Private lessons with you would certainly be a major benefit. You're students have been very lucky to have had you and your non-judgemental attitude and way of teaching must have really helped your students at Trinity to really come out of their shells and develop a fuller freedom on the keys. Ironically I was going to go to Trinity back in the 70's but life got in the way. However, I can tell you, it wasn't as progressive than as your teaching makes me think, the progression and evolution of teaching there has changed enormously. Although my music theory is ok and I did get my grade 5 theory years ago, I think it will be a lot more engaging than all the Royal College books I have had to use to pass my exams. I certainly will be getting them. Many thanks again Adam and it's good to be back. Good luck with Sales.

[@stacywright4582]

Thank you! First time I ever played circle of 5ths backwards! Love love it!

[@thekeyscoach]

You are so welcome!

[@BrianBower-t9e]

Adam that is absolutely superb, and really special. You really do demystify so much piano music, and make it accessible for people to play. I just love it!!! Best wishes and thanks, Brian Bower!!!

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Brian!

[@CrankyOldNerd]

Thanks! This amazing.

[@thekeyscoach]

Many thanks 🙏

[@kevinhaynes9091]

Great exercise. I've been doing a different circle of 5ths (4ths!) exercise, but this is going to be my new one. Thank you...

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Thanks, this will be a great additional tool. I'm already going around the Circle of Fourths with the Rule of the Octave, and it's getting easier.

[@barbelarmbroster6524]

My ears like this very much!💞 I'm looking forward to dancing this patterns with my fingers 🎹🙌💃

[@suefauziyah]

Wow, fantastic exercise. First time visiting your channel. I will come back and check out more of your videos but right now I need to run to the piano now and try this out. Thank you!!

[@thekeyscoach]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@michaelmcauley1292]

Thanks for the beautiful and creative circle of 5ths warmup. I will share it with my students.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Michael!

[@swspeaks49]

Hi Adam. I really enjoy your teaching method and your videos. Just preordered your book on Amazon. Looking forward to reading it when it is launched.

[@thekeyscoach]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pdlawson100]

another excellent lesson, thanks! I love the bit at the end where you show where these ideas can eventually lead, it makes it really motivating to get the basics down and start experimenting

[@jeanlhun6014]

Bonjour coach, j’ai 59 ans et je me suis mis au piano il y a 4 ans. Je trouve tes vidéos riches et je peux dire qu’elles arrivent à un moment clé pour moi. Test enseignements sont simplifié et pédagogique. Tu as relancé mon moteur d’apprentissage. +++++++++ Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Hello coach, I'm 59 years old and I started playing the piano 4 years ago. I find your videos rich and I can say that they come at a key moment for me. Test lessons are simplified and pedagogical. You restarted my learning engine. +++++++++

[@roberteverett709]

I certainly loved the video. I never really understood the circle of fifths or entertained learning to play in the keys of Gb, B, A or E. You have encouraged my heart to at least engage in looking at those keys differently through the exercise you shared with us. Thank you for such a sensational lesson ! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@thekeyscoach]

So glad it was helpful!

[@LifeofRichh]

Teach! This was such an outstanding video, I cannot thank you enough. Thank you. I’ve already picked it up thanks to your teaching and I know this will expand my vocabulary and thinking

[@rebanelson607]

Thanks for an inspiring lesson. There's so much to learn from the circle of 5ths.

[@paulinskipukprogressive4903]

Thank you this was great - only made it halfway through the video before I leapt onto my piano and forgot the universe for the next 40 minutes

[@thekeyscoach]

😂 awesome!

[@friesa5538]

Great video! Time to revise my chords, especially those starting on black keys😉. Thank you very much!

[@goplayaccount9538]

Thank you coach. Making things simple and fun. It helps a lot like me as a beginner 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@jealvaran]

I love the way you teach Sir.. may you be successful in your endeavor.. how i wish to have also a good keyboard someday..

[@kayodeemmanuel5090]

Thank you for this exercise.. really going to help on all keys and drop 2.. uuhhmm!

[@jimmieroberts4430]

Thank you Adam. Received download. It's very cool.i think this exercise would be good as an arpeggio as well....Cheers.

[@barbarajones367]

Thanks!

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks!!

[@Krisisawake]

Doing the same with 4ths is very good too.

[@thekeyscoach]

Totally!

[@3beepio]

You have just unlocked so much of Bruce Hornsby’s catalog - I love this so much

[@Toninopaco]

Very useful and practical lesson. Thanks a million master!

[@thekeyscoach]

You are very welcome!

[@bulleric]

This is an absolut game changer I learned all the chords already but never practiced in a way like that. It's really like opening so many doors of possibilities. Really looking forward to see more videos like that, Its absolutely amazing. Can you tell me how to practice also so minor chords eventually in a way to practice all the chords of a key, throught the circle ?

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks! Am planning a video on just that 👍

[@user-rh4ou2kx6h]

thanks pianist, am struggle with playing melody-harmony and chords, can this help and how. anything you say I hope can help, am begginer level self taught.

[@keithlutman5611]

Brilliant video man, clear and concise. Cheers.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Keith!

[@noralong3833]

Absolutely beautiful and soothing chords. Thank you!

[@claude5125]

May i suggest something? Circle of fifth or fourth, is really important. No matter, if you want to write a song or improvise or any other reason. If you could learn a new song while practicing circle of fifth/fourth, it would be great… The jazz standard All The Things You Are, is an example of the kind of song that coule help. Exactly the same for the song Automn Leaves, who could be a good example if i want to play succession of ii-V-i.

[@johnmaher5887]

Excellent exercise. The “intro” you did at the end sounded VERY much like Bruce Hornsby’s intros to a number of his songs.

[@thekeyscoach]

Love Bruce Hornsby! Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@marshac1479]

The circle of 5ths is always on my piano stand for scales, arpeggios and chord progressions 😊

[@jeffh5388]

This is golden. Thank you Sir.

[@gAlbert23500]

just very short,sweet & to the point

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks!

[@markwillismusic5075]

Lovely exercise! I enjoyed the voicings and your clear explanations. Subbed.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Anna-ii3ee]

Neat video. Thanks. I’m familiar with the circle of fifths. I use the word “BEAD” to help memorize the notes around the circle. It’s opposite going clockwise, “DAEB”.

[@geralynpalacol3764]

🎉🎉🎉CONGRATULATIONS ADAM ON YOUR NEW BOOKS! ✅Will be getting a copy and i Wish SUCCESS on your New MUSIC THEORY Books. I have the MUSIC THEORY bug😂…….and Want to learn as much as possible!🎹. Appreciate ALL your Work!🎉🥰🥰🥰

[@amandabouskill4982]

Really interesting way of using the circle of 5ths. Thank you! I am going to order your books.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Amanda - do let me know how you get on with them!

[@Nathan_light]

Amazing!. thanks coach now I understand the cycle of fiths and fourths🙏

[@thekeyscoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@a4aartforarchitecture20]

Looks a great exercise, Thankyou. I will get your book as I am neglecting the theory side.

[@mleger45]

Amazing! exactly what I was lookiong for! It was hard for me to know how I can put the circle of fifths into some reasonable exercise

[@thekeyscoach]

You're very welcome!

[@rajanvijayudu1337]

Thanks for the lesson and pdf backing track etc Adam

[@thekeyscoach]

My pleasure!

[@jakeperl5857]

Great exercise. I often use it to practice my "Mu" voicings😊 up and down the keyboard.

[@Brenda-b9r]

Wish you and yours a merry Christmas, and many blessings for this beautiful season.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thank you! You too!

[@sirlancelot7374]

What a great lesson and awesome warm up.... Very useful

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks! 😃

[@psmurali5318]

Thank you.Vrey good pratice skills for circle of 5 th

[@AH-ps9pt]

Brilliant! Simple, elegant, musical exercise.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thank you!!

[@k.rantony8900]

🎉 Your videos are excellent pls put vedio to identify all common rhythms while hearing a song 🎉

[@mooculleniphone]

This is explained so very well. Thanks heaps mate.

[@thekeyscoach]

Very welcome!

[@grandordy]

1000 thanks Adam, sharing is essential in music and you're very happy to offer your knowledge to help us progress. Wouhhhaaaw! stick us often as you know how to do in front of our keyboard to experiment your tips. 🙏

[@thekeyscoach]

Ah thanks! More to come!

[@veloCity127-g6m]

This is great - an a lot of work in the next Months

[@andrewcampbell-bluespianop6741]

Interesting exercise and sounds good too 🎶🙌🏼

[@MrYuryZ]

Thank you for another useful lesson. Could you please elaborate a bit in a few words what has been shown starting from 13:30 ? I understand that you somehow emply the circle of 4th to another chord shape but I didn't get how in particular and don't get how exactly I can use this tool. Anyway I'll keep practicing with initial chords and I guess I'll figure out the rest later. Once again thank you and may God bless you and your loved ones.

[@thekeyscoach]

I essentially find a voicing I like - then practice it using the cycle of fifths by playing that shape on every possible starting note. It’s a way to make sure you’ve covered all keys - also moving in fourths or fifths is very common in lots of music so it’s good to practice voicings in this way. Hope that makes sense!

[@MrYuryZ]

​@@thekeyscoach Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. I'll try to make it useful but so far I can only repeat the first pattern... Trying to figure out how to apply this to another melody. I'll rewatch your second example with a slow motion to grasp the idea better. Thanks again! Cheers!

[@christinearmstrong4099]

This is so useful - definite brain gym!

[@thekeyscoach]

So glad to hear that Christine!

[@surani1948]

Awesome. Thank U. Will try this

[@lauremacca4821]

Can't wait to get your book from Amazone. Thank you. Yesterday, 9/12/24 it was still not available.

[@thekeyscoach]

Ah interesting ok! That might mean it’s sold out - hopefully it should update soon! Let me know when you’ve managed to get it!

[@WojciechKobus]

Hi! When book Vol.2 is going to be available? I love your video.❤

[@thekeyscoach]

It’s released at the same time so should be on Amazon as well! Or available through Trinity College London Press directly.

[@snappytheaverage]

Simply Beautifully Inspiring

[@mariabest3811]

You're so kind!!

[@peterclark1041]

Good exercise and method of using the circle of 5ths! Ordered your books from Trinity….concerned they may be digital rather than hard copy….order details a bit confusing?!!??

[@peterclark1041]

Getting a refund from Trinity…..never told me it was an e-book!! Now ordered from Amazon….deliver 2025 ?! Hope sooner!! Thanks for free download of this brilliant exercise.

[@thekeyscoach]

Hi Peter - sorry about the ebook confusion. I think you should receive them sooner than that. I think there was a big surge of orders then they went out of stock - all back in stock now with good delivery times. Enjoy!

[@peterclark1041]

@@thekeyscoachThanks …. Got them now hard copy…..excellent and comprehensive aid to whole of basic theory thanks. Trinity put me right re e-version, I had not read their spiel properly!!

[@oluwaseunfestus8359]

God bless you bro

[@talandis]

Nice one, Adam! Looking forward to mastering this exercise and starting off my practice sessions with it. I like how you took the time to explain the “smudging”. I often see you doing that, and I always want to learn how. To confirm, that trick only works from the 2nd to the 3rd of a chord, right? Whatever inversion I’m in, my task is to find the 3rd, then smudge the note before it. Correct?

[@thekeyscoach]

That's it Jerry - anytime you're moving from the 2nd to the 3rd. I use it everywhere!

[@joanjohnstone7241]

You have the most beautiful hands, quite an asset I guess being a pianist. Thank you for the tutorials.🥰 Regards, Joan.

[@billfriesTPA]

Love the lesson. Tried to pre-order your book but not available in US Amazon.

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Bill! I think it should be on US Amazon soon. If not, you can purchase through the publisher directly - they have distribution in the US. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@syjuhlin8963]

Awesome help! Thank you ❤

[@thekeyscoach]

You're so welcome!

[@JayCee-hw4zc]

Can't wait for your book

[@blairhelsing630]

Great exercise, thank you

[@thekeyscoach]

You're welcome!

[@ethangillese]

Love the circle of fifths going backwards, makes so much sense but never realized how powerful it was “inverted” Any chance the music theory books will be available in other markets via Amazon? Would love to support the channel and also brush up on my theory!

[@thekeyscoach]

Thanks Ethan - absolutely. Keep an eye on this link: store.trinitycollege.com/pages/theory-for-rock-pop-musicians Also being uploaded to Amazon US along with SheetMusicPlus.

[@dinamariadupreez9287]

You are absolutely amazing

[@Why.am.I.here...]

O, thank you!! Just what I needed! I felt stuck in learning chords and inversions. This is such a fun way to practise!! 😊

[@patriciaann6380]

Another great video Adam, thank you 😊

[@lauraroberts2250]

Nice one. Thank you. Very useful.

[@thekeyscoach]

Glad it was helpful Laura!

[@tinotendadhliwayo9244]

Very good video! Thank you for this

[@thekeyscoach]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CJScrol]

Super lesson! 🩷

[@ChristineDybov]

Wow, great video!🎹🌟 It’s very helpful for my students. I’ll use these tips in our next Christmas concert, just to fill the silence between the Christmas songs with beautiful music.🎄

[@thekeyscoach]

That's awesome Christine! Sounds like a good plan! Enjoy!

[@Goofy8907]

Great video, subscribed!

[@hethpadmore4167]

A good teacher does more than show his great ability to master a skill he understands HOW to teach SLOW learners ( because such unconsciously brains search for details that answer why ) That's what you are

[@belindadrake5487]

It’s not hard; jazz musos usually refer to as the circle of 4ths.lf rock players understand it , it’s usually the circle of 5ths. (Not being narky!!!) . I love other teachers ‘take on theory . ‘ Thank you for sharing your experience. 😃👊🏾❤️✨

[@lorimfrancis1]

Thank you so much!