Drop Chords: Your New Harmonic Secret Weapon

[@LProds]

I has heard this runs in songs and never knew exactly how to approach them. This has been super helpful.

[@MangoldProject]

Happy to share my knowledge.

[@yehudamayson2203]

you probably dont care but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can give me

[@quincyrohan9472]

@Yehuda Mayson instablaster =)

[@yehudamayson2203]

@Quincy Rohan I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@yehudamayson2203]

@Quincy Rohan It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@southpark5555]

My jaw just dropped as well after seeing this, which I didn't know anything about before until now. Another golden and excellent tutorial. Thanks so much for teaching us these techniques and for teaching us these very special strategies. The chord picking (or not) tutorial is also very special. And not many people have given the very special walk-through like this. This is special core material - as are those other excellent tutorials you made. Thanks so much! Forever grateful and appreciated. You are a really great person.

[@njm20music]

The drop explanation is totally wrong, he’s made a schoolboy error , let me explain, a chord in root position eg CEGB, CMaj7 a drop 2 is the second note down the stack G A drop 3 is the third note down E A drop 2 & 4 is the 2nd and 4th GC,

[@southpark5555]

@@njm20musicThanks Nick! But the idea/concept demonstrated by Assaf is ok - for the voicing. I know what you mean though! Fortunately, for 3 note chord, the drop '2' will pan out to be the same note. I don't know why who was the 'genius' that first used the top of the chord stack as reference. If no issues, then I think I would have used the bottom of the stack as reference. Thanks very much for adding your post! That is very important and helpful.

[@Explore_with.Prem.]

One of the most important lessons for any piano learner

[@robertpenway]

I still love the moment when you say at 0:29 "... to this ..." and then the wonderful music starts.

[@underscoreblock]

tl;dr: for those that don't have much time watching the whole video, it's simple like this: 1. Know the scale of the melody that you're playing in. In this case, it's the C Ionian (C Major). There are 7 basic chords in the scale: C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, G Major, A minor and B diminished. 2. Put the note of the melody on top of a triad in the chords. So if your playing C D E G A G E, the triads you should be playing are EGC - GBD - ACE - CEG - DFA - CEG - ACE, which are the chords CM (because it's the I chord and it should be played first) - GM - Am - CM - Dm - CM - Am

[@craigwg]

This is great stuff. My brain kind of knows this stuff but you spell it out and explain it so well. You are a very gifted presenter, not over doing or over explaining, but meeting your students right where they are. Thanks!

[@kenwiltshire7834]

Thank you once again. I've been a little quiet on a stage during sound check rehearsal when the keyboard player would start talking drop chords while going over the charts. I was double shocked when, after the rehearsal, asking a few on the side, to explain what they meant, at how many guys couldn't really explain what it was. That made me think that they were just using the terminology just to sound knowledgeable and didn't fully understand what they were talking about themselves. I'm a base player and your lesson helps me out tremendously. Thanks again

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome, Ken.

[@mimipan7969]

What a treasure I found today. This is what I’ve been looking for a long time. You’re an awesome teacher.

[@jeds517]

I've been subscribing your channel for almost a year and i've learn so much from youuu. great job

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

You just showed two techniques in less than 10 minutes with this video. Merci, Maestro.

[@Frankisoul]

Thank you for these lessons man. I still can't believe you give them FREE of charge. If i could subscribe 1000 times i would, keep up the great work. :)

[@fattmusiek5452]

drop 2-ing (which in my head is basically just a 1st inversion chord) but doing it AGAIN on an already inverted chord (2nd inversion with right hand)...blew my mind a lot. Great video

[@sylvandelacruz]

I really love your videos. I've been playing about 1 1/2 years and still have much to learn, but your chord voicing videos are a great and refreshing thing to add to my usual piano practice and study exercises. I also write jazz songs, so chord voicings are one of the things that are most beautiful about jazz piano. Thank you!

[@zoe.will.]

Just began to watch your videos! This is my second video so far and I already feel as if I am moving forward in understanding playing the piano...in a few minutes, better than I have over the past few years. You have a very clear way of getting it across, and your text helps a lot. Thank you so much for sharing what you know! :)

[@MosaicWorshipCenterSDA]

What a great tutorial! The explanation made perfect sense! Thanks again for all that you do. The information you provide is valuable!

[@MangoldProject]

My pleasure Mosaic.

[@nadyrobitaille7233]

Just wanted to say that I really love your videos and that you are a very good teacher! Good work!!!

[@GotYourWallet]

This is magic! I'm meeting up with my friends now and I'm going to try this.

[@rclproductions5961]

I have been looking for something like this all my life 🤧🤧🤧. Thank you so muchhhhhhh

[@jayrich6532]

oh man..this is gonna take me to another level

[@thehelmet6325]

Another level hmmm drop D?

[@f.joaquinrevilla]

Your Lessons are gold, thank you very much. You are truly an inspiration.

[@17244852]

Great lesson and [another] great explanation. I read the comments that followed and take them on board but thank you for such a clear introduction to a subject that vexes many beginners.

[@johnl9677]

Great - now I know what Bruce Hornsby, Aaron Copeland and others were doing. Well explained, thanks for adding another tool in my toolbox.

[@DrRaghavanRPanicker]

Namasthe, Really a fascinating one. Thanking you sir. With prayers Dr.Raghavan from India. Namasthe.🙏🌹🌹

[@hemantsharma2094]

Dear sir, u r great among the all piano youtubers'

[@DanielRize]

You mentioned doing an up-coming video, using this technique with more complicated chords. Haven't found anything like that yet. It would certainly be helpful. Thanks!

[@mikebeal2155]

Excellent presentation. I have it all transcribed and will study it intently. Thank you very much.

[@emcgon]

Simple, elegant and beautiful.

[@MangoldProject]

Yep. I'm just the messenger, though :)

[@smaklilu90]

this is cool... so this like instant 4 part harmony if you are writing a song for a choir.

[@winterdesert1]

Very strong video in musical composition. Thank you.

[@guillermopeitton4359]

As always, thank a lot, great lesson.

[@saxfish]

< You are my favourite for Piano Man-O-Gold, Thank You ! >

[@MangoldProject]

Why, thank you Mike.

[@thehelmet6325]

Lets play drop D

[@TommySasaki]

Took many years to learn this by myself but this is the first time I learned what it is called

[@MangoldProject]

Yeah, I actually learned this fairly late as well.

[@theheadhoochieincharge541]

MangoldProject l

[@dilipchettri2893]

the tutorials u post are always nicely explained,i always try to follow you.thanks a lot

[@johnryan8645]

Simply wonderful! This really helped .. a lot. Add some directionality in the base and we’re off to the races… thank you so much!

[@dragon-id5uj]

coooool. reminds me of "a case of you". can't wait to practice this

[@noukes56]

Very wonderful.. Excellent, clear and helpful.

[@avibank]

Awesome. I knew this existed but didn't know it was a thing (if that makes sense). I think I came across it in a Billy Joel song (Lullabye maybe?). But seeing it now, I recognise many people using it - especially really good pianists. Thanks for sharing.

[@nefdsnet]

Awesome examples in Billy Joel's music. You mentioned Lullaby, And So It Goes would be another prime example.

[@auds9738]

avi bank yeah, the tune and voicing he used reminded me of And So It Goes

[@CuzCutz]

Nice! Now I can figure out the “Shire” theme from “Lord of the rings”! ☺️

[@jackscot5952]

very interesting your tutorials are well explain thumbs up

[@JustAddAsh]

I want to see the illusive mangold man's face! You rock!

[@leonardoernst4390]

Love your channel !

[@TheBookDoctor]

Excellent lesson. Thanks!

[@TheRealSumo]

What a great lesson! Thank you

[@leonaranzazu5080]

Great , very useful and very well explained. thank you very much

[@lagostavoadora]

Very good - as usual

[@PotPoTD]

Needed this so much.. Thank you so much!

[@kalmonds]

That was beautiful!

[@denmar355]

well explained sir. thank you.

[@mckrassy8516]

That was awesome! Thank you so much.

[@mutlumutlu4108]

You are great man.

[@francescomanfredi]

This step by step method is great, it would be even better if you could arrange some playlists of your great videos as step by step guides for pop, jazz, harmony and so on, just an idea for us beginners :)

[@sewind6613]

Very nice, sir.

[@novasco55]

sounds good to my ear

[@bouffantmoose]

Great technique

[@ritthichaireowilaisuk554]

thank you, i learn a lot from your tutorial

[@GmilionRBLX]

Thanks! This really helps!

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome!

[@kingsolonph]

Thank you MangoldProject for this :)

[@parlomur7515]

Beautiful piece of music. Very interesting.

[@JackOwens]

I think it's a Billy Joel song. Sounds familiar.

[@JackOwens]

Okay it's And So it goes by Billy Joel

[@JackOwens]

Well I could be wrong. Sounds similar

[@lindamcdermott2205]

Nice explanation Mangold!

[@brincandodeserpianista8885]

Thank for the class

[@ANTONSANMARTIN]

Always nice!!!

[@vincentlopez525]

L

[@BRODGLENN]

Wow..This is great !

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks Glenn!

[@brandonmorad737]

THanks,for the tip.Excellent.

[@sherryturner2959]

Do you have more lessons that discuss and illustrate how to pair chords with a melody line you have written. I seem to be able to scratch out a melody in the right easily but have a terrible time deciding what chord to put with each note or even just at the beginning of a bar. Thanks! This was a great lesson!

[@reg4321]

Good explanation.

[@supsister1]

Man, thank you! Keep the good work up

[@MangoldProject]

Doin' my best.

[@Andyg2g]

Question on the notion of “openness” - is there a reason why you would consider a Cmaj7 dropped 2,4 voicing more open than a Cmaj7 in standard position? The reason I ask is because the distance of the minor second interval between the B in the left hand and the C in the right hand feels more “crowded” in some sense. Thoughts? The only thing that stands out I suppose is the fact that the distance between the dropped E (left hand) and the C and G (right hand) is larger, but I’m not sure.

[@thuanbui2692]

good lesson, thank you. , you are the best

[@davidthornburg8116]

Thanks, avery helpful ! Would really be useful in Gospel music ! Thanks

[@sgchoe4806]

Thank you for great great great videos! If you decided to add some ads, I would gladly watch it trough.

[@Eta_Carinae__]

Can you do a video on how and where different scale types, like Wh or hW diminished, blues modes, harmonic and melodic minor modes, etc. can be used? I'm reading alot of theory on modal harmony and was wondering if it will amount to anything other than naval gasing.

[@southpark5555]

May I quickly ask whether every melody note will actually (or generally) have a suitable chord associated with it? Or there may be cases where we can't get a suitable chord? This question is just based on 4:45 ----- 'decide on a new chord ...... or NOT'. Or does that mean if we don't pick a new chord for it, then we just retain or keep the existing chord? Thanks very much!

[@anata.g.4966]

Thank you so much

[@sherlock5141]

And guess what, you're my secret weapon sir! :) great concept!

[@MangoldProject]

That's a big compliment coming from the mastermind himself :)

[@nokyere]

Inspiring. thanks

[@tumzarelaxing]

Im starting out on Piano , and no one really had the accurate answer to my Question, which is how do you transpose single notes to chords , this comes the closesed to answering that question. because leaning chords to me at my level does not yet make sense until i can understand creatively how im going to use them to create my own music not paper notes and music writen by someone like Jingle bells. Now this is the closest to start being enthusiastic about learning this Chords thing u know 7th 8th etc. because i was realy wondering now i memorized these many many many chords then What, how do i create my own sounding melody with them. thanks a lot. it was so hard finding this tutorial u wont believe. everybody shows how to play them(chords) no one shows how to use them creatively. How do they actualy fit in the mix of things. this should be the first lesson they tell a student why are you learning the Dm7..Chords in the first place.

[@MangoldProject]

I suspect there won't be one particular "aha" moment where you get an answer to your question, but many minor "aha" moments which will come together over time if you keep trying.

[@cjcj7387]

Short answer: Study music theory. Take Ear training courses. [local community college can help you there.] Long answer: take a look at bach chorales (you will do this anyway if you take any music theory classes) they sound pretty good so you will stay interested and are fairly easy to reproduce. Then you can move on to harder stuff. For creating melodies, start practicing doing it everyday. Along with taking the courses mentioned above, it will come easy after a while(maybe a year or two) By this time you will be able to easily make good melodies and chords that go with them without really having to think about them TOO much (there are exceptions though). But this takes time, and effort. So, get started!

[@jrizzle3167]

tumza relaxing you have to understand the theory behind it...first learn all your chords in a scale nd learn different types of music or learn the style youre interested in...start with easy songs gradually youll get to the difficult songs...learn your number system then youll realize chord progressions nd like the basic 1-5-6-4 ...1-4-5-1 ...youll realize ppl base their songs around chord progressions nd add their own stuff to it but you have to learn the basics you have to understand it...learn songs learn all your chords in a scale learn the number system ...basically have patience rome wasnt build in a day

[@GoaWay4Sanity]

*hello sir, big fan of your content! I’ve actually heard of this whole “drop 2 & drop 3” thing and it finally hit me this would change how I play. Music is a language ..does it go against conventional standards to change said language to understand it my way…?* *for an example: I learned the inversions of chords not by it proper inversion number: I would write “Am” in first inversion like this: “5 Am” - because the fifth finger plays the root note A, in second I would write: “3 Am” becsue the third finger plays the root..* *I will learn this drop 2 thing, but write it out and learn it in my language* 😎👍🏾

[@MangoldProject]

You'll be fine even if you learn your own special language, but it's probably worth it to put in a little bit more effort and conform to the language everybody else uses.

[@jakekeys88music]

This sound makes me think of Bruce Hornsby. He has a couple compositions based off this on the album Spirit Trail.

[@jakekeys88music]

It's almost like a more sophisticated manner of static chord movement now that I think of it. It almost harkens to figured bass.

[@santomon07]

Very cool brother🤪

[@jorgeiglesias6285]

How do you record the piano? I mean, how do you make to put the camera in that position? Thanks and nice video.

[@IanPatrickCompton]

that was cool cheers.......

[@WARDISWARD]

These are just inversions ; with an ope voicing . The third at the root = first inversion ...doesn't matter if the the first and the fifth are open or closed voicing . The fifth at the root = 2nd inversion The seventh = 3d etc ...

[@minzungopa]

Am is A C and E so A being the bass is actually the basic form of the chord.

[@casimiralexander]

Thank you.

[@MrGrobot]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@ronnie4261]

as a rule of thumb, should the ,melody note always be on top or is it based on just preference? the highest note seem to be prominent.

[@raymondleggs5508]

i have been playing like this for a while and didnt know it

[@STD282]

That's some neat technique! However, I've got a question about harmonizing. Why in harmonizing process we use only I, IV and V chords (at least, in major scale)? Could it be different? I still do not have clear answer to this question, could you help me out?

[@batlin]

cuberoot ii, iii and vi chords are minor, and vii is diminished, so they tend to sound ambiguous and discordant. Very useful if you're happy to modulate to another key, and there are some nice cadences that use inversions like vii.b-I.

[@STD282]

I understand that ii, iii and vi chords are minor, but they're still the part of major scale, aren't they?

[@MangoldProject]

I had several minor chords in there (Dm, Em, Am which are iim, iiim and vim in C). You can definitely use them. It's just that this particular melody has a sort of Irish sound to it and they tend to have a more "major" character.

[@MaggaraMarine]

It's good to start with the I, IV and V chords because they are the three basic functions in a key (tonic, sub-dominant and dominant). This is the basis of traditional harmony (that is dominated by these three basic functions) and it will basically always result in logical sounding progressions. There is nothing to stop you from using other chords, though. But I think if you want to learn to harmonize songs, it's good to start with the three basic chords and as you learn to use those three chords, start adding more flavors to it by using the other chords in the key and some non-diatonic chords (secondary dominants, modal mixture, chromaticism). Of course it depends on the song too. Sometimes you don't want traditional sounding harmony (though it never sounds "wrong" if we are talking about harmonizing diatonic melodies). But I think you will learn the basics of harmony best by starting with the three basic functions. You should of course always experiment and use your ears to decide what you like. But I, IV and V are a good starting point that will always work, so if you have no idea of what to do, start with them. Here's what we get if we use the three basic functions to harmonize all of the notes in C major: C D E F G A B I or IV V I IV or V7 I or V IV V As you can see, by using this method choosing the chords is pretty straight forward.

[@BobMinsky]

Thank you...

[@atlantaredd]

Good Stuff

[@marcelomadlucmar]

Brazil thanks

[@rishim6816]

Thank You, nicely explained. But it needs a bit of practice..

[@LaBelleMooi]

Hello!! Im a beginner in piano...Im working on two pieces... godpel " just as I am " and "I surrender all". ...both in the key of C... what Chord progression would you recommend, runs and fills...I will start with Just as I am and transition to I surrender all...any runs and fills...thanks

[@karlvernor1690]

Hi Assaf. I love your videos and subscribed to your channel a few months ago. Please can I ask your advice. I'm a piano player for the last twenty years. I've a good ear and love learning new music. I feel though I've hit a wall with my playing. Are there any exercises you'd recommend to improve my overall playing? I know that's a general statement but what would you suggest to bring me to the next level. Any practice routines that you would recommend? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you and keep up the excellent videos.

[@terrymiller111]

This goes for any thing: recapture the joy you had when you first started.

[@kiddbillinger3948]

how does this differ from inversions? basically it's just choosing different inversions of the chord

[@KC9KEP]

Very interesting .. inspiring. Thank you :-)

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome.

[@jamesjoanis2338]

that is one of my hardest part in piano

[@zvonimirpopovic5313]

Is it necessary to follow each melodic note with a chord or is sufficient to use the chord only at the beginning of the each bar

[@dhyanimation]

thank you sir :)

[@Sumaruk]

Thanks for this!!!! I have a newbie question that I still don't get ( I has nothing to do with this lesson ) If I have C Maj triad, and for example first invert it... E G C and E C G are both considered first inversions right? And is there a different way to wright them? ( EGC would be -> I 6/3 , and so is for ECG ? )

[@elsicongru7400]

Sumaruk EGC is an inversion but ECG isn't one. It's not a natural inversion, imagine playing E, missing a G, playing the C and stretching for the higher G note.