Simple Exercise For Practicing & Memorizing Chords

If you have problems remembering how to play simple triad chords (C major, F minor, Bb major, etc) on the piano, then I have a great exercise for you based on the circle of fourths/fifths to help you memorize those chords and train your playing! Basically, it involves playing the chords throughout the circle: C to F, F to Bb, Bb to Eb and so forth. This will also help you practice your inversions.
If you need a refresher on how to build triads (major and minor chords mostly), please visit my Piano Quickie series to get you started. Here's a link to the playlist:
• Piano Quickie 1: Namin...
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[@kmichaelthompson]

I've been learning on my own since the pandemic started. This is the best lesson so far. I'm sixty and always wanted to learn to play piano.

[@dannuttle9005]

Me too, but I started working seriously at piano about 1-1/2 years ago. Keep at it. It takes time but it's worth it.

[@MoveOverMozart]

...music comes from the heart...one can learn at any age 🎶🎹💙

[@cutyoursoul4398]

Enjoy man, keep learning :)

[@woah3108]

Hope you’ve been having fun!! :D

[@redribbonredribbon2430]

Same, I am 47, started just 3 months ago,

[@kotcherd]

I'm 66 and have 2 pianos that I never used. I think this is my gateway to actually beginning to touch those pianos.

[@apamuanuh5180]

Sir, I can't even effort to buy even one piano but U have two..hehw

[@marcosbahena3620]

Sell me one of them.

[@11111972cjb]

I was born in 1951 which makes me 67. I've decided to learn the piano and I'm thrilled that I've found someone else on the same wavelength. All the beast with yours. I'm still looking for a second hand electric piano that I can afford. I would really like a Yamaha but we shall see what comes up. Regards, Chris.

[@11111972cjb]

Henpu Zo. I think you mean "afford" regards, Chris.

[@akmt123]

Me too, just add 10 more years to yours!!!

[@michaelanderson3172]

What a great way to learn inversion patterns. And understanding that playing the third degree in the left hand makes the harmony rich was an eye opener. I'm practicing this every day. Thank you so much!

[@stephenlim4226]

Awesome lesson! I can follow your instructions exactly giving the fact I had taken piano lessons previously. I must say your lessons are very clear to the point and worthwhile. I have stopped playing for over 15 years but you have rekindled my interest in coming back. Thank you.

[@MangoldProject]

Welcome back, your piano has been waiting for you :)

[@jaepark6882]

this IS good for beginners!! I had no idea what I was doing and as I playing my eyes were opened

[@MoveOverMozart]

This may also help. LOVELY CHORD PROGRESSIONS C MAJOR ADDING CHARMING INVERSIONS 2021 🎶🎹💙 FREE piano tutorial lead sheet in the video description over on KZbin! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4q8o6iPlLZ_fa8

[@shaunmaqshaunmaq6955]

thank u Sir ...i will practice this exercise...this will help me in the church im playing in now Amen...

[@naturewatcher7596]

Interesting practicing idea. Not for total beginners - you need to know music theory basics, but if you know them, then you'll grab the idea. Thank you.

[@alexandery8508]

I just wanna thank you for the idea. I will play though all 12 major scales and 12 minor scales in this challanging way. If I have problem with the "descending chords" I will play arpeggio with each of them while singing their vocals or system that is do re mi fa so la ti do

[@davidfreel1451]

I am gonna practice this note for note on the guitar in every position. What a lovely clear and musical exercise, and just listening to it gives me nostalgia for montage scenes in nineteen eighties teen movies. Your work isn't just a lesson for pupils it is a lesson for teachers, and would be videographers. THANKS.

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome David. Not so sure about my videography, but I'll acceot your compliments about my lessons :)

[@valsedonia]

Great tutorial. I love the "shameless" advert at the end! Beautiful jewelry 🤗

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you Valerie. I'll let me sis know :)

[@patriciaaslett3682]

MangoldProject

[@paulocaeiro5264]

Valerie H o

[@raneearlulpragasam6094]

Valerie H k

[@ooddy24]

Valerie H I

[@kenevans7907]

Man U R Gold. Sir, could you please post the answers to this exercise. I tried doing it, but it sounds off. Confirmation of my notes would be a great help. Thank you. BTW, best piano lessons I have found!

[@corystajduhar]

I like this. It's basically doing a V - I progression. C to F is also a fifth down. It's a fifth going counterclockwise on the circle of fifths. Each chord becomes the V chord of the subsequent chord.

[@devidasdandgaonkar6421]

Excellent,your each 10 to15 minutes video is a great investment for me.Thanks.

[@bzeliotis]

A very useful lesson thanks! But a small correction in terminology to stop confusion. At 3:20 onwards, what you mean to say is that, we go from the 1ST INVERSIONof C (with the E in the bass and root position in the right hand) to the ROOT position of F (F inthe bass of an F chord, means it's a root positon chord) BUT playing the 2nd inversion of F I N THE RIGHT HAND. The same pattern applies for the rest of the video.

[@joannescearce2269]

You're my EUREKA moment as I had posted confusion that no one has replied to! He's offering a valid wonderful lesson, but needs to edit before posting l now feel. Do not feel he ever made the pattern concise as you have!

[@samuelsudhakar022]

Good afternoon sir. Thank u so much for the lesson of simple exercise for practicing nd memorizing chords. For those who knows the piano already for such people it will be very easy to learn. But for the biginners it will take time to grasp ur teaching. Anyway hats off for ur scarifice leaving all ur work nd showing interest, nd having patience to teach us nd having lot of love towards the people/viewers. Awaiting more lessons from ur kindself. Take care. Bye sir.

[@may-hb6xo]

suvarnaratna florence yr on spot. I am a actually beginner and it’s hard for me to figure out the rest that he left. But I can do it just need a bunch of time. Any advice for me? Or just be patient ewww

[@7thDayAdventures]

This lesson is genius! Didn't think I got it at first but I figured it out and feel like I have a way better understanding of music.

[@InADayInALife]

Sir, you are an excellent teacher!

[@graxx1451]

That will not teach you piano

[@itsrob2321]

Thank you so much for this. I was just working on this but wasn’t thinking circle of fourths. I was just hearing it. Now I can really apply it.

[@viragopaldas9928]

Thank you, much appreciated 🙏

[@BharatGosher]

Try same thing with Right hand 1st position then 2nd position with Left hand same position. Vice versa change left hand to root postion and 2nd position. Further mix all the positions and you shall have more combinations with totally different fingering.....this works fantastic to master.... thank you so much....

[@MichelRichardDrums]

Thank you for this lesson it is exactly where i'm at with my learning and this is very helpful to me.

[@johnk8174]

me too. Just what I needed to know right now.

[@MikeJCullen2]

Great idea for a piano exercise! Very well explained and demonstrated for beginners! Thank you!

[@RobCLynch]

Great idea and the cute cat added to the interest lol

[@MangoldProject]

It's about time all my freeloading cats earn their pay :)

[@climax7260]

Thank you so much! I'm using to practice my chords. God bless you man!

[@jasneskis]

I understand now after watching a second time. Great exercise. Thank you.

[@jonnybravo3697]

A nice clear, simple demonstration, thanks.

[@marysmith9109]

My students will love this upgrade to chord progressions. Your teaching is clear and simple. Love that you include timing and rhythm. I am trying to include plying by 'ear' to our classical lessons. Thank you. Maybe re-engage interest.

[@nychermoso]

Thanks! Gotta apply this! Hugs from Philippines!

[@khaldrago9918]

Heyy hwr u

[@hal7ter]

Thank you so much for these videos - they are like none other. Your sister's jewelry is lovely!!

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks Emma! I'll let my sister know :)

[@CraigSnaps]

Your instructional video is amazing! I really need to develop a discipline to my scales and progressions. I play a jazz flute, and inorder to get better at improvisation, I am convinced that learning with your videos, is great practice to get me there. Thank you so very very much!!!

[@antaravaishnavi]

4:31 Awww, that catoooo! 🥺🐈‍⬛

[@DaveHillJr]

Great breakdown and idea for working on chord transitions! Thank you for doing this video

[@aurumon]

thanks for all your videos. everything i've watched so far has been very helpful. and i like your way of teaching

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you for your kind words, Angelica.

[@joshbarnes8977]

love your lessons,have learned so much!

[@MangoldProject]

+josh barnes Cool, very happy to hear that!

[@nicolacllee]

Thanks a lot. I will try tonight!!

[@pianomusic3026]

Great video!!! simple exercises but very effective to memorizing chords

[@m-drafts]

Thanks a lot!!! You are a very good teacher.

[@violetatio3224]

Playing &'remembering chords is made fun . Thank you

[@mumumumumumumummm]

Thanks a million for this tutorial. This is very useful and it's what I need. Thank you! Thank you! :)

[@antman0216]

Excellent teaching video! God bless you sir!

[@natsukaze5799]

Amazing video, thank you so much. I had no idea where to even begin trying to memorize my chords, but this exercise makes it way more fun and interesting, and like you said, actually builds some chord progression instincts. Really fantastic, thank you for sharing! Subscribed to check out your other videos!

[@user-nv7kw5yj1d]

He explained very clear!! Super

[@mollyevans687]

Thank you MangoldProject. You teach at the right tempo. Thank you again.

[@MangoldProject]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@merldesoisa2287]

Thanks 👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@bobjohnson7441]

Nice. Heard song ideas in that immediately.

[@realkoko-loco]

You mean...like the theme from "Growing Pains"? kzbin.info/www/bejne/opqpnoCZos6aqbM

[@yogicbeats]

@@realkoko-loco no

[@_noizmusic]

Recently got a keyboard and this has been extremely helpful, thank you!

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome, Tiim (never saw a Tiim with two i's before!)

[@akaflk]

I wanna make a joke about most Tims I know having two eyes, but it doesn't really transfer in the written word does it?

[@bencarlo4749]

lol i get it

[@cedzimagination]

Yoh the minor version sounds really dope💥💥

[@CGreyL3]

What I like to do is a chorded chromatic scale on mallets where C ( the bottom note of the chord) and F ( the top note of the chord), which are a 4th apart which sounds cool on marimba, vibes, xylo, maybe harpsichord, and piano

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Revisiting. Writing out music below. C E G F A C. Bb D F. Eb G Bb E. A. D. G... Makes sense. The 3rds go up in the base by 4ths also. In the non virtual world I write this out in spiral notebooks.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Thanks for highlighting my comment.

[@MoveOverMozart]

This may also help. LOVELY CHORD PROGRESSIONS C MAJOR ADDING CHARMING INVERSIONS 2021 🎶🎹💙 FREE piano tutorial lead sheet in the video description over on KZbin! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4q8o6iPlLZ_fa8

[@peekaboo10001]

Your teaching is amazing as always you are the best

[@masterrolly6278]

you are really super great sir. thanks a lot

[@gshock1980]

Thanks Assaf! Great exercise! While practicing i found, that starting the second iteration in the second inversion of the chord lets me transition to the third iteration starting chord more smoothly.

[@clubandbardjs]

Hi your methodology is very good.....unlike other videos with don’t go into so much detail and breakdown

[@TuneStunnaMusic]

I sure as hell learned. My god what an eye opener

[@MangoldProject]

Cool. Always happy to hear my tutorials have benefited someone.

[@manuelbalearmusic]

Simple? Congrats but for me (in my opinion) its hard to work out. Any tips that I have not been taking ? Thank you so much for your videos. I love them. Best.

[@MoveOverMozart]

This may also help. LOVELY CHORD PROGRESSIONS C MAJOR ADDING CHARMING INVERSIONS 2021 🎶🎹💙 FREE piano tutorial lead sheet in the video description over on KZbin! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4q8o6iPlLZ_fa8

[@ShakerCuda71]

The first chords... C and F, sound like the beginning of Lonley Boy by Andrew Gold. But in a different key

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Wow, great lesson. Merci beaucoup. I had asked how you knew to go into inversions on a comment on another of your videos, and voila.

[@franzkennedy5637]

I 've learned a lot from you Mangold THANK YOU and BE BLESSED

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you!

[@BaronVonTacocat]

excellent lesson

[@anthony_leckie]

Thank you! Great exercise!

[@SaifSameer]

Another gem from the legend. Thanks dear Assaf ^_^

[@ABDALLAHJAMANI]

Thank you so much!!!

[@joeflowers3570]

You are a great teacher

[@Airconcleaner]

this is helpful, thank you

[@renerodriguezestrada4532]

Just,thanks.Greetings from Mexico,City.

[@MangoldProject]

Greetings back from Israel!

[@kellypiter3828]

dont forget to be realistic - you will need to do a bit of work whichever system you choose for becoming a pianist I have spent months studying teaching yourself piano and discovered an awesome resource at Turbo Piano Secret (google it if you're interested)

[@benjaminfowler2457]

this is a reallllllly really helpful exercise for people like me who cannot for the life of them remember their chords!!!

[@MangoldProject]

Chords should be like riding a bicycle. You shouldn't think or recall anything consciously, ideally (through many hours of practice!).

[@adamoliveras1109]

Such a great exercise! Thank you!!!

[@malawiyorkshirelad50]

Fantastic tutorial! One question..with the right hand, you generally use 1,2,4 fingering for all triads in the video, is this the best way to practice it? Alternatively maybe 1,2,4 to 1,3,5 - which would you recommend? Many thanks!

[@osagie2]

I loved it !👍🏿💯🙏🏻😎

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks Paul!

[@CuzCutz]

Phil Collins took this lesson, stopped at the first two chords, and wrote "One more night"! Hahahaha. Great progression and lesson! Thanks!

[@javierdeljeur]

Very useful. Thank you!!!

[@jeanlhun6014]

Hello, superbe exercice, des tutoriels pour tous les niveaux, excellent . Bonjour de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon😉

[@luckymusicofficial742]

Great lesson thanks u so much sir. Please more excercise🙏.❤❤

[@debbymiller8828]

Very helpful, I saw improvement quickly!! Thanks for the lesson.

[@Sewmore]

Thanks. I need to reread this on slow speed and get the hang of it

[@jambalaya3308]

New sub here:) just found your channel and your videos really help me, I'm still a beginner and learning new things every day. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas!!

[@Ara-cq5jm]

came for the piano, subscribed for the cat - and good content

[@Life-is-a-Dance]

Thank you so much from Wales, your teaching skills are are excellent, you have helped me to progress and maybe one day I will be playing music on my keyboard.

[@MangoldProject]

Don't say "one day", say "next week" and then practice and make it a reality.

[@vincentromine3949]

Just what the exercise I was looking for. Thanks!

[@PianoTipping]

I like how the circle of fourths backwards is the circle of fifths.

[@MangoldProject]

Technically, though, the circle of fourths backwards is the circle of shtrouf :)

[@MangoldProject]

Doh, I can't even spell, that should be shtruof ...

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Piano Tipping I like beadgcf. then the flat version of same notes circle of or fourths. it's also nice to notice that you already know the thirds just one semitone down.

[@judydelvecchio1103]

Simplypiano

[@kotcherd]

@@MangoldProject hahaha

[@EdTheBearsFan]

This has helped me greatly! Thank you!

[@MangoldProject]

Sure!

[@totaltwit]

Nice, I like the idea, esp as you say, helps to think quicker about the next chord

[@Metamophisis]

Great video! 🔥💣🧨🎹👀

[@sridharsri6409]

Thanks🙏

[@fidsta30]

thank you for your lesson its very helpful fidsta uk

[@conor_o_sullivan]

awesome teaching, thank you!

[@MangoldProject]

Glad you liked it, Conor.

[@patrickkeakantse8140]

Wow! Thanx a lot. You have made it so easy, appreciated.

[@juditharmstrong6267]

Great exercise thanks

[@MangoldProject]

+Judith Armstrong Happy to help out :)

[@boldcautionproductions9203]

Very cool sound. Sounds good to get away from sugar-sweet chords I've been playing as an adult beginner. Thanks for the share...

[@beataddiction6954]

Excellent, thanks!!

[@shellouisa]

So absolutely cool!

[@terrykilleen4487]

Thank you for this it is of great help.

[@eav3dancers709]

Thank you sir....u jhus made me a pro

[@isaiahogunmodimu4235]

I enjoy the lesson thank

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome Isaiah.

[@rajmusiclearning]

Awesome it remainds me of Heman cartoon if played in Major.

[@prathmeshmahajani]

Thank you for making this tutorial!!

[@simrybak3582]

Very good, learned a lot. Thank you

[@annchong1232]

great , thanks

[@roberthavard5206]

Thank you! Great tutorial!

[@billhasty5197]

Love It.