The "Secret" To Learning How To Play In Every Key

Let's be clear: There are some people who show know weaknesses no matter what key they're playing in. That's not me lol. When I was coming up there were certain keys I didn't fool with and I dreaded having to play in them. So if I was able to improve in those once dreaded keys than surely you can do the same.

[@kalmonds]

This man gave whole relationship advice

[@ginadeniseallen2919]

Man. I just sent a random text to let him know I'd love to spend more time with him🤦🏾‍♀️

[@pianolessonswithcollins8756]

🤣

[@SeanLaMontagne]

"What Key are we in?" "Oh no. That's the Devil's Key."

[@musicandmotivation936]

😂😂

[@kathleenking47]

G FLAT🤣 Its even F sharp Or B😁 I THINK IS COMFORTABLE for many to sing in..over C, F, and G C, F, and G are too high for many to sing in

[@zacharywho5442]

"Mercy"

[@ruth7083]

I am not ashamed to say that even though I was about to go to bed, I am walking to my keyboard to practice my A key. 😂😂 Mind you, it is 11pm in South Africa right now. 🇿🇦 Thanks Kevon

[@IAmKevonCarter]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Awesome 😎 #NoKeyLeftBehind

[@roderickmcdaniel841]

@@IAmKevonCarter Mr.kevon you r a great musician.. God Bless you. I wish i could play the piano..i sing that's all but i can here the piano when i sing..Be Blessed...

[@brysonpope791]

Wow....you really are preaching right now lol but this comment and video is a blessing for 3 reasons: 1. Because I'm a drummer attempting to pick up keys because I understand melody and harmony just like one who understands Spanish fluently, 😒 but can't speak a work of it back 😣....2. Because this was really a word whether intentionally or not.... and 3. Because of how it not only blessed/encouraged me (an NC church boy living in LA) but others across the world. #amazing #thankyou #praisegod ✊🏿🙏🏿💯😁 #spendtime #practice

[@nelranoko5417]

Lol great seeing a fellow South African on this great channel 😁👏🏽👏🏽

[@tykechingching]

I know I'm a year late, but I'm always excited to find another South African!! Been loving Kevon's vids.

[@michaelekwulugo8659]

This guy is too funny 🤣🤣🤣 but he's dropping some mega wisdom pearls at the same time! I'm gonna go spend some quality time with "A"

[@doubledouble941]

"No key discrimination!" "That key needs love too!" Just love this!! Lololol God bless you brother.

[@luquann]

This man has a real gift😂 u can learn and be entertained at the same time. Love the playing and tutorials💪🏽

[@emilli5331]

3yrs later and this is still a word! Preach Preacher🙌🏾

[@michellelawrence2574]

There’s such an OINTMENT when you play the “A” key, I so felt it.

[@damonphillips1560]

Such a what? 😂😂😂

[@johnkingjunior]

@@damonphillips1560 bacitracin. A&D. Petroleum jelly. Blistex. ☠☠☠☠

[@tall0362]

Also.. keys are relational as well. For instance... Eb, Ab, Bb, and Db all feel similar... and if you’re good in one, it’s easier playing in the other keys with the same feel. D, E, and A feel similar. F# and B nat feels related. C, G and F feel similar. Another trick is ... to pick out one song that you really like that is song or played in a key that you don’t like and learn it in that key. There is theory in any song that you pick out and build from there. Also... remember position feels awkward in certain keys.., therefore your STYLE for playing in certain keys has to do with inversions. Let’s say your “style of playing in Ab is generally open... but open may not work as well in E.. so rearrangement of playing the same song in a closed position in E creates the feel and comfort zone you’re trying to achieve. So position comfort in one key also works for certain other keys .. meaning playing in keys you don’t like .. because you have to invert the chords.. it expands your playing style all together. It’s like ... E has something to bring to the table to EVERYBODY that Ab didn’t bring.., and D makes you approach a song totally differently... which translates to all the other keys hi five’n D like ... wow .. thanks for the info bro ... I never thought of it that way ....

[@onimisilovesonmusic4548]

Exactly

[@alamolalamol9426]

I really agree with what you say about grouping certain keys together. Also, adapting to the finger feel of the particular key. So right🙌🏾.

[@lorrainegartrell1907]

Gotta learn the diatonic scale in every key. All twelve keys.

[@adambaus9920]

I graduated with a degree in classical piano, and was petrified to ever play anything but the page. "You have to spend time with it". Learn to think in a key. I still use the easy trick of the sister/ brother relationships= You can read D-flat and play in D; you can read 3 flats, play in 4 sharps (It all adds up to 7)- C, G, F are a little tougher, but it's a good way to break into transposing. That, and I always take the melody and play in every key right away- helps you make sure you really learn it. Thanks for your humor and great music Kevon.

[@richardjohnson4955]

Haha that's my technique, been using that for years lool. Classical musician since around 9yrs old, been using my ear for only about 4 years🙌🏽😂

[@richardjohnson4955]

@L Cam He's talking about the closeness of the keys. So for example if you're playing a 5 chord in both C and Db it'd only be a semi tone difference from the 5 chord in both keys; and this would also look visibly easier to do as both 5 chords in each key are similar in position😅

[@gilbertchordds4432]

Lol... The preaching piano teacher That's inspiring mahn😅

[@memesarehealthy5809]

I felt that

[@TheSeeking2know]

You're so right. The Preaching Piano Teacher.

[@taaronhall2074]

Commune with E, spend time with E. Lol, wise words.

[@chicknurch]

After watching this video i almost feel a little stupid for looking for a secret to learn the keys. When in reality, it’s just practice. Always good to be reminded to go back to the basics, great video!

[@realnurse2696]

I was a self-taught, by ear only, 11 year old pastor’s daughter in a tiny home missions church. I was thrown into worship leading because I was the only person who could do it, and my only experience was children’s church up until that point. I was also a natural alto, so… we sang in my keys. 😂 I never learned how to play in any flat key until much later, and even today I struggle with them. But I absolutely love G, A, D, and E. Guitarists liked playing with me. 😂 You have such beautiful talent, and your videos are hilariously on point. I would have loved to have been able to take some lessons from you!

[@praisethelord20]

I hate Bb, Eb, Ab. But I can play in all 3. I just don’t care for the feel of them! But A D E & B are my FAVS!! I can show you tips from your tube videos. Like practice routines with songs! It will transform your playing! Let me know!

[@aabinaarao7192]

​@praisethelord20 I'm interested in the videos u are mentioning. Would you please share them with me?

[@JoshuaAmoah]

The most engaging piano lessons I've ever seen. Keep them coming, Kevon. 😂

[@Kayrenar]

I always said that gospel Musicians are the best musicians in the world. To quickly adjust and follow a singer, it is amazing!

[@kathleenking47]

They also shone in the 50s & 60s but fix live songs instead then

[@kenmulunda5439]

Ur preaching kevon😊😊 we hardly know some chords and havent spent time with them and expect results😂😂😂 SPEND TIME WITH A😂

[@davidmadison9369]

Great analogy.

[@nhbeautyzone]

I wasted my first year of practice abusing the transpose button. The reason being that I just started learning and had to play in church, so my piano teacher thought it would be quicker to learn all songs in C and use transpose button. Then I stopped playing for 5 years when I moved country and one day I decided to pick up piano again and learn all my keys. I now can play any song in any key. Practice is key!

[@dominicdoesit_tv292]

😩so much to learn!

[@kevinbrennen6773]

"That's the Devils key". That my friend is Gb.

[@ikkejick]

And C# is his friend.

[@SPECTRA890]

@@ikkejick C# is.his best friend

[@metubetomuch]

I love how you insert humor with truth......lol All your videos are both educational and funny.

[@kaylabarjon8732]

me and A been kickin’ it on the low😭😭🏃🏽‍♀️💨

[@lovebug6388]

This feels like you preaching about spending time with God and developing intimacy with Him. That's the word I heard. #holyconviction #theresawordineverything

[@ginadeniseallen2919]

Maaannn, God will speak to each one of HIS children in a way only they can hear him. That word was for you... #Ifeltthat😊

[@m.m.paulministries8086]

Me too lol...got a message there!

[@convinemukidanyi864]

Amen amen

[@princesshephzibah9187]

Exactly. Just want I needed to hear

[@LeatherKeys]

There’s a message behind that...thank you Sir.

[@victortolu2448]

"BLACK KEYS MATTER"..... you don't have to be racist to the black keys cuz it's black😂😂...say no to keys discrimination ....you gotta love all the keys😎

[@benjaminkuama8983]

DisKEYmination

[@KumbenhsELouis]

It's an inpiration

[@Freke54]

😂

[@WagnerBertolino]

@@benjaminkuama8983 😂

[@WagnerBertolino]

@@lnorrisnorris4080 😄

[@karl-loictientcheu2498]

We love you Kevon.... Much love from Cameroon🙏

[@unboundedworship]

This man is absolutely amazing

[@elsaharris3122]

As a church musician myself, I just LOVE the way you explain yourself! So, so true!

[@andyedouard2888]

Those who disliked this video, are the ones who discriminate Keys. Help them Lord! 😂

[@ivayee210]

You are educational and hilarious! Never have I laughed this much at a keys tutorial. Inspirational!

[@LeeValentin]

'Me and A been kickin it on the low' 😂

[@michaelhopkins261]

KEVON!!!!! Man I definitely knew I needed to practice more but the talk music trick....man that blew me!!!! I'm going to try it this Sunday during announcements and in either D, E, A, or B natural....man really for real bless you brother King!

[@beldwinandrews3534]

I feel you Kevon... You really inspire me to break the chains binding me to the transpose key😂🔥💪

[@XsTGriff]

2 years later and this is so much more relevant….at the piano and away from it! Praise God for your ministry sir

[@ClarksCozyCorner]

I just love you!!! You are so informative , encouraging and entertaining!! Blessings to you!!❤️

[@ikehjoseph8933]

This is the best lesson approach I've really gotten to mastering all 12keys

[@kobbyappiah2837]

Thats a whole sermon Kev👏🏽🙂. God bless 🙌

[@markbtw7987]

This is very inspiring, sage advice for mastering any discipline. Well said and with tons of passion, love it.

[@fendonc]

Thank you for a great lesson. For me it was neither fear nor laziness that led me to master the key of C and then rely on the transpose button for all other keys. Instead it was logic and an efficient use of my time. I am not a professional keyboardist or I would have learned to play in all keys if that was how I made my living. For me, playing keyboards is a great hobby (I also play guitar) and I do enjoy playing at church, gigging and playing with friends etc., when I can (not regularly) and so I reasoned that after my day job and family commitments and quality time as a father and husband, there are only so many hours of practice time left. This means that I could either spend my 1 hour a day practising songs in all keys and probably end up as an average keyboard player in all keys, or I could spend that one hour a day practising in just the key of C and become a proficient, fluent, advanced keyboard player albeit in only the Key of C and the transpose button. So far this has worked out okay for me except when I am faced with an acoustic piano and I have to politely decline and bring out my keyboard (MOXF 8, I note you use the same keyboard) and active speaker which I carry around with me (another inconvenience from transposing). Those moments would be embarrassing for some but not for me because I don't see any point in "fronting" and so I just tell the truth which is that I can only play fluently in the key of C. The reaction even from other musicians is generally "okay then plug in and lets get started". Like I said, I don't make my living from music and I mostly play for free and for fun, so if transposing was ever a deal breaker, I would simply thank them for their time, apologise for any inconvenience and walk away with a smile on my face but that hasn't happened yet. However, after years of playing in C I have found that at a competent level of proficiency (I don't think I am advanced yet, not even in C), you generally end up playing all of the black and white keys and virtually all chords from all keys within the key of C regardless. This is why I have recently been wondering at the wisdom of playing in only C when I tend to use every black and white key in my playing already and I also use chords from virtually every key as well while remaining in C. Therefore, I have recently begun to practise scales in all keys and started playing simpler songs without so many embellishments in other keys and I must say that it is not as difficult as I thought it would be and it is quite fun to challenge myself in this way. This excellent video has further strengthened my resolve to rely less on the transpose button and practise in all of the keys. Thank you Kevon for a humorous and informative lesson and the humblest yet most persuasive argument that I have ever heard to play in all keys. It is funny how a soft word and a smile persuades while harsh judgemental words do absolutely nothing at all. You are great teacher Kevon and I say this to you as a man who is several years older than you. Thank you very much for posting this great message.

[@SPECTRA890]

Thank you, I try to explain this to people. But they always wanna hit you with the "you're not a real musician if you transpose" I play bass, guitar, saxophone and recently picked. Up keyboard because. Our main keyboardist got. A job. Preventing him from coming to services regularly and I don't like the play pattern of the other two keyboardist. I play strictly F(sometimes I can stay on F# or Ab but not for long periods) I don't have the time to shuffle practicing all. Four instruments and. Still practice keyboard to. The. Fullest potential I'm quite aware as I play 7 keys currently on the sax, play all. Keys on guitar not comfortable in like 2. I'll definitely put in more time learning them.. But for my church the transpose is good enough. I'll never really go outside. And tell anybody I play keyboard. I Rep bass 100% which I fully had the time for since I was 12. People /musician just don't get its. Different levels for everyone. Transpose. Gives the exact. Same. Sound to the later yet. So much funny attitude towards it.. Just like you said thee video has also made mee want to practice more because there is a little bit of a sense of accomplishment not having to rely on a computer to you help out. I'm. Learning Eb now and maybe might branch out to G. AT THE MOST ADVANCED LEVEL people don't understand that all keys are all keys 😂 I know there are people. That understand what I Mean by this. There is. Literally no. Key at the virtuoso level. OH well off to practice something in a couple. Of hours I guess... 😁

[@fendonc]

@ mrAngles Thank you for your message it is great to find someone of a like mind and I know exactly what you mean when you say that at the most advanced level there really is no key or put differently, the key is an irrelevance. Stay strong and keep making good music.

[@nathanthrash5068]

I started with the c major scale Kevon, and you've helped me accept that I don't practice enough with other keys. Thank you!!!

[@ceeveekaye]

Thank you for this video! I've been playing again and play everything in C but I'm making myself learn other keys. I learned to play by ear before I learned to sight-read. And I never did learn to sight-read, I just go by numbers, 1,4,5,1, etc. I really needed this because there are no shortcuts! It's about practice, practice, practice. 🙌🙌🙌

[@addie7846]

Congrats on 100K Kev ! God bless you 🙏🙏

[@Agucap]

This video made me laugh, and cry like no otherdid before. It Caught me right on the "key struggle". But i could translate this into any type of struggle. Be pacient, keep faith and just spend time with it. Thanks a lot man.

[@harpsprince7576]

No key discrimination “ ahhhh I’m preaching 🤚🏽🤚🏽🤚🏽Lord

[@ftoboeman]

Thanks for this inspiring explanation. I will share this with my oboe students so they understand why we play scales and arpeggios in every key. My teacher made me transpose all of my assignments up a step and I am glad he did.

[@janetownley]

This is awesome and true, and I think it also really helps to learn to think of the chords as I, IIm, IV, V7 etc. Ah, he just finally mentioned that

[@munlinmo]

Whew... You were about to go in right at the end. I was feeling it!!

[@zari9004]

Thank you for the lesson Kevon that can be also applied for just anything! Love and blessings from Japan!

[@jarellcole8006]

Kevon you’re hilarious!! 🤣🤣 always enjoy your videos and you’re absolutely right bro practice and spending time is the “KEY” thing. No pun intended

[@goticothepra]

Thank you Kevon, I will continue to practice & just maybe, one day I will be able to play like you do 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@pianolessonswithcollins8756]

You're the best man!....I took a simple word you said in one of your videos and it opened up a world of possibilities for me... you're the real deal bro... crazy funny too 🤣

[@DojoOfCool]

Take a lesson with a Jazz teacher, because the last thing they say on everything they assign is "and do it in all 12 keys". Doesn't take long and to get used to moving to another key, hearing it in another key. And go thru the keys in the circle of fifths order, because that the order things tend to move in music so you're getting ready for common situations.

[@ben-niiquarshie4148]

This right here, people need to hear this. I learn it in every key by the circle of fifths for a different reason, keys like C and G are more similar than C and Db.

[@shacoolhands]

@@ben-niiquarshie4148 Every single key!

[@SeanLaMontagne]

I actually teach my middle school percussionists their scales with the cricle of 5ths. It's just easier to learn the relationships between the different keys that way, and it's a great skill to develop early on before you're an adult and your brain is melting trying to move between keys comfortably.

[@DojoOfCool]

I think CoF's helps because they can see how adding and subtracting an accidental changes the keys, so a very logical process. Even just taking a simple two bar pattern and moving thru 12 keys teaches so much and helps develop the ear because it becomes your main tool for checking yourself.

[@SIELband]

Amen! Hallejuuu!!

[@damaygo1742]

Your marital analogies to music theory was on point 😂

[@PrincewillOkonkwor]

I usually get scared at long videos But I must appreciate the fact that you kept the conversation interesting. And for the records. I'm getting back to practicing ASAP.

[@MugambiK]

So many very important things you have said here that apply beyond the keys. Good job.

[@kentbrooks3227]

"No key discrimination!!!" 🤣Preach it to the masses, Bro! Growing up as an organist in the United Holy Church of America, the black keys were a staple, so I used to assign my students hymns and congregational songs a half step higher or lower. Worked like a charm!

[@tonywolfemusic5920]

Ebony and ivory…come together in perfect harmony… 🤣

[@miraclessaint-hilaire4941]

@@tonywolfemusic5920 underrated comment

[@SD-nh5ie]

You rarely make this type of video. That's great

[@simonochaly8391]

He just started the other day and they have been rolling out...

[@MackTh8Knight]

Kevon is on point with this. Practicing hand placement is key too. Love the information Kevon.

[@jerryjoe8123]

So much love for you brother. I'm inspired! Thanks a lot.

[@CalebOliver]

CONGRATS ON 100K SUBS!!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@sthrdking1568]

Love your approche, work work and work. Practice. Thanks

[@jaysarc]

This helped me tremendously!!! Being a Minister of music it's easy to make excuses that'll keep me within my comfort zone. But that also means I'll be stagnant. So I plan on forcibly making myself uncomfortable & get'n in some much needed practice. I know I need it & I'll be better for it Lol! 🤓

[@SeanLaMontagne]

this video is a classic for me. Worth revisiting once or write every year. Always surprise, but welcomed one, when this video pops up in the wild

[@mumomutisya4923]

Relationship advise 💯 thank you brother for the musical gems. Much love from Kenya 🇰🇪

[@raphaelhmar9746]

I am learning keyboard by myself and learning chords and pieces i find to be easy and beautiful at the same time. But i couldnt read script someday i might. The way you play is what i want, there's something in it. A fire, spirit. Funny yet motivational

[@alohandanieletiosa7613]

Thanks Mr.Kevon

[@elijahbatestil4789]

i can definitely relate in this video because at my church in the old days was key of G and C only but right now we practis other chords and the practice that really worked out to me is when your gonna listen a song and played it's better to listen to it than searching for the chords

[@Soyporivera]

Man, you´re such a genius, love you brother.

[@rickylewellen3260]

Love the sense of humor with the shared truth!🤛🏾

[@mrkeyz321]

Very, very inspiring and inspirational!! Reminds me of Tevin Campbell's "can we talk" if you really listen to him about relationships and spending time! I was sad to see this video end!!

[@awoteoluwatobiloba5415]

Thank you Kevon! This was really helpful😩🙌

[@nicholasgunn8187]

This is a Gem Bro... Perfect explanation and refreshing reminder for us 'church baby' musicians lol. Thanks for sharing!

[@Anton-xv3se]

I so loved the analogy.. A is my girl.. woot woohh.. I agree.. Start spending time to know your keys better. Loved it!!!!.. Thanks for Kevon

[@linwinona]

This was helpful for me as a guitarist! I'm also very grateful for capos 😂

[@darrylmcghee2156]

You are so practical, and you are telling the truth. FEAR !!! lets say approach-avoidance. LVU Brother!!

[@Gifted-Joe]

Thanks Kevon...You really helped...

[@felixgarcia9960]

Officialy top 5 favorite video of 2020!! Ty ty!!! God bless you

[@SuperDenon]

I really like your approach!!! Remain bless

[@emmanuelnwakozo2132]

Thanks alot kevon, you are really an interesting teacher, you have really inspired me.

[@ucheoji2214]

This blessed me and motivated me. I’m going to have a relationship with all my 12 keys now. 🙏🏽💕

[@ftmanofsteel8162]

I knew there was no secret to playing in every key, but I still received a message from this video. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@user-st6tt4sf9u]

No way, that was so easy all the time, you just have opened my eyes. I'll go and learn how to play in every key in a week 😅😅😅

[@ekowgyanbessah2393]

Thank you legend 🙏❤ Alot of insight here. God bless you 🙏❤❤✨

[@sammikinsderp]

Thank you for your wise words!

[@cojos4k994]

Feeling and loving everything you do

[@simeyabate4849]

I love your teaching methods! 🧡👌

[@natslumantas9676]

God Bless you brother ! I've learned a lot from you ! Keep it up

[@daviethepsalmist4644]

THANK you very much you've really helped me on how to play the piano in all the twelve keys in Avery simple Way

[@johnjtherealme9387]

1:02 am in Hawaii and watching this while heading to play on the piano and practice. Thanks Sir!! God bless you...

[@fredrickabodunrin3475]

God bless you kevon, this has really spiced me up

[@plushkipiano]

This mans energy so good, makes me happy as hell

[@Harrisluzolo]

Bro!!! You're the real deal, thanks! 🙏🏾🔥💪🏾

[@marlowrimpson8935]

Thanks Kavon you are awesome!

[@maameyaaa.7563]

6:17 That part had me in tears🤣🤣

[@eldermartins130]

Me: Every key needs love Also me: carefully moves the song a half step so the singer wouldn't notice

[@stevencarter511]

I spent years transposing stuff in Aflat down to G or up to A because I never spent time getting used to Aflat, but I finally started spending time in those weaker keys and it really did help. But yeah, when I’m on a keyboards stead of an acoustic piano, I’m bout that transpose button life. No shame.

[@ighsight]

Love this guy. Nothing but positivity.

[@zakbenjimanmusic]

Needed this video man

[@dwhitexrp]

I am a beginner beginner, and My eyes are watering I'm laughing so much. You are so true! "Do I know you?" LOL, this may be three years old but it is right on time! PREACH!!!

[@RochelleM491]

In my eyes, you just became a "Super Teacher" and a "Musical Scientist" !!