Play The Piano In Any Key (The Easy Way To Change Key)

Wouldn’t it be easy if EVERY song was in the key of C major?

We wouldn’t have to worry about those pesky sharps and flats. Life would be simple!

But life isn’t simple, and there are 12 key signatures we could play in (and that’s just the major keys!)

One of the biggest reasons why we might need to change keys (or transposing, as it’s called) is because of the singer.

Not everybody has the same vocal range, and some people just cannot sing in certain keys. I used to play in a band, and whenever the singer wanted the song changed, it would take me forever to sit down and figure out how to transpose every chord into the new key.

It doesn’t have to be that hard! In fact, there’s a really easy way to do it -- and it’s super fast.

A lot of people comment on our videos asking why I refer to some chords as the 1, 4, 5, etc. Well, you’re about to see why!

By assigning numbers to each chord in relation to the root note, it becomes super simple to move between keys.

Here’s an example. I have a song in the key of F# Major (yuck!). The chords are F#-D# minor-C#-B. Now, I need to transpose that into the key of C (because C is awesome). By assigning numbers to the chords I can make the process incredibly simple and fast.

Here’s how. F# is the root so it is the 1 chord. D# minor is six notes up from F#, so it is the 6 chord. C# is the 5th, so it’s the 5 chord, and B is the 4 chord.

So instead of thinking of the original progression as F#-D# minor-C#-B I can think of it as 1-6-5-4.

The key of C is 6 half-steps below the key of F#. But that doesn’t matter, because I don’t have to count intervals now. All I need to do is play that 1-6-5-4 progression in the key of C. So it becomes C-Am-G-F. Easy!

I could choose another key. How about F Major - it’s now F-Dm-C-Bb. Super simple!

I would really encourage you to try this out for yourself. It’s a great way to move out of your comfort zone and learn some new keys.

This is a short lesson, but here are the timecodes:

- Setting the stage (hear me sing too low!) - 0:27

- Assigning numbers - 0:46

- How to think in numbers (this takes some practice) - 1:30

If you're not quite sure about chords and how to play them, check out our FREE Chord Hacks series

And for absolute beginners looking for a place to get started -- we have you covered as well with another free series

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[kevinavery]

With respect. A little real terminology might help beginners know them when they see them elsewhere. Transcribing = Finding the chords for a song. Helped by just playing the melody. Transpose = Change the key of a song. Nashville Numbering System = Giving a number to each chord to be played in any key. Session musicians will know what to play for a 1-6-5-4 progression in the key of E also by knowing diatonic chords by each key. The funny thing about casual singers is they often seem to find a note of their own not to be found in any normal key. Likewise they tend to able to remember only one line or part of a song. Let them finish their performance then take control with playing in a familiar key within their range. Thanks Lisa your enthusiasm is infectious while keeping your lessons simple and to the point.

[adam]

I would like to thank you for your posts! They have clarified and simplified many aspects if my quest to learn music theory and play piano. After 2 years of music theory and piano courses at college level, Several of your videos clarified in minutes what took a month for the course instructor to convey.

[JamesOKeefe-US]

Your videos are just wonderful and super helpful. I am a drummer who is trying to learn piano so these tips are invaluable!! Thank you!!

[vanicamacho]

Thank you very much. As a beginner I would hum to try to find the keys, but after giving this method a try, it worked. Thanks!

[richardblocher]

I just wanted to share with you on this lesson, I have tried this in all keys, and it is working for me. It seems a little difficult at first, but it is working. I will also try this with all inversions. Thank you very much for sharing.Especially with the Voice. DickB

[Greenriver]

Nice little trick, love Lisa's teaching 👏

[bigbabakareem]

You are an amazing teacher! This makes so much sense now

[dasmagical]

Can't wait to try this ... BUT HOW WOULD YOUR CHANGE KEY MID SONG OR WHEN SWITCHING FROM ONE SONG TO ANOTHER?

[basabisharma]

Ma'am I have a question-
Can you tell me which one is better- 1. Playing with ear
2.With sheet music
Plus
Can you please please make a video on 👂 ear training...please

[bjb]

I just found your channel. Love your videos! Short and sweet and so interesting. Really is helping to reawaken my interest in playing the piano. Thank you!

[scmontgomery]

This is amazing! I can't wait to use this for improvising in new keys!

[celesteabdon]

Ok I have a confession to make. Remember when you apload the tutorial for Perfect? I told you I'd play it for my anniversary? Well the thing is I could play it but I couldn't sing it because of the low key! So I gave him another present instead lol. You just saved my life with this video, I started playing it in C and I'm so comfortable that I think I'm finally gonna give my boyfriend his real present hahah. Thank you so much 😙💜




I feel like an idiot lol 😂

[hemamurthy]

Thank you so much i always wondered how people change keys so easy.

[nathanielmohammed]

Here I am 5 years after upload ( I was 9 at the time ) self taught and you just made my life easier omg

[robertYTBg]

This is very helpful, but if you want to do this on the fly and say a singing group when somebody changes key, I would add the following track. Memorise the notes 145 in the common keys that everyone sings in, ie CFG, DGA, EAB, FBbC, GCD, ADE. I do this by pronouncing them as words, but you could use mnemonics if you want. Takes no time at all. Now quick as a flash you know the new chords in say A are ADE, and just as quickly...you know 2 minor is Bm and 6 minor is Fm. You will also find it impossible to look at any new song without seeing the common chord sequences that make up most of them

[heartyandsnowballgirl]

Hi Lisa! This helped me so much. I have a question, what if the chord letter is a flat, or sharp?

[mariajenny]

This is so amazing.. Calculative & innovative.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[christiansongs]

Thank you so much "mam" for your videos,
I'm indian but your videos is very helps to me.

[AidanTheLoverBoyOhDwyer]

youre really good at explaining stuff thanks man

[aarondsouza]

OKAY WOW THIS IS HELPFUL OMG. okay so quick doubt, ive got the key change, but when i start playing note for note, the melody, how do i do the key change for that bit??