The ONE Thing You Need To Practice On Piano (And Why)

There are no magic tricks to get better at the piano. But there are things you could do to get better at the piano faster than if you didn't.

Today is about one of those things.

If you were to add ONE thing to your practice that would produce a big result, it would be this: Learn your diatonic chords.

Here are the timecodes to help explain it all:

- Start with a scale (D) - 0:54
- Forming chords from the scale tones - 1:29
- Creating chord progressions (The number system) - 2:50
- How to use this to get better at the piano - 3:54

And of course, don't limit this practice to your favorite key signatures. Try using it for all keys. That will help you learn the scales so much faster. You'll also be able to learn songs quicker because you already know all the chords.

And to find out more about how to use chords to play real songs, try our FREE Chord Hacks series:

Brand new to the piano? Click here for your first 4 lessons FREE:

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Pianote!

Follow us:

Follow Lisa:

ABOUT LISA:
Lisa Witt has been teaching piano for +20 years and in that time has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn to play the songs they love. Lisa received classical piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, but she has since embraced popular music and playing by ear in order to accompany herself and others. She is a songwriter and recording artist. Lisa’s contagious enthusiasm will have you excited to practice and return to the keys for your next lesson. Her teaching style focuses on you, making lessons encouraging and fun.

[PianoteOfficial]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Pianote!

[TheBridgeNuts]

You have a beautiful enthusiasm in teaching others the piano. Thank you for sharing your passion. ❤

[PianoteOfficial]

Are you practicing your diatonic chords? Here are the timecodes for the lesson:
- Start with a scale (D) - 0:54
- Forming chords from the scale tones - 1:29
- Creating chord progressions (The number system) - 2:50
- How to use this to get better at the piano - 3:54

[jordanhaubrich]

This video was extremely helpful! Could You Possibly do a video on diminished chords? They seem interesting.

[CSUnger]

Somehow you've managed to keep that infectious childlike cuteness. Hope that you never lose it. Wish more would have it.
Oh, and the chord progressions are helpful too. Gonna practice them. ;)

[LifesLazyPuppet]

I am gay, but I think I am developing a crush on you. Your energy is so vibrant yet relaxed, and your passion and generosity in giving these free piano lessons is praise-worthy. I am sold and will be purchasing your program. <3

[natanvance]

Pianote: 'Don't worry about this one... sounds kinda crunchy '
Diminished chord: 'Am I a joke to you?'

[tooakki]

If there were a role to play "Tinker Bell" you're it.

[magicfay]

Damn it, you're so Happy teaching others. The Energie is woww

[markukeley]

You laid that out wonderfully--can't wait to apply it. I so hope that you and yours are safe and healthy through this current event.

[michaelh]

Thank you for the tips that are 'beginner' enough for me. I was given a vintage piano by a local church. Now I am trying to learn to play it.

[grahamkay]

Darlin you told me this 6 months ago and now from a beginner I’m playing like a pro! Well almost. Love your heart and enthusiasm 😘

[robinchrisb_]

What do I think? I think you are actually helpful. Your tips make any piano practice interesting. Thank you.

[chusssMusic]

That was simple but really helpful to me as a guitarist who want to get better on keys. Thanks.

[TheRealWinsletFan]

Great Tip. It's weird you should post this now, when I'd just hit upon the idea myself about 3 weeks ago (after taking lessons for 3 years), I practise the chords for the 3 random scales I practise each day, and I think it's really helping. The chords are already falling nice and naturally under my fingers, the only thing I'm finding slow to acquire is the scale/chord degrees for each key. But that's just memory so I'll get it eventually. (I need to ask my tutor why he didn't have me do this already?)

[garrylearmonth]

You timed this vid perfectly for me, I have been wanting to make practicing scales a bit more interesting and you nailed it, your smile is infectious and I always feel uplifted after watching your vids. Thanks again from Australia, the land down under.

[fafajeymz]

New subscriber here. From Philippines.. 🇵🇭

[unplannedsyntax]

You're so right! This, combined with the notion of cadences can free us to become independent and creative musicians!!!

[RaviKarmali]

Beautiful lessons maam thankyou for that ❤❤❤❤❤🙏

[ascape]

Hello, I really want to learn on how to play piano but I don't know where to start. Will it be okay to share your piano lesson videos in sequence, it would be a great help for me.