The best way to learn piano FOR PRODUCERS! W/ Simon Servida (Episode 2)

Welcome to episode 2 of my learning piano from scratch series! In this episode I talk with the legend @ServidaMusic and he teaches me the best way to learn keys with the goal of making beats in mind. This one is a long one so sit back, relax, & enjoy. I hope you learn something!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:17 Seeking Guidance from Simon Servida
01:00 Discussing Goals and Techniques
02:34 Learning by Ear and Practical Tips
04:59 Setting Goals and Homework
06:19 Practicing and Overcoming Challenges
10:06 Learning and Playing Songs
18:01 Creating Original Music
19:55 New Practice Plan and Theme Song Flip
23:48 Conclusion and Next Steps
_____________________________

[Sarahill]

The number one that helped me learn the piano was go to guitar center and take lessons from a someone that knows more than I do. The internet is too saturated with information. Learn your major scales, major chords, and the 2-5-1 chord progression. Once you learn the major scale, you will know all the scales (minor, etc). But you will need a teacher to show you this. Learning the circle of fifths is a game changer! Lock in and take those lessons in person. Everything will start to make sense. Keep it up!!!

[seigemonstracity]

You learn chords by learning your scale. You need to learn your scales . Thats KEY!!

[magillsk]

I recently started learning piano as a producer and I actually recommend learning one key (major or minor scale) and knowing it to the point where you can just transpose anything to your key. Learning every key at the same time never worked for me personally, but now that I know my key I can figure out the other ones by just using the same principles from the key im already comfortable with. Also if you record your practice sessions in your daw you can cook up with that, it makes it more clear where the gaps are

[JJNE]

Also on the same journey and what’s helped me a lot is learning jazz piano rather than classical. Especially if you’re learning to make your own stuff rather than just play someone else’s song.

[WORSEBRAINComics]

Replaying Trick:
1. Find the root note
2. What's the scale for it?
3. What are the chords for each note?
4. Find those major chords first. (You should recognize right away..."Oh wait, it's probably minor")
5. Learn those minor chords.
6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first.
7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND it's chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "II" etc.
8. Now how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-II-III etc. ;)
9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord.
10. In a major key, the III and VI chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major.

Ok...🙄I checked with ChatGPT to make sure I was correct and I am, but it said:
"Your tips for learning to replay a song/sample are quite comprehensive and structured. Here's a refined version with some additional clarifications and corrections to ensure accuracy:" Ok, bro...LOL.

Replaying Trick:
1. Find the root note:
• Identify the key of the song. This is the starting note that gives the tonal center.

2. What's the scale for it?
• Determine whether the scale is major or minor. This will guide you in finding the appropriate chords.

3. What are the chords for each note?
• Understand the diatonic chords within the scale. Each note of the scale can form a chord.

4. Find those major chords first:
• In a major scale, the primary chords (I, IV, V) are major. Listen for these strong, stable chords.
•Clarification: You should recognize if the context calls for minor chords instead.

5. Learn those minor chords:
• In a major scale, the ii, iii, and vi chords are minor.
• In a minor scale, the i, iv, and v (natural minor) are minor, with variations in the harmonic and melodic minor scales.

6. There may be more advanced chords in the original--just find the basic ones first:
• Start with triads (three-note chords) and then move on to sevenths, ninths, etc., as needed.

7. Pay attention to the fact that the root note of the scale AND its chord is "I" and the next note/chord is "ii, " etc.:
• This helps in understanding the functional harmony of the song.

8. Now, how do the chords in what you're trying to replay progress? I-ii-iii, etc.:
• Identify the chord progression by listening and recognizing the movement between chords.

9. For more advanced chords, knowing the scale (Step 2) tells you the next note to add to the chord:
• Use the scale to add extensions (7ths, 9ths, etc.) to the basic triads.

10. In a major key, the iii and vi chords are minor. In a natural minor key, the III and VI chords are major:
• Correct. In a major key:
I, IV, and V are major.
ii, iii, and vi are minor.
• In a natural minor key:
• i, iv, and v are minor.
• III, VI, and VII are major.

*Additional Tips:*

• Listen actively: Pay attention to the bassline, as it often indicates the root of the chord.

• Use your instrument: Play along with the song to better understand the chord changes.

• Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common chord progressions to make identification easier.

• Ear training: Develop your ear to recognize intervals, chords, and progressions.

• By following these steps and tips, you'll be better equipped to replay songs and samples accurately.

[collinbanks]

The basics are key! The more you dial in the basics, scales, chords, fingerings, proper technique, the easier everything else will be. I just spent a year learning the basics on bass and it's paid off tenfold. I know the instrument so much better because of it. Yes playing scales in all 12 keys everyday for 5-10 minutes can be boring, but it pays off over time.

[ModernPianista]

Another huge helpful tip is to learn the qualities (types) of chords that exist, what they are called and what they sound like.

For example, if you know what a diminished chord sounds like, regardless of what key it’s in, you can recognize it and begin understanding how to use it.

Just knowing the difference in sound between major 7, dom 7, minor 7, half diminished, fully diminished and augmented helps a lot and can shortcut your theory studies which can feel overwhelming real quick!

Learn everything in C and Am and transpose on the DAW so you can prioritize training your ear first.

Train your ear by figuring out top line and bass line like Simon said. Tryna figure out chords by ear as a newbie is gonna be a lot. Gotta get better at hearing top and bottom frequencies and then with ur theory knowledge fill in the rest.

I’m working on a piano for producer series as this is what I’m passionate about after teaching piano all over LA for 12 years.

[DixonBeats]

Very useful bro, I'm doing this too right now! The Ableton Push and Ghost notes got us too comfy haha 😨

[Lyyn]

Look man, there’s no shortcut when it comes to building fundamental piano technique. Simon is giving his experience, but his technique is something that was built from just spending time playing the keys from a young age. What he gained in technique could’ve been gained faster doing it the standard way, but as a kid he had the leisure of not having to worry about time. Learning your scales and arpeggios instead of trying to tip-toe around it will just allow you to learn everything you’re trying to learn faster, instead of intentionally trying to a take a shortcut that ultimately takes longer and doesn’t suit your circumstances. If you spent even just two weeks intentionally learning scales with a metronome, it will get you to a point where you’ll have applicable skills vs just spending a month learning one song that’s hard to translate to other songs because you don’t know the theory behind it. Nothing wrong with learning songs, but don’t think of it as an alternative to scales.

[ITSYABOYDONTE]

just want to share in case this helps. Im a producer and I've always wanted to learn piano and bass. although I'm leaning more towards bass first I was following along with your video just now and wanted to see if what cords I was playing visually. so I opened up the scaler plugin. Ive used scaler as a cheat for so long but playing into it while I practice is helping me visually see the noted I'm playing and also is teaching my new chords and scales as well. Just a tip if you are ever practicing in the daw. i know you got the stage piano to practice outside the daw.

[Max-nslc]

Watch some open studio jazz. Lotta of gems about advanced chords approaches. My shortcut was to learn popular cookie cuter jazz chord voices and play them by ear in a song from Spotify play the bass notes and harmonize. With those voicings you basically add crunch without thinking of it. Force yourself to do as different keys as possible so that you won’t be intimidated by another key. Staying in one key may reinforce bad habits. Have at least 4-5 popular keys that you are good at and you will improve so much. I made a lot of progress and it’s just been one year. Chords first then melody. You can already sing or hum so all you need to do is to create a vibe with chords.

[kappaslatt]

What a great video! I've been playing piano roll all my life and recently I bought a MIDI keyboard and realized how difficult it can be to play live, like I was starting to learn music all over again.

[brycemillerbryce]

I’m already seeing great progress L.Dre! 👏🔥 You learning and playing the melody and chords at the end is exactly the way. There are no cheat codes or tricks, it’s just playing every day and using the piano as your music making tool that will help you grow.

[frenchlouiemusic-ewdq]

only you can make the time for it. and in reality, learning piano is beneficial to your craft. keep goin man!

[MrCodyVegas]

I've got a tip for you! A great method for learning to play the piano by ear is to choose a melody-rich song, like "Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey, and play it repeatedly. Use your right hand to find notes that sound pleasant. Don't aim to replicate what you hear; instead, focus on creating a pleasing counter melody. As your ear develops, you'll start to match the actual notes you hear. Initially, concentrate on producing agreeable sounds. After mastering the melody with your right hand, gradually incorporate your left hand, one finger at a time. Look for a bass note that complements well; it doesn't need to match the song's original bass. The goal is to sound harmonious. With practice, you'll find yourself playing recognizable tunes, although they may not be in the correct key. This is because you're playing what sounds good to you, rather than the exact notes of the song. I hope this advice is beneficial! <<VERY IMPORTANT>> Do not look at your hands; instead, play in the dark or cover your hands. Use your ears, not your eyes.

[wanstall.mp]

perfect song I started to learn on was travis Scott - my eyes (Japanese house - over there - original sample). honestly really worth checking out, its not too hard

[WriteJus]

I gotta applaud you for not being afraid to show your vulnerability as an artist, it's truly inspiring. Keep up the good work my brotha!

[ELDASY]

This is awesome L. Dre, I can't wait to hear what you come up with 😊

[wilmoremusic]

I like how you tied the new release into this

[torak]

Honestly I’m someone who knows my music theory and can improvise on guitar, but the technique side of piano always made me bounce off hard. I’ve been wanting to try and learn it again to improve my music production and seeing you diving in just using your ears with not much theory to hand was really inspiring! Honestly I think it’s crazy that people can make great music without knowing theory as without it I’d be pretty lost, it’s really a testament to experimentation, trusting yourself and following the vibe!