I am a old frustrated ex Accordion player now enjoying all the aspects of arranger keyboard. I do play for dances while traveling as a Snowbird. Learned the old fashioned way by reading music ( and have to rely on that crutch in front of me). Never have developed a good left hand because of the accordion so today I attended a David Higginson seminar "Piano without Pain". His claim is to learn how professionals play easily without having to read music and Teaching the secrets that will have you playing professional chord technique in a short time.It is based on Keyboard Patterns for any chord.I would love to play by ear and not having to memorize each piece..
My question is if anybody in this forum has used his system?? Sells for around
$300 US. Most people at the seminar bought the system and being the tight screw that I am I proudly held off. Thanks in advance for any comments info etc..

Interesting.

As someone who's been playing by ear forever (but also had many years of classical tuition) I am sure that my playing by ear has improved a lot since I was introduced to "jazzier" chords (i.e. 9ths, 11ths, 13th, missing roots / 3rd etc etc etc) because I could train my ear to hear them properly. Maybe part of this is a formalised version of that strategy?

However I do feek that rhythm and "feel" ared more inbuilt. Many years ago there was a programme on english TV where (apologies for spelling) Yehudi Menhuin (classical) and Stefan Grapelli (jazz) played violin solo and duets in "each others" disciplines. It was clear to me that despite the unquestioned abilities of both players, this was not enough to allow each of them to play in the others discipline with the same precision and/or feel.

Richie, be thankful you did not spend the $300. There is so much available today without paying a large amount of dollars.

Try playing a simple song -- only two chords --in five different keys--take note of their relationship. Memorize, no misuc.

Next try three chord songs, which there are many, keep looking for things in common.

Examples; How to use a numbered sacle.
"C" Major scale-- C D E F G A B
Using numbers--C=1,D=2,E=3,F=4,G=5,A=6,B=7
You will notice that G or G7 leads to C.
Or use numbers, V leads to I.
Using the V leads to I means;
In the key of "G' D or D7 leads to G V to I.
In the key of "F" C or C7 leads to F V to I.

Three chord songs; C F G or I IV V
It will not be long before things clear.
John C,

Sounds alot like this: http://www.playpianonow.com/
I purchased this: http://www.scotthouston.com/index.html
I also purchased this: http://users.wireweb.net/green/pianolessons.htm

Scott "the piano guy" Houston teaches these chord playing techniques, he starts off with chords in the left hand, but then suggests alternating the 1st and 5th, then rolled chords, then two root notes together, etc.

Don't forget these lessons are for PIANO not keyboards. IMO you dont play the keyboard the same as a PIANO. Real Piano players do not hammer down chords with the left hand.
I accidentally learned to play the melody by ear because I had the chords, but not the melody line. The melody line was in my head. I would think this would word equally as well to learn chords. Try playing songs without the chords in front of you. If you can't figure it out, check it, then hide the chords again. I got to try this myself.
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 10-19-2005).]