FAQ

Aug 3rd, 2009 by admin

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do I use only 3 fingers in most of my videos?

Answer: I started out by giving lessons using all the fingers. You can see these under the “Cheat Theories”, “Cheat Tricks” and “Cheat Tips” categories. Some songs were used to illustrate the application of those theories, tips and tricks. I used all the fingers for these too.

However, after a while, I wondered how many people actually benefited from those. Besides, there were already many sites doing the same thing. So, I decided to simplify the playing further using only 3 fingers. The other reason is, the more fingers one sees in the video, the more difficult it is to tell which fingers are actually playing. If my purpose is to enable those who have little or no piano background to play while singing, I think the 3-finger method of playing is much easier to learn.

Q2. Can I use any fingers on my left and right hand?

Answer: Certainly. The only reason that I use certain fingers in the video is so that it is easier for the viewer to tell which notes I play. If I had placed all my 10 fingers on the keyboard, even though I only pressed 3 notes, it would be difficult to tell which 3 notes they were.

I am one who doesn’t stick to convention blindly. My advice is use the fingers most convenient to you.

Q3. Can anyone make a song request?

Answer: I have received lots of song requests since I started. In fact, about 95% of the songs I put up these days are all requests from readers.

The queue of songs is getting longer each day. So, if you do make a request, please be patient to wait for the song to be done.

I won’t be able to do all types of songs. Some are just beyond my ability. If that were the case, I would tell you so. If I can do your song, I would let you know once it’s done.

Q4. How long would I have to wait for my request to be entertained?

Answer: Usually it depends on the queue. But sometimes I choose to jump queue for songs that are relevant at the time (e.g., Michael Jackson’s songs during the time of his demise) as a lot of people are after those songs.

I also reserve the right to give priority to songs that I choose, and to people who show appreciation of my work, people I have more exchanges with or just anyone at all as I choose to. Afterall I am doing this out of free will.

Q5. How and where can I post my request?

Answer: A request may be posted as a comment on any page. I will respond to confirm your request as soon as I have read your comment.

Q6. Can I request more than 1 song at a time?

Answer: You are free to do so, but I will only do 1 song first, and the rest will be put at the end of the queue.

Q7. Are the music notes/sheets available anywhere?

Answer: I work out what to play by listening to the song, and I do not usually write any notes. It’s too tedious to write them. Besides, the notes or sheets are usually available on the Internet for sale if you really need them. I do not intend to provide notes on this site as my videos are intended to benefit those who do not read notes.

For the newer videos, I have decided to provide the chords (to the best of my own guess of what the chords are) on each post, because a lot of readers have asked for them. I don’t mind doing this because it is relatively easy to write these out.

Q8. Can I download the melody?

Answer: The melody line is recorded on a separate ‘track’ after recording the chords. I usually do not save these tracks.

Anyway, the method of playing here is intended to be a singalong/karaoke. That is, one is meant to sing along while playing the chords on piano.

Q9. Can you slow down your playing so that I can follow better?

Answer: In my earlier videos (the first 15 or so), I played sheerly from my memory of those songs, so the speed/tempo may be wrong. However, the later videos were all recorded while playing and listening to the song at the same time. In other words, the speed/tempo is what it should be (for those later videos).

In any case, if it is too fast for you to see, I suggest you download the video to your harddisk and play it from there using something like Microsoft Media Player, on which you can adjust the playback speed. That way, you can play as slow or fast as you want.

Q10. How can I download your video?

Answer: My videos are all uploaded to YouTube. You can find all my videos on my YouTube ‘channel’ at http://www.youtube.com/leshmye. The videos may be downloaded using some software or websites that provide such downloading service. You can do a search on Google to find many such software and websites.

60 Responses to “FAQ”

on 28 Sep 2009 at 6:30 pm1Victor

Hi Les,

I just have a question regarding reading chords that you have provided on your site for some songs. I have self-taught myself the piano and found your site absolutely most helpful in playing some of the songs. However, I don’t know how to read the chords properly…when you put a / what does that mean? Can you use Leehom’s - Kiss Goodbye as an example,

Part 1: D2 - A/C# - C6 - B4 - B/D# - Em7 - Gm6 - F#m7 - Bm7 - Em7 - G/A - G/B - A/C#
Part 2a: D2 - Bm7 - GM7 - Gm6 - F#/A#
Part 2b: Bm7 - Bm7/A - Em7 - E7/G# - Cm6/Eb - Em7 - G/A - GM7 - Gm6 - D2

what do those - and /’s mean.

Thanks very much…

Victor
on 30 Sep 2009 at 1:56 pm2admin

Hi Victor, thank you for your comment.
The “/” is the separator for the chord and the bass note. For example A/C# means an A chord on a C# bass. So, you can read the “/” sign as “on”. That is, A/C# or A on C# means playing A chord (on the right hand) accompanied by the C# note as the bass note.
on 11 Nov 2009 at 1:37 pm3John

I am learning music theory and using Chinese Pop songs, and I am wondering what kind of training you have had…because your listening is spot on — were you a music major or just somoeone who played piano for a long time with a very good ear?
on 11 Nov 2009 at 5:10 pm4admin

Wow, John! That’s quite a compliment! I’m flattered! Haha! Thank you!
I learned piano till Grade 7, but by then I still couldn’t play any song without looking at the music score. I started noticing patterns in chords by learning organ for a couple of years, and then applied that on my self-taught guitar. Later, I was taught a bit of bass guitar at church, and has since been able to tune my ear to listening to bass notes better. The combination of bass notes and chords has helped me greatly.
on 03 Jan 2010 at 10:36 am5km

here some song i request, plzzzzzzzzzzzz
leslie cheung——chase
孫燕姿 - 遇見
jay chou—-end of the world
bad day—-daniel powter
on 04 Jan 2010 at 3:00 pm6admin

Hi km, thank you for visiting. You have so many requests, I’m now sure which one to start with. Can you decide which ONE you would like first, I will have to queue the rest to the end after I have completed other repeated requests. ;b
on 22 Jan 2010 at 12:40 am7km

just do any which convenient for u, i already much appreciate ur effort to this site, carnt ask for more! ur the man! superman!!! musicsuperman!!!
on 25 Jan 2010 at 9:53 am8Nikki B

Hey! I wanted to start off by saying what an amazing person you are. You post videos and write out stuff for people who aren’t as talented on the piano as you (like me). I think that is so amazing because you do it for no price and you take requests. I have no time limit for my requests Feel free to do these whenever you have time. I know how it feels to be swamped with work. This is greatly appreciated!
I will follow you into the dark - Death cab for cutie
Collie Man- Slightly stoopid
on 25 Jan 2010 at 2:07 pm9admin

Wah…! Thanks, km! That’s really flattering!
on 25 Jan 2010 at 2:38 pm10admin

Thank you, Nikki, for your compliment! I will let you know once I’ve done your requests.
on 27 Jan 2010 at 8:33 am11ellibeth

You are amazing! I’ve been trying to learn piano for a long, long, long time. I tried reading notes and did not work. I also tried chords but sounded very chopped and not flowing. And I found your website on youtube. Seriously, you are a genius. I wish you could do more Hillsong songs.
Thanks for sharing this website to the world.
NE, USA
on 27 Jan 2010 at 1:50 pm12admin

Thank you for your encouraging comment, Ellibeth!
on 11 Feb 2010 at 12:56 am13benjamin

hi admin,

Paul baloche’s offering. That will be a great tutorial for all church goers.
on 13 Feb 2010 at 11:13 pm14louis

HI!i love your sharing a lot!if i want to play the chords with singing,you just post the first part of those song, after i play the part,how can i connect to the second part, take “you raise me up” as and example,when i finished singing the first part “you raise me up,to more than i can be…..”then how can i link to the second part of lyrics??it is in a hurry,please help me,thanks a lot!

if you can reply to my e-mail, i think it is more better,thanks!
i love your post so much!
on 20 Feb 2010 at 9:05 pm15admin

Thanks for the suggestion, benjamin.
on 21 Feb 2010 at 7:04 pm16BRIAN

hi, can you please make a video of
方大同 version - 記得 please?
on 22 Feb 2010 at 9:49 am17admin

I’ll try, Brian. Thanks for dropping by.
on 23 Feb 2010 at 9:26 pm18BRIAN

thanks man, can you also do 方大同 southern sound please?
don’t mind to wait for he queue tho
because i think i found most of the 記得 now,
just the instrument solo can’t be asked to find those out.
cheers
on 24 Feb 2010 at 9:00 am19admin

I’ll try.
on 30 Mar 2010 at 1:01 am20km

REMEMBER THESE?

here some song i request, plzzzzzzzzzzzz
leslie cheung——chase
孫燕姿 - 遇見
jay chou—-end of the world
bad day—-daniel powter
on 30 Mar 2010 at 10:16 am21admin

Yes, km (mee), I remember your request made on 12 JAN. For your info, I’m still working on requests made in DEC 2009. And, I’ve chosen “Bad Day” out of all your requests as I can’t be fulfilling all of them. If “Bad Day” isn’t on the top of your priority, please let me know so I will change accordingly. Cheers!
on 04 Apr 2010 at 10:04 pm22Chương Chute

I’d be so much grateful if you can help me with the song I’ll Stand By You of Carrie Underwood. I truly want to play this for my bf.

Thanks a lot. :X :X :X
on 05 Apr 2010 at 10:41 am23admin

Your BF is a lucky guy! LOL! I’ve added the song to my list. It will take a while though, so please be patient.
on 08 Apr 2010 at 10:54 pm24Chương Chute

Thank you. :X

Btw I can play Love Story by Taylor Swift now. :”> He must be very glad when hearing it. :”>
Thanx again. :X
on 09 Apr 2010 at 3:54 pm25admin

Hi Chuong Chute, I’m so glad to hear that you can now play Love Story by Taylor Swift! Well done!!! I will inform you once I’ve done your request.
on 10 Apr 2010 at 2:58 pm26KM

I JUST THOUGH U FORGOT, IF U NOT, I AM OK FOR WAITING
BTW, I SEE U’VE BEEN WORKING HARD ON PUTTING NEW SONG AND GOT A COOOOOLLLLL CHINESE NAME OF THE SITE
on 12 Apr 2010 at 4:41 pm27admin

LOL!!! Thanks for your comment about my new Chinese homepage title!
on 13 Apr 2010 at 2:38 am28RNK

Hi Les!

I’m working on english lyrics for 2AM’s What Do I Do (korean)…
Could you please tell me if its possible for you to do your magic on it? =P
Here’s the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5RWbECr6as

I know you’re very VERY busy with other requests…but if you could tell me you can do it, then I’ll wait patiently
on 13 Apr 2010 at 10:54 am29admin

Sounds a little jazzy, but shouldn’t be a problem. I will try my best, RNK, provided you can wait.
on 15 Apr 2010 at 8:13 pm30Becca (from youtube)

Can you make a video of Hey, Soul Sister by Train. Thank you so much!
on 16 Apr 2010 at 11:37 am31admin

Hi km, I’ve just posted 追 by 张国荣 as requested. Please check it out!
on 16 Apr 2010 at 11:39 am32admin

Sure, Becca. I’ll add that to my request queue. Please be patient though, as the list is really long at the moment. Thanks for visiting. I remember you from YouTube.
on 17 Apr 2010 at 7:37 pm33cheng

hey les, can you do b-boy’s “as long as you love me”? i posted this request on other page, then i found this page where everyone seems to post, so i just repost my request here, hope you don’t mind!!

btw i know there’s a program called synthesia where u can get for free, n its basically like guitar hero but its piano instead, just letting you know thats all ha! btw i don’t mind if you use more than 3 fingers, i’ve learnt some songs on youtube, like this one here, which use the synthesia program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSE-sswUbDg
thanks for all the vids n your effort!!
on 19 Apr 2010 at 4:38 am34Becca Short

Is there any way you could post the cheats for ‘The More I Seek You’ by Kari Jobe? Thanks so much!
on 21 Apr 2010 at 8:41 am35Daniel

Dear pianist/pianists @ piano cheats,

I just want to say that you guys are the best, I needed a little help with “I worship you” by MaryMary and you helped me 100%. I’m only 17 years old future musician and all I have to say is GOD BLESS YOU PEOPLE!!!!!! You guys are the best.

Daniel
on 21 Apr 2010 at 12:38 pm36admin

That’s ok cheng. I can see your posting anywhere you post on this blog. Have added your request to the queue. Hope you can wait.
on 21 Apr 2010 at 12:44 pm37admin

Hi Becca, the way is time. I need time to do it. The queue is really long at the moment.
on 21 Apr 2010 at 12:45 pm38admin

Glad to hear that, Daniel! I’m doing this alone here. Pls call me Les. And thanks for your comment!
on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:39 am39Kin

Seems like u r very busy. Could u do me a favour by showing me how to play So Close of Jon McLaughlin ? Thank u so much.

This is for the one who folded 1000 cranes for me just for 1 wish that I would love him. I don’t love him at all. I just don’t know what to do. He really likes this song, so I think I should play and sing the song as sth to thank him.

I’m not in hurry, take your time. Thank u.
on 25 Apr 2010 at 8:59 pm40Daniel

NO, Thank You Les!!! Continue with your great work.
on 26 Apr 2010 at 7:51 pm41admin

I’ll try my best, Kin. Thanks for being patient.
on 14 May 2010 at 12:51 pm42admin

Hi benjamin, I’ve just posted Offering by Paul Baloche as requested. Pls check it out. In return, I would really appreciate if you could post my URL (www.PianoCheats.com) as a link on your own blog or website or FB or anything like that. Thanks!
on 14 May 2010 at 12:53 pm43admin

Hi Nikki, I’ve just posted Collie Man by Slightly Stoopid as requested. Please check it out! In return, I would really appreciate if you could post my URL (www.PianoCheats.com) as a link on your own blog or website or FB or anything like that.
on 24 May 2010 at 1:26 pm44admin

Hi BRIAN, I’ve just posted Southern Sound by Khalil Fong 方大同 as requested. Pls check it out! In return, I would really appreciate if you could post my URL (www.PianoCheats.com) as a link on your own blog or website or FB or anything like that. Thanks!
on 11 Jun 2010 at 12:07 pm45eric

may u make a tutorial of 不要驚動愛情 & 祝我生日快樂??
thank you.
on 11 Jun 2010 at 6:17 pm46admin

I will do 1 out of the 2 you named, eric.
on 14 Jun 2010 at 12:31 am47Jerry

can you plese make a tutorial of 不要驚動愛情? Thanks a lot.
on 18 Jun 2010 at 9:15 am48admin

Sure, Jerry!
on 20 Jul 2010 at 1:36 pm49admin

Hi Chuong Chute, I’ve just posted I’ll Stand By You by Carrie Underwood as requested. Pls check it out.
In return, I would really appreciate if you could post my URL (www.PianoCheats.com) as a link on your own blog or website or FB or anything like that. Thanks!
on 25 Jul 2010 at 1:19 pm50Chương Chute

THANK U SO MUCH FOR THIS !! I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY !! THANK U !! :X I’VE POSTED THIS TO MY FB. :X

By the way, could u teach me how to play So Close by Jon McLaughlin in the movie Enchanted ? Thank u so much. I love u. :* :* :*
on 27 Jul 2010 at 12:08 pm51admin

I’ve added it to the queue, Chuong Chute. Glad to know that you are happy! Cheers!
on 16 Aug 2010 at 11:45 am52admin

Hi RNK, I’ve just posted What Do I Do 어떡하죠 by 2AM as requested. Pls check it out!
Would really appreciate if in return, you could post my URL (www.PianoCheats.com) as a link on your own blog or website or FB or anything like that. Thanks!
on 22 Aug 2010 at 4:08 pm53Dori

Hi Les,

Here’s my request: Camila - Coleccionista De Canciones

Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlySoaI0DGI

Thank you,
Dori
on 25 Aug 2010 at 4:41 pm54VL

Part 1a: A - E/G# - C#/F - F#m7 - F#m7/E
Part 1b: D - E/D - C#m7 - F# - Bm7 - D/E - A - D/E - E
Part 2a: A - E/G# - F#m7 - C#m7
Part 2b: D - C#m7 - Bm7 - D/E
Part 2c: D - C#m7 - F# - Bm7 - D/E - A

F# m7 , the m7 stands for ?
on 26 Aug 2010 at 8:39 am55admin

Ok, Dori. Hope you can wait. It’s gonna take a long time. :b
on 26 Aug 2010 at 8:54 am56admin

Hi VL, the m7 means minor-7. The notes that make up the F#m7 chord are F#, A, C# and E.
on 03 Sep 2010 at 2:41 pm57ko0lguy86

Hi, can you make a tutorial for landy’s - 祝我生日快乐? I’ve been trying to find a tutorial for it all over the internet, but nothing… =/
on 06 Sep 2010 at 8:02 pm58admin

Hi cheng, I’ve just posted As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys. Pls check it out! Thanks for being so patient.
on 06 Sep 2010 at 8:36 pm59admin

I’ll try. It will take a long while though. Hope you can wait.
on 07 Sep 2010 at 9:55 pm60admin

Hi Becca Short, I’ve just posted The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe as requested. Pls check it out!