Piano Cheats

on 09 Mar 2009 at 2:04 pm1Stratocastin'

Heyo,

Can you please send me the chords of Leehom’s “Everything” and “HeartBeat” together with the melody if possible? I will be able to better figure them out this way. Thank you alot!

Also, do you have the chords for other Leehom songs? Especially JING ZHEN DUI SHOU…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnGAU1we9b4

But seriously, any Leehom’s songs will be fantastic.

I really wanna learn them! It will be great!

Patiently awaiting…

Truly,
Stratocastin’…
on 14 Apr 2009 at 3:00 pm2SHEndromeVictim

hi! i’ve decided..
honestly speaking,
i’m one of your fans!!
haha
you’re so great!
i idolize you!
thanks for your kindness!
keep up the good work!
jia you!
on 14 Apr 2009 at 4:53 pm3admin

Hehehe…! Thank you so much!!! That’s very nice of you!
on 12 May 2009 at 9:53 pm4SHEndromeVictim

hi! here i am again! i really idolize you! (well, that’s what i’m always saying… it’s a fact!) because of that, i want to ask you if, how many years/months (if possible):) have you spent in learning to play piano? and what should be the first thing the newbies should know??? ((actually, i’m really not a begginer,,, i don’t know how to play the piano… i just know how to play the melody by hearing the song))
on 13 May 2009 at 12:59 pm5admin

This is difficult to answer… let me relate my experience. First I learned piano the classical way for abt 8-9 years. I couldn’t play anything if you took away the music sheet in front of me! Around the same time, I picked up guitar myself by going through some guide books, and went to organ lessons. That’s when I realized a certain patterns in chords. After that, I was asked to play guitar in church. When there was a lack of drummer and bass guitarist, I was taught drums and bass so I can help out when needed. It was when playing bass guitar behind pianists at church that I learned how to play piano by chords. All in all, I have played for over 30 years. The experience on drums helps me with rhythm, the experience on bass helps me to listen to the bass notes, and the combination of the different instruments help me to pick up chords better. What a beginner needs to know depends on what he/she wants to achieve. For example, if you just want to play chords and sing along, I don’t think you need to know how to read music notes. If you want to be able to recognize chord patterns, then you need at least some understanding of theories, scales, etc. If one doesn’t have time for any of that, then it’s best to just follow my videos. Hahaha!
on 15 May 2009 at 2:26 pm6SHEndromeVictim

oh! it took so many years for you to learn! but i think you’re talented because of what you’ve said! you’re too patient! i really want to know how to play piano but then i have no time. i have classes too! haha =D btw, which of those instruments you’ve said is easy to learn??? for you???
on 15 May 2009 at 2:29 pm7SHEndromeVictim

btw, are the table of contents here are easier ways to learn piano???
on 18 May 2009 at 9:10 am8admin

Hi, I think guitar is probably the easiest. That’s for me, anyway (Different people may have different opinions). However, to play any instrument really well, one has to practise a lot. I have to admit that I don’t actually play any of the instruments well. I just know how to play them. Haha!
on 18 May 2009 at 9:13 am9admin

I think it would be good if you can follow the Cheat Theories posts, one by one, yes, in the order listed in the Table Of Contents (under Cheat Theories). All the best to you! Do let me know if you have any queries.
on 19 May 2009 at 9:45 pm10SHEndromeVictim

but still, for me, you’re talented! =)
on 19 May 2009 at 9:49 pm11SHEndromeVictim

oh. thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge! =)
on 19 May 2009 at 10:04 pm12SHEndromeVictim

btw, did you post how to play piano in a classical way?
on 20 May 2009 at 12:28 pm13admin

No, I didn’t. There are many sites already doing that.
on 20 May 2009 at 5:12 pm14SHEndromeVictim

thanks!
on 07 Jun 2009 at 10:48 pm15Philipp

Hi,

it’s me Philipp. I from youtube..you remember?
I asked you about this Tim Song and you did a great job. It quite a longe time ago now.

I found a song again I really would like to learn.
It is also a korean singer Jo Sung Mo and the Song is called “Piano”

You can find it on youtube but I also can send you the mp3 file.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNy6pS4uaCI

But I will send you also the mp3 file through my email.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Have a nice day and keep up the great work.

Philipp~
on 09 Jun 2009 at 11:22 am16admin

Hi Philipp! Yes, I remember you, and the song that took me 3 nights to do! Hahaha! I have received your song on mp3, it’s a nice song! I will put it in the queue. However, I’m swamped with requests at the moment. To give you a hint of how long this may take, I am still clearing the requests received in late April.
on 23 Jul 2009 at 10:02 am17Shaolina Noir

I donated $?? USD to Piano cheats!

Talk soon…Thank You!
Be blessed!
ShaolinaNoir
on 27 Jul 2009 at 9:35 am18admin

WOW!!! Thank you so much, Shaolina! You know what? You are the FIRST and ONLY one who has donated! I truly appreciate this gesture! Thanks heaps!
on 15 Aug 2009 at 9:33 pm19Junior

Hi,

First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for all your hardwork in creating this wonderful site. You know, nowadays not many people are willing to share knowledge and experiences with the public. You are truly a great person!

By the way, I took up piano lessons for around 6 months and decided to learn on my own. Currently, I am able to catch melodies fairly quick enough, as well as some of the accompanying chords. Can you offer any advice for me to continue my journey, say, how to improve on identifying which chords to use, different bassing styles etc.

Once again, thanks for your generosity and kindness!

Warm regards from Kuching.
on 19 Aug 2009 at 5:31 pm20admin

Hi Junior, thank you for your comment. My advice is to just try playing more of your favorite songs. Listen closely to the bass notes, as these will give you a clue about the chords that are being played. You are pretty good to be able to do what you are doing after just 6 months of piano lessons! Wow!
I’m not sure if I have answered your question. ;p Anyway, please keep asking if there is anything else you need to clarify. Have you gone through the Theories and Tricks categories?
I’m from Kuching too.
on 20 Aug 2009 at 6:24 pm21Junior

Thanks a lot for your reply!

I have a couple of questions here:
1. After I find the melody, I find it difficult at times to harmonize the chords with effective styles like arpeggios etc.

2. What should be the correct step in playing music purely by ear? Is it finding the melody then figure out the chords?

3. If I opt for finding only chords for accompanying, is there any tips to get better in this?

Thanks a million! By the way, glad to know that we’re from the same town
on 22 Aug 2009 at 10:35 pm22admin

Figuring out the melody isn’t how I find chords. It’s most important to figure out the key, i.e., where the “doh” sound is. From there, if you can hear the bass notes, then it would help you to figure out other chords. If you are familiar with many different chord patterns, it is a bonus to identify the chords by recognizing the patterns when you listen to the song. This is how I play by ear. For those who have perfect pitch, they can tell the note and key from hearing without trying out on a musical instrument, but unfortunately not me. I hope I have answered your questions, though it’s not exactly in the point form you have put them. Haha!
on 27 Aug 2009 at 12:03 am23Junior

Thanks for your advice!

I’m starting to get some clues in playing. However, I don’t really understand this line: ” It’s most important to figure out the key, i.e., where the “doh” sound is”

Can you please elaborate further on that point?

Thanks a million!!
on 27 Aug 2009 at 11:45 am24admin

The key is what unlocks the song. If you can tell where the “doe” (i.e., of “doe”, “ray”, “me”, “far”, etc. of a Major scale) is in the song, then that is also the key of the song. Say if the “doe” is a G note, then the key for the song is G.
on 28 Aug 2009 at 12:25 am25Junior

I see. What about chord patterns? Any examples on it?

Thanks!
on 28 Aug 2009 at 2:17 pm26admin

Check out some blogs I have posted under “Cheat Theories” category. I have said quite a bit there I believe. Let me know if you still don’t understand.
on 04 Sep 2009 at 7:00 pm27Junior

Hello,

I’ve read through your tutorials and I’m starting to get some clues now.

After watching your videos, I have some questions:

1. The note that you play on the left hand should be the bass note right? What about the 2 keys you play on your right hand? I seem to see you play the 2 keys as the major/minor 3rd of the chord, as well as sometimes perfect 5th of the chord. How do I determine which to use for the right hand?

2. As for identifying what chords to be used, do I look for the chords by playing them in the cheat chords way, or look for them in ordinary chords position?

Really,learning piano would not be as fun and effective if I haven’t found this site. Really a million thanks!!
on 05 Sep 2009 at 12:29 pm28admin

Hi Junior, good to hear from you again.
1. Yes, the left hand note is the bass note. I usually play 3 or 4 notes on the right hand. In the “cheat” videos, I determine which 2 notes out of the usually 3 or 4 notes to play by the sound that the 2 notes produce together with the bass note.
2. When trying to identify chords, you should have the ordinary chords in mind, as that is the only way you can tell which chords the notes belong to. I usually identify these chords first, and later simplify them into my 2-finger chords.
Thank you for your comment! I am very happy to know that I can help someone.
Cheers!
on 06 Sep 2009 at 10:48 pm29admin

Hi Philipp, I have just posted Piano by Jo Sung Mo as requested. Please check it out.
on 05 Oct 2009 at 1:38 am30airaaam

can i request: I’m Gonna Fly - Sydney Forest
or Soaring - Sydney Forest
because I can’t find any music sheet for it … T_T
thanks. no need to rush. i can wait i love all your
tutorials especially, love song - sara bareilles
and stupid for you & say it again - mariè digby.
on 06 Oct 2009 at 4:35 pm31admin

Hi airaaam, thank you very much for your comment! Ok, I will add your request to the queue. Cheers!
on 18 Oct 2009 at 9:40 pm32Junior

Hi again!

I’ve been experimenting with the piano all this while with your advice as my guide

Basically I’m able to play songs by ear in C major scale without much problem. Now, I have a couple of questions,again (haha):

1. If we’re talking about major and minor chords only, assuming that we’re playing in C major scale, is it true that all the major chords used to harmonize the melody will only be chord I,IV & V, and the same goes to minor chords which will only be chord II,III & VI in C major? Say for C chord, I will only use the major but not the minor in C major scale?

2. Is it really true that the only fastest way to identify the scale of a song is by hearing? I’ve seen a grade 8 classmate pressing some kind of chord on the keyboard after listening to the song for the first time and then start playing it. I can’t dream to be like him in a couple of days, but it’ll be fun to know what’s running in his mind!

3. I seem to feel that the D key goes very well with G major chord, and the A key goes pretty well too with F major chord. Is there any explanation to the relationship between different keys and different chords?

4. In your videos, how do you know that the chord used is C/D instead of a regular C? Is it purely through listening?

Wow, I’ve just realised that I wrote that much… Sorry for causing trouble for you. Really really thanks!!!
on 19 Oct 2009 at 5:54 pm33admin

Hi Junior,
I’m about to knock off from work, but let me reply you quickly.
(1) No, these are not the only chords. If you have read my “cheat” theories further, you probably would have come across II, III and VI major chords as well, and also IVm and Vm. But those chords you mention are more commonly used.
(2) It’s by listening and recognizing the familiar PROGRESSIONS through experience. You may be able to do it one day with enough practice. Do what I do: get song requests from others and challenge yourself to find the chords for these songs. That would definitely help you. (3) Did you mean D note or D key? A note or A key? In any case, D note or D key should go well with G chord, because G chord is the IV chord of D key. But A key and F chord don’t come together often, though they do. However, A note can be used as the bass note of F chord, e.g., F/A.
(4) That’s a matter of preference. I use IV chord on V bass very often instead of a straight IV chord (it’s on one of my theory post). It’s has a more contemporary sound. And yes, it’s through listening too, because most songs these days use that.
I hope my answers have helped you.
Cheers!
on 19 Oct 2009 at 10:47 pm34Junior

Oh yes your reply has definitely helped!

Now that I’m clearer about the harmonizing part, I’m trying to focus myself into different styles of bassing.

Ah, one more thing just popped up in my mind: I often see people end their song by playing some sort of scales or chords from the lower octaves up to the higher octaves. May I know what’s that?

Thanks a million!
on 21 Oct 2009 at 10:17 am35admin

Hi Junior, u r obviously very diligent! Haha! That’s gr8! A very common way to end the song the way you described is this: playing a sus2 or sus4 chord.
For example, if you are in the C key. The ending is very likely a C2 or C4 (most of the time C2).
If you play a C2, then it is, C-D-G…C-D-G…C-D-G… form lower to higher octaves.
It would sound very different if you were to play a straight C chord, or C-E-G…C-E-G… etc., which sounds like an airport announcement! LOL!
on 22 Oct 2009 at 6:37 pm36sweetie

Hello, could I request to have Tamia- Officially missing you
Thank you very much~ o^-^o
on 23 Oct 2009 at 9:36 am37admin

Sure, sweetie. Nice song!
on 23 Oct 2009 at 10:11 am38sweetie

Thank you very much!!!!
Just let me know when you finish….
Have a good day~
on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:32 pm39Junior

Hi again!

Your tips have been really useful!

Yesterday I went to a party and managed to see someone play the piano. The way he ended the song was like he played all sorts of inversions of the tonal chord of the scale, like CEG - EGC - GCE one after another on both hands. Is that another way of ending a song?

Thanks!

P.S. - I’m able to play most of the songs I listen to right now, thanks to you!!
on 02 Nov 2009 at 10:15 am40admin

Hi Junior, thank you very much for your comments. I’m very glad to hear your encouraging feedback!
There is no fixed way of ending a song. It’s all a personal preference I believe. There are a lot of things you can actually experiment with for intro and ending. Try listening to pop songs, and try out their introductions and endings, and you will see what I mean.
on 13 Nov 2009 at 3:38 pm41Junior

Hello!

Haha, feeling real great after trying out all the different intros and endings of pop songs. I never knew that music can be so free!

Anyway, I’ve came across this little problem here. How can I play a chord with different bass in arpeggio? I only know how to do that if it’s just a chord, like C maj would be C - G - C - E - C.

Thanks!

P.S. - Going to sit for my SPM exam this wednesday!!!
on 16 Nov 2009 at 5:25 pm42admin

Hi Junior, you can also play the D note in you arpeggio. Try C - G - C - D - E, or C - G - D - E.
All the best to you SPM! がんばって (Ganbate)!!!
on 24 Dec 2009 at 2:58 am43Bradley

Can you please make a tutorial for the song “Tamis Ng Unang Halik”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejDthPltd8
Thank you!!!
on 24 Dec 2009 at 2:14 pm44admin

Sure, Bradley! That’s a nice song!
Hope you can wait, as the queue is rather long.
on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:24 am45onyaK

Hi

you learn me to play “You Raise me Up” and im happy XD
your “lessons” are really good ^,^ i like them

Now me request Could you try to play Because of you from Kelly Clarkson?
if you want it could be more fingers then 3, if it isnt possible to play this song with this 3

Thank you really much,

Meli
on 04 Jan 2010 at 2:45 pm46admin

Hi Meli, I’ve added you request to the queue. Please be patient as it will take a while.
on 13 Jan 2010 at 3:32 pm47admin

Hi airaaam, I’ve just posted “I’m Gonna Fly” by Sydney Forest as requested. Please check it out! And thank you for your patience.
on 22 Jan 2010 at 8:27 pm48Danny

Your works have been fantastic and so I was wondering if you could do tutorials for the songs “Love to Search For you in memories” by raymond Lam, and “Ni Bu Zai(You’re not here” by Wang Lee Hom? Because I want to use them to help me sing on pitch better as I will be performing them soon for a school singing competition.

Thanks so much in Advance
on 25 Jan 2010 at 2:18 pm49admin

When’s your performance Danny? My request queue is really long at the moment, and I’m wondering how long you can wait. :b
on 29 Jan 2010 at 9:02 pm50Robert

Hi admin!
Can you post the songs for and also for others “The Search is Over”by Survivor,”Straight From The Heart”by Bryan Adams,”Making Love Out of Nothing At All”by Air Supply,”Heaven” by Bryan Adams,”Honestly”by Harem Scarem,”Heaven Knows”by Rick Price,”Glory of Love”by Peter Cetera,”Right Here Waiting”by Richard Marx and “Out of My League”by Stephen Speaks…tnx! I know this would take time but I can wait ‘coz I’m very eager to learn piano.
on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:15 am51admin

Hi Robert, that will be a LONG wait. LOL!
on 04 Feb 2010 at 12:35 am52benjamin

Hi Admin,

I found this web 4 days ago and kept coming to read and watch your tutorials. Besides the work you posted, I am really impressed with you as an individual; being so helpful and humble. Praise the lord.
Like you, i am just a pure classical player since a child and very dependent on sheet music. Till now i am still figuring out chords of my favorite song and try to arrange it on my own. Still strggling though. Your tutorials has given me quite some ideas. Thanks alot.
Robert has requested some great songs which happened to be my favorite songs. We can wait, no worries.

God Bless
Ben
on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:56 am53admin

Thank you, Ben, for your encouraging comments! Really appreciate that!
on 20 Feb 2010 at 6:34 pm54Robert

Hi Admin!
Any updates w/ my requests?
on 20 Feb 2010 at 9:40 pm55admin

Hi Robert, you are the one with the long list of requests late January? For your info, I’m still working on requests made in November 2009.
on 21 Feb 2010 at 12:57 pm56Robert

Hi Admin!
That sounds not really good but like what I’ve said before. I can wait,no poroblem w/ that. Hope you will work on it soon. Tnx a lot. God Bless
on 24 Feb 2010 at 4:59 pm57chery

hi there, just wanna ask what is digital piano?
on 24 Feb 2010 at 8:48 pm58pianolover

Hi, can you make the song called ge qian by jay chou.
THANKS SO　ＭＵＣＨ！！
on 25 Feb 2010 at 9:52 am59admin

I think it means electronic piano.
on 25 Feb 2010 at 9:52 am60admin

I’ll try.
on 08 Apr 2010 at 10:49 am61admin

Hi Meli, I’ve just posted Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson as requested. Please check it out! And thanks for being patient.
on 11 Apr 2010 at 4:13 pm62Junior

Hello!

Just to drop by and tell you that you’ve really done so much help to music lovers like me.. I’ve really learnt a lot from you!

Well, I’ve disappeared for some time after my SPM But all this while I’ve been experimenting with the methods you have posted and it really helps!

A million thanks to you!!
on 12 Apr 2010 at 4:36 pm63admin

Hi Bradley, I’ve just posted Tamis Ng Unang Halik by Juris Fernandez as requested. Please check it out! Thanks for being patient.
on 12 Apr 2010 at 4:49 pm64admin

You are most welcome! You are the Kuching guy right, if I remember correctly?
on 16 Apr 2010 at 11:35 am65admin

Hi Robert, I’ve just posted “Out Of My League” by Stephen Speaks as requested. Please check it out!
on 29 Apr 2010 at 6:38 pm66admin

Hi Danny, I’ve just posted 你不在 by 王力宏 as requested. Please check it out.
on 02 May 2010 at 1:52 pm67Robert

Hi Admin,

Thanks for granting my request,hope that you’ll post the others soon..
on 10 May 2010 at 1:55 pm68admin

Hi Robert, I’ve just posted The Search Is Over by Survivor as requested. Please check it out. Would appreciate if you could post my link (www.PianoCheats.com) on your blog or website or Facebook or any social networking site in return. Thanks!
on 18 May 2010 at 1:17 pm69Robert

Hi admin!
Thanks a lot for posting my requests, hope that you will continue your good works and for me you’re one of the best. ^_^ In return, I would post your links as you’ve requested.
God Bless
on 21 May 2010 at 9:25 pm70admin

Thanks, Robert!!!
on 23 May 2010 at 10:58 pm71Elodia

Hey teacher. I’ve been playing transpose for years because i’ve been afraid of the black keys.
Thanks for helping me to overcome all those fears. I feels so good just knowing they are my friends (and so many too)
Your simple backing tracks would be of help of you posted those to so your students would play along with it.
Thanks Teacher
on 24 May 2010 at 1:32 pm72admin

Thanks for your comment, Elodia!
on 04 Jun 2010 at 12:48 pm73admin

Hi pianolover, I’ve just posted 擱淺 by 周杰倫 as requested. Pls check it out!