Table Of Contents
Cheat Theories
Cheat Tricks
Changing The Bass Notes (part 2)
Changing The Bass Notes (part 3)
General
Recommendations
Jamie Cullum - “I Never Let Anything Hold Me Back”
Hee Ah Lee, The 4-Finger Pianist
Scott McIntyre - Phone Interview
Blah x3
The Millennium Development Goals
Songs
See “Index for Songs”




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’…
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!
Hehehe…! Thank you so much!!! That’s very nice of you!
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))
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!
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???
btw, are the table of contents here are easier ways to learn piano???
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!
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.
but still, for me, you’re talented! =)
oh. thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge! =)
btw, did you post how to play piano in a classical way?
No, I didn’t. There are many sites already doing that.
thanks!
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~
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.
I donated $?? USD to Piano cheats!
Talk soon…Thank You!
Be blessed!
ShaolinaNoir
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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!!
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.
I see. What about chord patterns? Any examples on it?
Thanks!
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.
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!!
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!
Hi Philipp, I have just posted Piano by Jo Sung Mo as requested. Please check it out.
can i request: I’m Gonna Fly - Sydney Forest
i love all your
or Soaring - Sydney Forest
because I can’t find any music sheet for it … T_T
thanks. no need to rush. i can wait
tutorials especially, love song - sara bareilles
and stupid for you & say it again - mariè digby.
Hi airaaam, thank you very much for your comment! Ok, I will add your request to the queue. Cheers!
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!!!
Hi Junior,
(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.
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.
(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!
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!
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!
Hello, could I request to have Tamia- Officially missing you
Thank you very much~ o^-^o
Sure, sweetie. Nice song!
Thank you very much!!!!
Just let me know when you finish….
Have a good day~
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!!
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.
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!!!
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)!!!
Can you please make a tutorial for the song “Tamis Ng Unang Halik”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejDthPltd8
Thank you!!!
Sure, Bradley! That’s a nice song!
Hope you can wait, as the queue is rather long.
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
Hi Meli, I’ve added you request to the queue. Please be patient as it will take a while.
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.
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
When’s your performance Danny? My request queue is really long at the moment, and I’m wondering how long you can wait. :b
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.
Hi Robert, that will be a LONG wait. LOL!
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
Thank you, Ben, for your encouraging comments!
Really appreciate that!
Hi Admin!
Any updates w/ my requests?
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.
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
hi there, just wanna ask what is digital piano?
Hi, can you make the song called ge qian by jay chou.
THANKS SO MUCH!!
I think it means electronic piano.
I’ll try.
Hi Meli, I’ve just posted Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson as requested. Please check it out! And thanks for being patient.
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!!
Hi Bradley, I’ve just posted Tamis Ng Unang Halik by Juris Fernandez as requested. Please check it out! Thanks for being patient.
You are most welcome! You are the Kuching guy right, if I remember correctly?
Hi Robert, I’ve just posted “Out Of My League” by Stephen Speaks as requested. Please check it out!
Hi Danny, I’ve just posted 你不在 by 王力宏 as requested. Please check it out.
Hi Admin,
Thanks for granting my request,hope that you’ll post the others soon..
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!
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
Thanks, Robert!!!
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
Thanks for your comment, Elodia!
Hi pianolover, I’ve just posted 擱淺 by 周杰倫 as requested. Pls check it out!
Hi Admin,
Can I request to you the song “Open Arms” by Journey.. thanks!
Hi Robert, please look under “Index” page, the song has been there for a long time.
Hi Robert, I’ve just posted Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx. Pls check it out.
Hey Admin,
May I request the song “Soaring” by Sydney Forest? Thanks! =)
Sure, Val. I will add it to the request queue.
Hi, u r really cool,
but i don really know how to see the keys tat u post,
do u mind teaching me?
Hi William, have you checked out the posts under “Cheat Theories” and “Cheat Tricks”. I hope they are helpful.
Hi Les,
I was hoping you could help me with a problem I always have and can’t find the answer to.
When you score up a piece of music and need to set the tempo for the piece, eg., 120,70 or whatever it happens to be. How do you decide what tempo to set it in in terms of those numbers.
Thanks
Aaah, meu inglês é horrível, sugiro que use o Google Tradutor para ler esse comentário…. Mil desculpas :s (Português br)
De uns tempos para cá me encantei com o piano e o teclado, e você tem sido um ótimo professor! Estava muito difícil achar um bom vídeo, mas me tornei sua fã no momento em que vi seu “trabalho”.
Parabéns! Gostei muito do que li aqui e assisti. (Eu sei que é meio contraditório eu conseguir ler em inglês, mas não conseguir escrever. Mas cada um com seus limites, não?).
Thank you very much for you kind comment, Rafaela! I managed to read your comment using Google Translate!
So glad that you find my videos useful! Cheers!
Hi..Les,
I am fellow M’sian, based in Melbourne, where I have an endeavour “Music in Youth”…..and looking for opportunity to collaborate with you.
You have a fantastic blog website for music lovers. I stumble upon your website while looking for Gran Torino. A big thank you for the “3 fingering” format….it is very easy to follow and learn.
I am a supporter and you’ll hear more and more from me in near future
p/s: I have donated RM10 to your account today in making your slow count on donation move just a tad more.
Cheers from Melbourne
Tom
Hi Tom, thanks for your feedback! So glad to hear your encouraging comments! I used to study in Melbourne for a number of years.
Thanks for the donation! Yeay!!! Really appreciate your support!!
…..an ex-Melburnian….it’s a small world, isn’t it Les. Are you game to consider doing for bass guitaring what you are doing for piano? i.e. video tape the bass guitaring of a song request……not sure how useful it is as I am not a bass guitarist, hence curious to hear your opinion. It will be on “hired” basis…..to keep you music fingers moving economically….or at least a few fingers
Cheers Tom
Hi Tom, er… I’m not sure about that. I do play bass guitar, but I don’t consider myself good enough to video tape my playing of the instrument. :b By the way, I have just received your Paypal payment. Will work on your priority requests as soon as I can.
You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t know what I would do without this site. Thank you so much for what you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your feedback, Amy! I am glad this site is useful to you!
Admin. I understand now what is the key should i press in my left hand, it was just like in the guitar. But my problem is, in my right hand, I dont know what should I press. Please help me. Thank you, thank you.
The right hand plays chord that matches the note on the left hand. I have a number of posts under the Category “Cheat Tips” and “Cheat Theories”. Please check out those posts. Your questions may be answered there already.
I have a song request - Rise Again by Dallas Holmes
Hi, Steve! I have added your request to the queue.
Hi Admin,
I have a song request - Nothing To Lose by MLTR
I saw your post already but it was half song. Can i have full song like starting and ending in piano voice? Do you have any charges?
Thanks
Regards
Kenny Choo
Hi Amin,
I had a song to request - nothing to lose by MLTR
Can you edit from start with piano and ending also? Do you have any charges?
Have a nice day
Regards
Kenny
Hi Kenny, sorry for the late reply. I have been busy, so have not checked the messages. I actually find it difficult to show the playing of beginning and ending without using more than 3 fingers. However, if I use more than 3 fingers, I find that the recording will be difficult to see. So I would rather not venture into doing that, partly also because there are already many other YouTube channels doing such tutorial. I hope that answers your question.
Thanks for your viewing and support!
Hi, I have just seen your video on Youtube and find it really useful since I don’t play piano at all but the thing is, you motivate me to try to do it and here’s my song request:
容祖兒-破相
If you can film a tutorial I will be so grateful. Lots of thank!
I will try my best, Gemmy! Thanks for your encouraging feedback!
Can you try the song “if you leave me now” by chicago. if it cannot be played by piano since that it is a guitar-played music. Just swap it with “i can wait forever by air supply”. But if you do the first song. Just leave the second song behind
Thank you and more power.
I’ll try my best, Leonard. Thanks for the suggestions.
OMG.. Please make a tutorial for this song by jay chou.
Jay Chou 一點點
I will try my best. Thanks, Daryl.