Beginner Piano Lesson #11

Building Confidence with Chords and Melody

Goal: Play a simple melody while accompanying yourself with basic chords.

Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Play these five-finger patterns slowly with both hands:

Right Hand (C Position)
C – D – E – F – G – F – E – D – C

Left Hand (C Position)
C – D – E – F – G – F – E – D – C

Keep fingers curved and wrists relaxed.

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Review Chords

C Major

C – E – G

F Major

F – A – C

G Major

G – B – D

Play each chord four times, holding for four counts.

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Rhythm Practice

Count aloud:

1 – 2 – 3 – 4

Clap these patterns:

• Quarter notes: ♩ ♩ ♩ ♩
• Half notes: 𝅗𝅥 𝅗𝅥
• Whole note: 𝅝

A steady rhythm is more important than speed.

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Simple Song Exercise

Right Hand Melody
C – C – G – G – A – A – G

Left Hand Chords
C Major | C Major | G Major | G Major

Play slowly and listen for a smooth, even sound.

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New Skill: Broken Chords

Instead of playing all notes together:

C Major
C – E – G

F Major
F – A – C

G Major
G – B – D

Play each note separately, then repeat.

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Practice Challenge

Try this progression:

C Major → F Major → G Major → C Major

Play it:

1. As solid chords.
2. As broken chords.
3. With a steady count of four beats each.

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Homework

Practice 15–20 minutes daily:

• 5 minutes warm-ups
• 5 minutes chord review
• 5 minutes melody and accompaniment
• 5 minutes challenge progression

Tip: Play slowly enough that you make very few mistakes. Accuracy first, speed later.

“Slow practice is fast learning.”