Learn to improvise on the piano - quickly and easily
In this article, you’ll learn how to play your favorite songs on the piano without any preparation, how to accompany bands spontaneously, and how to inspire the people around you.
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Gordon November
Gordon November
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How would you like it if you could play your favorite songs on the piano without any preparation? If you could accompany bands spontaneously and inspire the people around you? If you could let your hands float over the keys on the piano and everything always sounds good?
Does that sound like a dream you’d like to make come true? That’s great, because with this article you’ve landed with me – Gordon – and I’m known for my piano improvisation.
Improvisation is exactly what was described above. By definition, it’s “doing something without preparation, off the cuff.” And that’s possible on the piano too.
Now you’re probably thinking: “Sure, improvisation on the piano is possible. But you have to be a gifted musician to be able to realize every song so easily on the keyboard.”
I have to disagree with you there. In fact, it is possible for anyone and everyone to learn to improvise on the piano. And it doesn’t take that much time. One option is the Masterclass Intuition – my course for aspiring piano improvisers. Or as we call ourselves: Intuinauts. Just wait. At the end of the article, a slightly different taster session awaits you.
Until then, I’d like to give you a few great tips on how to improvise on the piano right away. And all without sheet music or complex music theory.
Sounds good? Then let’s dive straight into the world of improvisation. And the Intuinauts.
Lay down your own solo in a matter of minutes
Just lay down a solo spontaneously. And on the song of your choice. After you’ve worked through this article, you’ll be able to do that! Don’t believe it? You’ll see. I’m not talking nonsense here. All you have to do is follow two simple rules.
2 rules for skillful improvisation
If you want to improvise on a song, there are two basic rules.
Rule Number 1: You Have to Keep to the Form of the Song.
What does that mean? Well, if you’re listening to a ballad and want to develop a solo for it, you should maintain the mood of the song. The solo and your ideas have to fit the song. You can ensure this by using the same tempo and maintaining the chord progressions. A hot rock bridge is also a sonorous thing on the piano. But it has no place in a ballad. So: stick to the form of the song and convey its mood.
You find this rule helpful, but would like to dive deeper into improvisation right away? Then feel free to stop by piano.university. Here you will find the Masterclass Intuition. The place for all those who want to play by intuition and learn improvisation on the piano.
Rule Number 2: Only Use Notes that Match your Chords
Each chord consists of certain notes. The classic C major chord, for example, consists of C, E and G. The order in which you play these notes and the intervals between them doesn’t matter. The main thing is that you play – in the case of C major – mainly these notes and only use notes from the C major scale in between. That always sounds harmonious and right.
Now you already know two super helpful tips for your improvised piano playing. If you want to delve even deeper into the subject, be sure to read on. At the end of this article, a free workshop awaits you, in which you will learn the basics of improvisation from scratch.
Let's go: Let's improvise
You want to improvise. And right now. Your wish is my command. Let’s finally play the piano. Get to the keys and pay attention!
So that we can make music together, we should agree on a song. I’m going to suggest Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. You’re sure to know the song. If not, feel free to listen to it briefly:
I think this song is great, especially for beginners. Why? Because the song is written in C major. That means you don’t need a black key when you play this song. Even if you’re an absolute beginner on the piano, you’ll be able to improvise this song. And that’s pure motivation, isn’t it?
Ok, let’s get to it. “Gordon, but how?” you ask. My answer: “On the white keys.” Just as you like. Sounds simple. But it really is that easy. And if you follow a few more tips, it will sound great right away!
Improvising Hallelujah
We’re in C major and you can improvise on all the white keys. You’ve also learned that you should stick to the song’s chord scheme. And the feeling.
In the case of Hallelujah, we have a triplet sound – a kind of swing feeling.
If you only play on the white keys, keep the mood and tempo of the song – then you can now play your own Hallelujah solo. Do whatever comes to mind. And what you think fits the song.
I’d like to give you a few tips for your improvisation.
Improvisation tips
Take over the Motif of the Song
In my solo, I take over part of the song’s motif. How do I do that? I simply play the chords of the song and take the highest note as the improvisation note. In our case with Hallelujah, that’s the C – I play that with the little finger of my right hand.
Play Simply but Beautifully
If you have no ideas (anymore), simply play a few matching chords with your left hand. This gives you time to breathe and develop new ideas. Your listeners can also relax and simply let the music sink in.
Use Pauses for more Effect
A pause says more than a thousand words. At least in music. Even – and especially – in a solo, well-placed pauses create more impact. And give the song room to unfold its full beauty. Pauses have a wonderful effect, especially in a chord progression.
Relieve the Right Hand with the Left Hand
Usually the right hand plays the melody, while the left hand presses a few chords. But sometimes the right hand is so busy with wild sequences of notes and tempi that a little relief is needed.
Then the left hand can help. How? You simply play the root note with your left hand. In the case of Hallelujah, that’s C. And on top of that you put another chord note. For example, the G. If you’re really motivated, you can also add the E.
And don’t play all the notes at the same time, but one after the other. Then you don’t have to play them with your right hand and have more room to improvise.
Play with Personality
Following the rules and sounding good is one thing. But what is improvisation without the personality of the improviser? Not much. And above all, no improvisation.
For me, improvising means playing the song in your own way. Just the way you feel the song. That’s the most beautiful form of making music. And one of the best methods in the world to be completely with yourself for a few minutes. Plus: Anyone who puts soul into their improvisation simply sounds better. So always play with personality.
Learn improvisation on the piano as a beginner - it's easy
Learn to improvise on the piano quickly and easily. That’s possible. Where? At piano.university
Here you will find the Masterclass Intuition. A course for beginners and advanced players who want to give free rein to their emotions on the piano. Who play independently of sheet music. And bring every song to the keyboard by ear.
We call ourselves Intuinauts because we rely fully on our intuition when playing the piano. And we are grateful for the opportunity that intuitive music-making opens up for us.
By the way: I myself wasn’t always on the road as an Intuinaut. Little Gordon took classical piano lessons. With music theory, harmony and everything else. But after many years of classical music, I ended up with improvisation. Because it’s simply the most beautiful way to make music. Because it allows me to simply be myself on the piano. And because I can give free rein to my feelings.
Free for you: Workshop on improvisation
Play Piano by Intuition
You already know the two most important rules of improvisation. I’ve also given you some tips that will definitely help you progress in playing your improvised solos.
If you’re really into the subject now and can’t get enough of improvising, I have good news for you. I’ve created a workshop especially for motivated people like you. A workshop in which you will learn the basics of improvisation and intuitive piano playing.
Attention, it gets even better.
The workshop is completely free for you. You don’t pay a cent.
What you will learn: A lot about chords, scales and improvising.
By the way: You can easily work through the workshop at your own pace after you register. There’s no time pressure. Before you postpone your registration, it’s better to do it right away. Otherwise you’ll forget about it and eventually be annoyed that you didn’t take advantage of your chance.
Finally, a Gift: Test the Masterclass Intuition for 14 Days for Free
The workshop is like a taster course for you. With it, you take your first step into the world of the Intuinauts. If you like our galaxy and enjoy intuitive music-making, then it’s about to get really good.
After completing the workshop, I’ll give you 14 days of free and unrestricted access to the Masterclass Intuition.
Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. Because that’s the only way you’ll find out whether intuitive piano playing is for you. And the best thing is: you’ll learn something that no one can ever take away from you. Even if you decide not to become an Intuinaut after the trial period. You’ve gained valuable knowledge that you’ll benefit from on the piano for the rest of your life.
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every musical key within a few weeks.
(no sheet music knowledge required)
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Play Piano by Intuition
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every key signature within just a few weeks.
(no knowledge of sheet music required)
