{"id":9623,"date":"2022-11-25T12:05:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T20:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=9623"},"modified":"2023-01-11T14:38:50","modified_gmt":"2023-01-11T22:38:50","slug":"identify-chords-by-ear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/identify-chords-by-ear\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Identify Chords by Ear on the Piano"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Learning how to identify chords by ear on the piano can help you learn new songs faster. Because once you understand the chord movements of a song, you have the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/chords-the-foundations-of-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">foundation<\/a> to the entire song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing chords by ear is similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/interval-ear-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recognizing intervals by ear<\/a>: build an association between a chord and a song, then practice listening to and hearing that sound. Better yet, practice the chords in all twelve keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re new to chords, make sure to check out our lesson on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/diatonic-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> diatonic chords<\/a> before you get started on this lesson. We\u2019ll divide this lesson up into two main categories: diatonic chords and non-diatonic chords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#diatonic\">Diatonic Chords<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#non-diatonic\">Non-Diatonic Chords<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diatonic\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>How to Identify Diatonic Chords By Ear on the Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Diatonic chords are chords that appear naturally in a scale. So, if we take the C Major scale, then stack triads on top of each note, we\u2019ll end up with the following diatonic chords:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"347\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/22081123\/C-Major-Diatonic-Chords-3-1024x347.png\" alt=\"C Major diatonic chords on staff with chord symbols and Roman numerals.\" class=\"wp-image-9624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/11\/22081123\/C-Major-Diatonic-Chords-3-1024x347.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/11\/22081123\/C-Major-Diatonic-Chords-3-300x102.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/11\/22081123\/C-Major-Diatonic-Chords-3-768x260.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/11\/22081123\/C-Major-Diatonic-Chords-3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>I &#8211; ii<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Tennessee Whiskey&#8221; by Chris Stapleton<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I and ii are neighboring chords. And as you can hear in \u201cTennessee Whiskey,\u201d this progression has an upward-pushing feel. In \u201cTennessee Whiskey\u201d\u2019s original key of A Major, the chords are A and Bm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey (Austin City Limits Performance)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IBLruNfUqUs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>I &#8211; iii<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Hey There Delilah&#8221; by Plain White T&#8217;s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The I-iii-I-iii progression that opens \u201cHey There Delilah\u201d is iconic. The pairing of a major and minor chord taking turns also create a contemplative feel in the song. In the original key of D Major, these are the D and F#m chords.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Plain White T&#039;s - Hey There Delilah (Official Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SrIxz9wHUX8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>I &#8211; IV<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Imagine&#8221; by John Lennon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chords I and IV have a strong relationship, and you\u2019ll see this progression everywhere. Reverse the progression to IV-I and you have a <em>plagal cadence<\/em>, which is a satisfying way to resolve songs. In \u201cImagine,\u201d the chords used are C and F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bonus: <\/strong>Learn how to play &#8220;Imagine&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-imagine-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) - John Lennon &amp; The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YkgkThdzX-8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>I &#8211; V<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Song Reference:<\/strong> &#8220;Someone Like You&#8221; by Adele<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pop-piano-chord-progressions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I-V-vi-IV progression<\/a> is the most popular progression in all of pop music! So definitely get to know this one. Reversed, V-I is a <em>perfect cadence<\/em>\u2014a resolution that sounds especially strong. In the original key of A Major, Adele uses A and E as the I and V chords.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Adele - Someone Like You (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hLQl3WQQoQ0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> Learn how to play &#8220;Someone Like You&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-someone-like-you-adele\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>I &#8211; vi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Earth Angel&#8221; by Marvin Berry &amp; The Starlighters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vi chord is special because this is the relative minor of the I chord, which means they share notes and have a strong relationship with one another. In C Major, C (I) is C-E-G and Am (vi) is A-C-E. In our example, \u201cEarth Angel\u201d is in F Major so the chords are F and Dm. Try practicing walking down from the I to the vi, or use vi as a passing chord to the IV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Earth Angel Scene - Back to the Future 1985 HD\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vPrPfkT82Pw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong>The vii<sup>o<\/sup><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;This Love&#8221; by Maroon 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vii<sup>o<\/sup> chord is unique because it\u2019s the only diminished chord among the diatonic chords of the major scale. The vii<sup>o<\/sup> is crunchy, so it\u2019s hard to find examples of it. But if we take \u201cThis Love\u201d by Maroon 5 (which is technically in C Minor) and see it from the perspective of E-Flat Major, you\u2019ll notice that the song lands on the vii<sup>o<\/sup>. This evokes an unresolved feel, which works particularly well with this song.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Maroon 5 - This Love (VEVO Summer Sets)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qh3mdwaI-XM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"non-diatonic\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>How to Identify Non-Diatonic Chords By Ear on the Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Diatonic chords sound pleasing to the ear, but break the rules and wander outside of the established key and things can sound very interesting. Here are some chords outside the scale that you can add to your vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The I &#8211; II<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Forget You&#8221; by Cee Lo Green<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going from I to II (instead of I to ii) adds extra boldness to the progression. You can hear this in Cee Lo Green\u2019s \u201cForget You,\u201d where the chords are C and D. The II is technically a <em>secondary dominant<\/em>\u2014which means it\u2019s the dominant (V) chord of the dominant (V) key. C Major\u2019s dominant key is G Major because G is five steps up from C, and G Major\u2019s V chord is D. You might see this notated as V\/V in chordal analysis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Cee Lo Green - Forget You\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bKxodgpyGec?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The I &#8211; III<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Creep&#8221; by Radiohead<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The I-III movement creates a very interesting sound. You can hear this in Radiohead\u2019s \u201cCreep,\u201d where we go from G to B. This chord is also used in Billy Joel\u2019s \u201cNew York State of Mind,\u201d where it creates a jazzy sound. This chord may sound a little unsettling, but it\u2019s a creative choice for sure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Radiohead - Creep\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XFkzRNyygfk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The I &#8211; iv<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;When I Was Your Man&#8221; by Bruno Mars<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landing on iv before resolving to I can sound very cool. You can hear this in \u201cWhen I Was Your Man\u201d by Bruno Mars, where the chords go from IV to iv to I. In C Major, that\u2019s F &#8211; Fm &#8211; C. Sounds pretty!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bruno Mars - When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ekzHIouo8Q4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The I &#8211; v<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Clocks&#8221; by Coldplay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the minor v is a signature move of Coldplay\u2019s. You can hear it in \u201cClocks,\u201d where we move between the Eb major and Bb minor chords. In <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yKNxeF4KMsY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cYellow,\u201d<\/a> the major V chord is used\u2026until the end, when the band chooses the minor V instead. That\u2019s a key thing to note about non-diatonic chords: if you use them sparingly, they can have a more powerful effect. With great power comes great responsibility!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Coldplay - Clocks (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d020hcWA_Wg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> Learn how to play &#8220;Clocks&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-clocks-coldplay-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The I &#8211; VI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;(Sittin&#8217; on) The Dock of the Bay&#8221; by Otis Redding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The VI chord is handy because if you use it as a dominant 7th chord, you can use it to change keys. For example, for a G Major to A Major modulation, try going from G to E7, then E7 to A. You can go further, using the VI<sup>7<\/sup> of A, which is F#7, and modulate to B Major.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Otis Redding - (Sittin&#039; On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rTVjnBo96Ug?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The \u266dIII<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: &#8220;<\/strong>Hold On, I&#8217;m Comin'&#8221; by Sam and Dave<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u266dIII has a bluesy sound that can be handy in rock music. You can hear this in \u201cHold On, I\u2019m Comin\u2019\u201d by Sam and Dave, where we transition between the A\u266d and B chords. (The \u266dIII of A-Flat Major is C\u266d, which is equivalent to B.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sam and Dave - Hold On, I&#039;m Coming\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fowldx4hRtI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The \u266dVI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;More Than a Feeling&#8221; by Boston<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, the \u266dVI seems too far out from the scale to sound good. You\u2019re making a chord that\u2019s typically minor into a major chord, and then flatting it! But Boston uses this chord very well in their hit \u201cMore Than a Feeling.&#8221; We land on a \u266dVI at the end of a I-IV-vi-V-I-IV-\u266dVI progression (which is the end of their chorus) before resolving back into vi. This creates an intriguing sense of wonder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Boston - More Than a Feeling (Official HD Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t4QK8RxCAwo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>The \u266dVII<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Song Reference: <\/strong>&#8220;Hey Jude&#8221; by The Beatles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u266dVII chord was quite popular in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. You can hear it in \u201cSweet Child of Mine\u201d (Guns N\u2019 Roses) and \u201cSweet Home Alabama\u201d (Lynyrd Skynyrd). You can also hear at the end of \u201cHey Jude\u201d when we move from an F chord to an E\u266d chord before resolving to a B\u266d (IV) chord. This is a fun progression to solo over\u2014try it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Beatles - Hey Jude\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A_MjCqQoLLA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bonus: <\/strong>Learn how to play &#8220;Hey Jude&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-hey-jude-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, practice makes perfect! Listen to music intentionally, practice your chords and progressions, and listen to yourself too. The more you practice and listen, the easier it will be to identify chords by ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h3 style=\"font-size:22px;\"><b>Master the Piano YOUR Way \ud83d\udd25<\/b><\/h3><p>As a Pianote Member, you\u2019ll get access to our 10-step Method, song library, and growing community of piano players just like you. Plus: get coached by world-class pianists and learn whenever you  want, wherever you want, and whatever you want.<\/p><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to learn how to identify chords by ear on the piano? Practice associating chords with songs and playing progressions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":9636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[507,1111,1108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chord-theory","category-ear-training","category-musicianship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9623"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9862,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9623\/revisions\/9862"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}