Organ Worship Basics & Chords
The organ is a lot different from the piano, although the concept of progressions and how chord changes work generally remain the same. Basically, a “2-5-1″ progression on the piano is still a “2-5-1″ progression on the organ. For example, in the key of C major, the progression would still consist of some kind of D chord (almost always minor) going to a G chord, finally ending at a C chord. While this doesn’t change on the organ, how you play each particular chord will differ from the piano.
I would argue that if you understand the way music works… how scales create chords >>> chords create progressions >>> progressions create songs — then you already have a head-start when it comes to picking up a new instrument (…even guitar).
Don’t get me wrong… there are some differences:
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=harold&w=gkorgan
One major difference between the piano/keyboard and organ is what I call the “third element.” You’re now managing a foot pedal along with both your left and right hands.
Right off the bat, it requires more coordination. Then… there’s the “don’t lift your fingers” rule and the “slide” technique to make your chords sound smooth. Of course, you have to know how to operate the organ (the drawbars, settings, switches, percussions, etc.).
With all of this aside, what it all amounts to is the foot and left hand, in my opinion.
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=harold&w=gkorgan
In gospel music, most of us are familiar with playing chords on the right hand. If you play with a band, then you’re probably already accustomed to splitting up your chords into two hands with both your left and right hands constantly at work.
If you’re solo, then you’ve probably grown to play bass patterns (or power chords) on your left with full chords on your right.
The organ changes all of this because it gives you a “bass player” (so to speak) — YOUR FOOT!
The good thing about this is that it frees your left hand up to do many things.
* For example, you can play chords on your left and solo with scales, modes, and “licks” on your right hand.
* You can play a huge chord by starting it on your left and ending it on your right.
* You can take what you are playing on your right hand and play a variation of it on the left hand making your chord sound full!
* You can play the same “lick” on your left and right hands while walking the bass on your foot.
… and the list goes on.
So on that note, I want to introduce you to GospelKeys 350 & 450
I would argue that if you understand the way music works… how scales create chords >>> chords create progressions >>> progressions create songs — then you already have a head-start when it comes to picking up a new instrument (…even guitar).
Don’t get me wrong… there are some differences:
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=harold&w=gkorgan
One major difference between the piano/keyboard and organ is what I call the “third element.” You’re now managing a foot pedal along with both your left and right hands.
Right off the bat, it requires more coordination. Then… there’s the “don’t lift your fingers” rule and the “slide” technique to make your chords sound smooth. Of course, you have to know how to operate the organ (the drawbars, settings, switches, percussions, etc.).
With all of this aside, what it all amounts to is the foot and left hand, in my opinion.
http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=harold&w=gkorgan
In gospel music, most of us are familiar with playing chords on the right hand. If you play with a band, then you’re probably already accustomed to splitting up your chords into two hands with both your left and right hands constantly at work.
If you’re solo, then you’ve probably grown to play bass patterns (or power chords) on your left with full chords on your right.
The organ changes all of this because it gives you a “bass player” (so to speak) — YOUR FOOT!
The good thing about this is that it frees your left hand up to do many things.
* For example, you can play chords on your left and solo with scales, modes, and “licks” on your right hand.
* You can play a huge chord by starting it on your left and ending it on your right.
* You can take what you are playing on your right hand and play a variation of it on the left hand making your chord sound full!
* You can play the same “lick” on your left and right hands while walking the bass on your foot.
… and the list goes on.
So on that note, I want to introduce you to GospelKeys 350 & 450