Playing Piano Chords With Both Hands: Free Tutorial

Time to have fun playing piano chords with both hands! (Free video lesson below)

In today’s new video you’ll learn 3 easy ways of playing 2 handed piano chords.

Every pianist needs to know these. Lets get started learning! 

How To Play Piano Chords With Both Hands Step By Step

A lot of people already know how to play basic chords with one hand. The question now is how do you turn that into a two-hand chord that sounds lush and exciting?

In this lesson, we’ll use a basic Cm7 chord.

Playing it as a broken chord with your left hand, play each individual note first: C Eb G Bb. I ask this so you can identify the correct notes of the chord and spread them out with both hands. It’s real easy stuff!

Now that you’ve figured out those notes, you can now start transferring some of them to your right hand.

Voicing Technique 1

Take the 2 middle notes of your chord and play them an octave higher with your right hand:

It’s a real simple way to spread out the notes and make the chord sound more open.

I’ve used this technique before to play songs other than jazz tunes such as in pop songs and playing rock and funk gigs, virtually all sorts of popular music.

Practice this voicing out in all 12 keys and play it with some interesting rhythms so you can get it to work under your fingertips.

Let’s look at another technique.

Voicing Technique 2

Our next voicing shape involves taking out the 5th of our Cm7 chord, so that would be G and move it an octave higher:

Like the first technique, work this out in all 12 keys.

Now, there are so many things you can do with this voicing to make things more interesting. Try exploring it in different rhythms and play the voicing in various arpeggio patterns. See what happens. I think you’ll discover a lot of things you can use in your music.

Now, let’s expand on this technique and make it sound more interesting.

Voicing Technique 3

This time, we’re going to make our last chord voicing sound richer by adding a 9th.

In Cm7, the 9th would be a D.

All you have to do now is add the D in between your right hand Bb and G.

Practice this voicing in all 12 keys to get that “jazzy” hand pattern burnt into muscle memory.

So how do you figure out what the 9th is? All you have to do is take your basic Cm chord and play the note in between your C and Eb:

In the example above, you see that your C is the root of your Cm chord and that just a whole step above C is D, and that is your 9th.

Why A Free Playing Piano Chords With Both Hands Tutorial?

I’ve filmed this free video above to celebrate the release of my brand new super course, “The Zero To Jazz Piano Hero” Program. 

 It’s specifically designed for those new to jazz piano and want a clear and easy method to go from zero to jazz piano success in 30-60 days.

We’ll talk more about the program soon but in the meantime I’ve got some must have jazz piano goodies to share…

Update: The Zero To Jazz Piano Hero Program has been released. ==> Check it out here.

The Gateway To Jazz Beginner Success

I’ve been fortunate to work with over 60,000 students inside my courses.

I’ve also been so humbled by the opportunity play over 1800 gigs all over the world over the last 15 years.

Add on the fact that my playing videos have been viewed and shared by over 3 million people.

I feel like the luckiest guy in the world!

This has blessed me with a unique understanding of jazz piano and how to play piano that connects with people.

So, I’ve seen first hand what it takes to go from the bottom to playing jazz on a level that sounds great and you can be proud to share.

Magic Jazz Piano?

Just like everybody else I started as a jazz piano beginner. I didn’t take any magic pills when I first started playing.

I did follow a simple system to help me achieve jazz success though. And that’s what this program is all about. Giving you access to the same system I followed.

You see, jazz piano doesn’t need to be hard. It should be fun, exciting and motivating.

What’s Inside the Zero To Jazz Piano Hero Course Set?

We’ve received over 140 emails just in the last week inquiring about the new course.

I think that’s pretty exciting considering we’ve just recently released the program. Thank you for the love so far!

So many people have asked what they’ll get access to inside the special program…

What You’ll Discover Inside The Program

• 4 Hours Of Action Packed Beginner Jazz Piano Secrets.
• A Step By Step Method To Go From Zero To Playing Songs You Love in 30-60 Days.
• Learn Iconic Jazz Songs That All Players MUST Know.
• Hundreds Of The Best Jazz Chords.
• Discover Amazing Chord Progression Formulas That Will Help You Learn Any Jazz Song Your Heart Desires.
• Piano Technique Secrets To Get Your Fingers Flying Across The Keyboard With Ease.
• Simple Jazz Practice Formulas That Keep You Motivated, Focused, & Having Fun.
• Downloadable Sheet Music For Every Chord, Chord Progression, & Song Inside The Program.
• Helpful text on screen (Great for those who like to learn by ear.)
• Pro Jazz Jam Tracks & MIDI Files (Have fun with a band 24 hours a day & improve your rhythm!)
• A Powerful New Collection Of Jazz and Piano Bonuses To Explore
• And So Much More…

–> Explore what you’ll be able to play inside this program right here

More Tips For Playing Piano Chords With Both Hands

Here’s the cool part. Over the course of the next few weeks I’m going to be releasing free samples right from the new course.

In the meantime, invest some time into the playing piano chords with both hands video above and the tips below.

1. Notice how I always start with a 1 handed chord and start removing notes from the left hand.

2. Also, pay close attention how I tend to use 4 and 5 note voicings when I play 2 handed chords.

3. These chord voicings can be used in lots of different styles of music. I’ve used them on funk gigs, R&B gigs, gospel gigs, and even rock gigs. You can too.

4. One of the things that makes the last chord ‘sparkle’ is that I add 1 extension of the chord in the middle of the voicing.

Can you hear how adding this ‘color note’ it makes this 1 chord sound so soulful?

5. Yes, we’ve talked about 3 easy way for playing piano chords in both hands in the video. Everything was built from starting with a 1 handed chord though. This is critical. You must know your 1 handed chords. 

Now, if you haven’t mastered all your chords in 1 hand yet don’t worry!  

I’ll show you how to master them in every key inside the new program. Stay tuned…

How To Play Killer Jazz Chord Progressions

Do you like the type of 7th chords I teach in the video above?

Then, you’ll love the sample tutorial we release next week.

Next week, I’m going to show you an easy trick you can use to simplify the most powerful jazz chord progression.

This will be an excellent primer for you if you’re stuck only seeing 1 chord or 1 note at a time at the piano.

If you want to get more power in your playing and learn faster then you’ll love the next sample video. It’s a small taste of the powerful material you’ll learn in the new program.

Improve Your Jazz Skills This Month

We’ve got a ton more chords and jazz theory shortcuts we feature in the new beginner jazz method.

In the mean time check out the chords from the video above. They’re cool and will definitely get you started.

Enjoy your practice and I’ll see you next time!

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Do you have questions about this playing piano chords with both hands mini lesson or the new program? Please feel free to leave a comment below. I read every comment and I’m happy to help you.