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KeyboardMag.com >> This Month >> Creating Chops
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Want to play like Bruce Hornsby? Creating ChopsThe subject of developing chops — a.k.a. finger strength, speed, dexterity — can have wide-ranging implications for beginners. Many players just want to play music and not worry about exercises. Conversely, lots of aspiring musicians want to learn to dazzle and blaze on the keyboard right away. Regardless of your goals, at the beginning stages it’s a good idea to give at least a little attention to finger strength; it will pay off more and more as you develop as a player. The following exercises work two main areas of playing: linear, or single note lines, and chordal, or simultaneous groups of notes. It’s easy to think that having chops means playing lightning-quick lines, but being nimble with your chords comes in handy as well. Adding the mini-exercises in Examples 1 and 2 to the beginning of your daily practice routine will get you well on the road to building your chops. Remember that no matter how simple an exercise may be, you use lots of muscles and tendons when you play. It’s always a good idea to stretch your arms before and after you sit down at the keyboard, and open your hands to feel a good stretch. Start playing at a slow tempo (don’t forget to fire up the metronome, of course) and repeat each exercise a couple times each day. After spending several minutes with these, move on to the music you’re learning. If you practice the exercises regularly, it won’t take long for you to notice their positive effects on your fingers! Play Audio and MIDIThese audio and MIDI files correspond to the lessons and full song transcription beginning on page 34 of the September 2006 issue of Keyboard. All files performed by Michael Gallant. |
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