Learning scales, chords, and arpeggios

[robmagnuss]

I did discover the chord inversions, scales, and arpeggios. It’s important stuff I know I need to get down pat but I struggle to figure out the best way to practice/learn them. Some lessons/pointers/levels on learning these more technical aspects would be incredibly helpful.

Topic

Unfortunately we don’t have any short cuts to learning the scales, chords, and arpeggios other than rote practice. The videos under the ‘piano resources’ link show exactly how you should practice them. Always practice scales, chords, and arpeggios with a metronome. Set it to a tempo that you can play without making mistakes and then gradually increase the tempo.

In our music teachers’ forum Chuck spends some time showing the exercises he uses to practice. He also suggests doing the exercises in Hanon. You can check out Chuck’s video here:

NYC Rock Keyboard Workshop

What would you cocider the best approach to learning Hanon?
Learning the 20 exercises first in C, and then move on to different keys? Or learning the exercises one by one in all 12 keys, and then move on to the next exercise?

It really depends on what you want to achieve. Learning the Hanon exercises will help you develop finger speed and technique. Learning them in each key will ingrain the different scales and key signatures so you are comfortable playing in all keys. Take your pick!