How to Play Major Chords on the Piano – P2

Triad Chords

In this video we are going to learn how to play piano major open chords and how to properly distribute the notes between hands. Open chords voicing is used for orchestral, strings and pad arrangements since open chords produce a colorful sound and provide a wider space separation between the instruments. Open chords are also very useful when playing chord melody since it gives more space to the melody line. 

The C Major Chord – Close Disposition

A close chord is when the notes of the chord are close together so no other note of the chord can be fit in between.

The C Major Open Chord

An open chord is when the notes of the chord are spread out so that there is a space in between the notes of the chord.

Major Open Chord on Root Position

To create an open chord, we move the middle note of the chord 1 octave up. On root position, the middle note of the chord is the 3rd (in this case E).

Major Open Chord on 1st Inversion

For 1st inversion, the middle note is the perfect 5th (on this case G) to make the open chord we play it 1 octave up.

Major Open Chord on 2nd Inversion

For the 2nd inversion, the middle note is the root (in this case C)