Last week I posted a controversial video piano tutorial for one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music: Pachelbel’s Canon in D. What is so controversial about that, you ask? I taught this iconic classical composition in a “pop” way. Rather than the traditional way of learning from traditional sheet music, my Canon in D piano tutorial show you how to use the method of FAKING.
What is faking at the piano?
Faking is a method of using chords and a basic outline of the melody and certain necessary aspects of a song to create your own arrangement of it. The term “faking” means that you are essentially acting like you are reading written sheet music, when you’re really making some of it up as you go along.
Faking requires the ability to play chords from chord symbols rather than written sheet music. This skill is used prominently in the jazz, pop and rock communities and branches out to contemporary worship music, country and folk as well.
In order to fake, pianists use a chord chart or a lead sheet.
Chord Charts
A chord chart generally has lyrics and chords written down. The chords are placed when they fall in relationship to the lyrics. You do not need to be able to read written notation to play from a chord chart, which makes it extremely user friendly. You just need to be able to play your chords! This is often how guitarists learn songs and it can be really effective, especially if you know the melody of the song already.
Learning to read a chord chart doesn’t take very much experience. You just need to be able to play your chords!
Lead Sheets
A lead sheet has the melody, lyrics and chords written down. You will need to read music a bit in order to play, but you can get away with just being able to play in treble clef, as that is usually what you see written in jazz and pop lead sheets. You will also need to be able to play your chords.
A lead sheet is a great option because you can learn to sing or play the melody by reading the written line. It is also much easier to see the form of the song. It can take a few weeks to learn to play from a lead sheet if you are an absolute beginner. If you have some experience at the keys, then it really doesn't take long!
Compare these three different versions of Let it Be.
On the left is the chord chart, the middle is a lead sheet and on the right is the fully notated piano music. Can you see the difference in level? See why the one on the right would take the longest to learn?
Need to learn chords?
Sign up and get my FREE Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheets! Perfect for mastering your chords on piano.
Ok, so how to you fake at the piano?
The process is relatively simple.
Step 1: Play through the chords in the left hand
You can play the piano chords in root position or you can try voice leading using different inversions
Step 2: Play the melody on piano
Slowly sight read through the melody working through first the notes, then the rhythms.
Step #3: Play the melody in the right hand with the chords in the left hand.
Work your way through this process slowly to get the timing correct.
Step #4: Add an accompaniment strategy.
An accompaniment strategy can be something as simple as just pulsing the chords, or playing a more complicated accompaniment.
Step #5: Add any other details.
Does the song have an intro? A guitar hook of some kind? In this step you add in any other pertinent details or add additional touches.
How is this different from playing traditional classical piano music?
Faking is the fastest approach to getting people “on their fingers” playing their favorite songs. I can have someone faking simple arrangements on the piano within a matter of a few lessons. It is not “easy” (learning an instrument will never be easy), but it is simple.
Learning to play major and minor chords is my first stop and I use minimal music theory to do it. (No key signatures!)
At the same time, I show an intervallic approach to learning the notes on the treble clef. (NO “Every Good Book Does Fine”!)
Which version of notation looks easier to play?
To the left, you can see traditional classical piano music, which consists of full notation of both the left and right hands. How long would it take you to play this?
To the right, you can see a lead sheet of the same song. All you need to be able to do is play the notate right hand part and play chords in your left hand. How long would it take you to play this?
Why I teach faking at the piano first
Contrast these two methods to the requirements for playing classical piano music. In order to play written classical sheet music, you have to be comfortable reading treble clef and bass clef and be able to coordinate written rhythms. You may have complicated rhythms to manage and technical skills beyond your reach.
Depending on the song, this approach can take literal YEARS to achieve. Playing basic two handed piano arrangements takes at least 6 months to a year for the average person practicing with regularity.
The process is time consuming and can be costly too, as most people study classical music privately. Because of the time and effort it take, it can be a real deterrent for people who just want to play piano. I have seen so many students who get discouraged by how slow the process is. It’s just not an accessible choice for most people.
How long does it take to learn a song on a piano when faking?
Most of my absolute beginners end up playing a simple song like Let it Be or I’m a Believer within the first lesson or two. Yes, it takes some thought and effort, but within a few weeks they can usually learn a new song every week. My students find this deeply satisfying and often tell me of their shock that they can actually play songs they like so soon.
The method books of traditional classical lessons prescribe the songs that students can play (many of them being very uninspiring for an adult students), but my approach means that they can pick any songs they like.
Love show tunes? 70s rock? Obsessed with Ed Sheeran? It is all up for grabs. All we need is a lead sheet.
Adding more details as your skills improve
As time goes on, students learn more theory, fill out their piano technique and add more skills in rhythm, note reading and ear training. Rather than being stuck learning out of a method book, we are learning all of this material through songs they like.
Even students who are keen to play more classical repertoire enjoy learning this way, as they are starting with a strong foundation in chords and note reading before moving over to the more challenging repertoire.
Is learning to fake at the piano the solution for you?
Once I fully embraced this alternative method of teaching, my studio overflowed with adult students. Many had taken lessons before but had quit because it was just taking too long. Some folks had taken years of lessons as a kid and felt like they just weren’t musical, but once I taught them this method they suddenly had all this ability at the keyboard. What a joy to get to teach this way.
If you have wanted to learn piano but are sick of struggling with the "old fashioned approach" then maybe it's time to change your approach and seek training in these crucial skills. Faking at the piano may be just what you need to enjoy playing your favorite songs on piano.
Want to level up your musical skills? Strengthen your piano skills, develop your ear training, become a rhythm ninja and learn new skills like jazz and improvisation.
The Versatile Musician is an all-in-one membership that combines video lessons, print material and live support to help you level up your skills and thrive as a musician and music teacher.
To learn more, check out www.theversatilemusician.com and get ready to become the best musician possible!
Canon in D Piano Tutorial