Hi folks,
In this post I will discuss how to play pray praise music on the piano. When I say praise music, I don’t mean just any praise music. Rather, I mean the hand clapping, toe tapping, foot stumping, finger snapping praise music. I am currently taking a course called Gospel Music 300, from Hear and Play where I am learning this technique.
There are 5 parts to praise music. They are parts A, B, C, D and E.
Part A consists of a base run on the left hand and some progressions on the right hand, all in the key of the song. So, if your song is in the key of A♭ major, then part A will be a base run and other progressions in the key of A♭.
Part B of praise songs consists of a base run and some other progressions on the 4th tone of the key of the song. So, if your song is in the key of A♭ major, then part B will be in the key of D&flat. since D♭ is the 4th tone of A♭ major scale.
There are many praise songs that use just part A and B. These are usually call-and-response type of songs where the singer or choir calls out something and the congregation responseds all in a rhythmic fashion.
Songs that use parts A and B
God is a good God
Have you tried Jesus
Praise the lord everybody
I don’t know what you’ve come to do
I’m a soldier in the army of the lord
I get joy when I think what he’s done for me
What you know about Jesus
I’m not tired yet
If you call on Jesus (he will answer prayer)
Take the Lord with you (everywhere you go)
If you can’t tell it, let me tell it
Lay your hands on me Jesus
In part C we do a 7-3-6 progression. That is, we play a chord from the 7th tone of the key of the song, to the third tone, to the 6th tone. Then you can walk up from 3 to 5 by half tones. That is, 3, 4, ♭5, 5.
Songs that use parts C and D
Can’t nobody do me like Jesus
When I woke up this morning
Jesus is on the main line
Praise him praise him
I believe I testify
Bless that wonderful name of Jesus
One glad morning
Glory glory haleluya when I lay my burdens down
I’m on the battle field for my lord
Jesus I’ll never forget
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
99 1/2 won’t do
Jesus getting us ready for that great day
Par E can be thought of as the vamp.
That is, it is a short passage of music that you repeat until the end of the song. Usually you focus on the 1 and 4 tones in part E.
Some songs that use just part E
Jesus Said It
What’s his name (Jesus)
My soul is a witness
Believe on me
I’ve come to praise his name
He’s been good
What a mighty God we serve
He’s the joy of my salvation
Jesus can work it out
He’s been good
Some songs that mix it up a bit
What a mighty God we serve
Victory, victory shall be mine
Victory is mine
He’s the joy of my salvation.
That’s all for now. Till next time. Keep jamming.