Are you just starting your piano journey? One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to move beyond simple exercises and start playing recognizable songs. In a recent lesson from McMusic Lessons & Performances, we break down the classic anthem “Lean On Me” into simple steps that any beginner can master.
Whether you are a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your triad movements, this guide will help you get those keys singing.
1. Understanding the Foundation: Triads
Before diving into the melody, it’s important to understand the triad. A triad is simply a fancy name for a chord made of three notes.
- The Structure: Chords are built by playing notes that are “one note apart.”
- The C Chord: For a C Major triad, you play C, skip D, play E, skip F, and play G [00:26].
- Finger Positioning: * Left Hand: Use your pinky (5) on C, middle finger (3) on E, and thumb (1) on G [00:34].
- Right Hand: Use your thumb (1) on C, middle finger (3) on E, and pinky (5) on G [01:09].
2. Break it Down into Phrases
Music is much easier to learn when you break it into small, manageable “phrases” [01:25]. Here is the roadmap for the first part of “Lean On Me”:
- Phrase 1: Start with a long C chord, followed by four quick chords moving up (C – D – E – F) [01:41].
- Phrase 2: The “come back down” phrase (F – E – D – C) [01:50].
- Phrase 3: Moving back up and ending the cycle (C – D – E – D) [02:06].
3. Tips for Success
- One Hand at a Time: Don’t rush into playing with both hands. Practice the right hand until it feels natural, then do the same for the left [02:16].
- Keep the Form: Our goal is to keep our hand in that “claw” shape (the triad form) and simply shift the whole hand up and down the keyboard [02:31].
- Slow is Smooth: Speed doesn’t teach you; evenness does. If you need to slow down the quick notes, make sure you hold the long notes even longer to keep the rhythm consistent [06:32].
Watch the Full Lesson
Ready to see it in action? Watch the full tutorial below to follow along with the visual demonstrations and hear the rhythm:
Beginning piano lessons: Lean On Me
Happy practicing! Remember, “Lean On Me” is a “root position” song, meaning the name of the chord is always the lowest note you are playing. Master this, and you’ll have a solid foundation for thousands of other songs!
