How to Use Intricacy with Keyboards

The joy of being a keyboardist is your ability to change your playing based on the song you are working on. Intricacy can help turn a standard, bland set of chords into something unique that rockets a song into the level of greatness. Having a mind for improvisation and experimentation helps but is only one of the many weapons you can use to employ intricacy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keyboard

1. Find the rhythm of the song. This means, while practicing, find your position in the song's rhythm. Here you can play standard chords that fit snugly into the song but might be forgotten.

2. Ask yourself how you can do more for the song. This is the part of song writing for a group that most keyboardists love. This is your opportunity to pour out all your knowledge and talent by trying to make your keyboard distinctive while it fits into the mix.

3. Discover new ways of emphasizing chords. This doesn't mean you should play different chords. If you have found a chord or chords that fit well with a song but are missing something, use the notes to your advantage. Pull the notes apart that make that chord. Break them up, rearrange them and get outside of your comfort level. You will be surprised with the results.

4. Add flourishes to your music. These can be little eccentricities that spur your instrument up in the mix of instruments. Base your flourishes on the song, and always use them sparingly.

5. Simplify your playing. Often, people think intricacy means complexity. However, something simple may fit the sound of the piece better. Don't be afraid to roll your talents back. It's a great keyboardist who knows when to back off and when to extend his talents.