keyboard intro's

[alecras234]

hi my name is Ash, im 41 from North Wales. I am disabled and im in a wheelchair, i have limited movement but i try at everything. I play the keyboard with my left hand i cant use both hands. i use Audio tracks played from my mobile phone into my keyboard and i play chords or bass lines. I can't play fast or quick because of my disability, my fingers go stiff. i have chosen 4 Queen songs to play, one of them is Seven Seas of Rhye, it starts with a fast piano bit, what can i play while that's playing? Another song's intro does a fast piano run in Eflat, what can i play while that's going on, i'll go into chords for the main part when the song starts.

[Sam CA]

Hi Ash,

Maybe you could play some string pads type of sounds. They won't require fast finger movements. They won't clash with pre-recorded material either.

[nursers]

Hi Ash, agree with Sam - strings or a 70s style pad could be good?

[David Emm]

Ash, I had to find a new form of controller after nerve damage hit my hands to some degree and made traditional playing impossible. I almost feel like a free salesman, as much as I mention it, but the CME XKey has saved my arse! They make 2- and 3-octave versions for $99 and $199 respectively. The keys are uniquely flat and clicky, but also responsive and extremely easy to play. I can still use part of my old technique and where I have to enter things a few notes or chords at a time, they make it a breeze. Read this and see if it might be helpful to your work flow. Hope so.

 

XKey 37 review

 

[alecras234]

What do i play for the intro, just the bass note of the key which is D Major? Do i then play the chords still with the pad sound?

[stoken6]

What do i play for the intro, just the bass note of the key which is D Major? Do i then play the chords still with the pad sound?

Why not try it both ways and see what you like? There isn't a law on the subject. Sam's suggestion of a string pad is a good one - dial it up and see what inspires you.

 

Cheers, Mike.

 

[marczellm]

In the intro Seven Seas of Rhye I'd play the chords that the guitar plays. Maybe just power chords (no third).

[Synthoid]

What do i play for the intro, just the bass note of the key which is D Major? Do i then play the chords still with the pad sound?

Why not try it both ways and see what you like?

 

Definitely. Just have some fun.

 

 

 

 

 

[alecras234]

Thanks for your help. I'll try playing root and fifths for the intro, what sound, pad? Also if I play chords for verses with piano voice what voice do I use for middle 8? Do I play chords for mid 8?

[stoken6]

I'll try playing root and fifths for the intro, what sound, pad? Also if I play chords for verses with piano voice what voice do I use for middle 8? Do I play chords for mid 8?

Ash, in your posts you seem to be asking for instructions ("Should I do this, or that?" "And should I do it this way, or that?"). It's like posting "I need a new car, should I buy a red one or a yellow one?"

 

But here's the thing: music is not a prescriptive system where you have to be told what to do. It's an art form, a means of self-expression. So plug in, power up and try out for yourself:

- Sustained chords

- Repeated chords

- Single notes

- Arpeggios

- Drones

Using any, all, some or none of the following sounds

- Piano

- Electric Piano

- Hammond Organ

- Transistor Organ

- Clavinet

- Analogue synth patches

- Mellotrons

- Strings

- Brass

The list is endless.

 

If you're really unsure after having spent at least 30 minutes (preferably a couple of hours), come back to us with your thoughts. Perhaps post audio/video clips to show us what you're getting, and why you're unsatisfied. Post links to clips/sounds you like, or combinations that you can't get right yourself. There's lots of great advice available here.

 

Cheers, Mike.

 

[Synthoid]

If you're really unsure after having spent at least 30 minutes (preferably a couple of hours), come back to us with your thoughts.

 

Or try a few other songs.

 

 

 

[Old No7]

I have to say that I admire Ash's dedication and efforts to MAKE MUSIC despite his restrictions. Very inspiring!

 

I was once told the "U" in MUSIC is bigger than the "I" for a reason -- so do what U like, and don't worry about what I might like.

 

So... Keep it up! Make it FUN! And enjoy the ride!

 

Old No7