I called this series “Pop Piano Workout” — but I encourage all my students to work through and internalise the patterns shown here, whether they’re studying modern piano or classical. The reason is simple: the harmonic relationships and voice leading in these videos are useful regardless of the musical path you choose.

What’s Inside the Workout?

This playlist covers all the connections between chords in the key of C major, limited to triads in all inversions, using the main tonic, subdominant and dominant functions — primary and secondary — with voice leading throughout.

  • A key is defined by harmonising the scale with root position triads
  • The primary triads are played in all inversions
  • Subdominant relationship I – IV – I in all inversions
  • Dominant relationship I – V – I in all inversions
  • Combining the two: I – IV – I – V
  • In the opposite order: I – V – I – IV
  • Applying the subdominant relationship to all chords (except chord VII)
  • Applying the dominant relationship to all chords (except chord VII)
  • Subdominant + dominant relationship in the same manner
  • Dominant + subdominant relationship in the same manner

The goal of these workouts is to become familiar with the most common progressions you’ll encounter in a pop song — and to understand why they work, not just how to play them. If you’re looking to develop your own style or want to learn how to arrange your favourite songs, get in touch — I’m looking forward to hearing your story.