About

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I Have Moved!!!

Dear All,

I have moved out of WordPress.com effective today (26 March 2009).

I apologize for any technical problems in the last 24 hours if you have difficulty reaching my site.

I will not be updating playpiano.wordpress.com any more.

From now onwards, please reach me at one of the following URLs (they point to the same place):

www.PianoShortcuts.com or www.PianoCheats.com

Thank you for visiting!

Les Hmye

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Thank you for dropping by.

This is my first blog. It is my attempt to share with the world what I think can be useful .

I have played piano for around 3 decades, though not necessarily the same way throughout. What I have noticed is the way that song sheets and charts are presented often scare the daylights out of many pianists, especially newer ones.

I am not a piano expert nor even a professional pianist for that matter. But it has occurred to me that, by seeing chords and chord patterns as a series of numbers, one can greatly simplify the music ’scores’ and even become flexible and creative. That essentially makes playing many songs on the piano a much easier and more enjoyable task than what a lot of people think.

The postings on my blog will focus on sharing tips and tricks that make playing piano simple. I will also simplify the presentation of songs (pop songs, church songs, oldies, etc.) to a level where most people will find them easy to play on piano. I will try to use videos for illustration. Let’s see how it will go.

I will post my writings under various categories for easy navigation and searching on the blog. Please look under:

“Blah x3” – for my ramblings on anything else NOT related to piano playing

“Cheat Theories” – for my not-so-conventional theories for a fast-paced piano playing

“Cheat Tricks” – for my also not-so-conventional tricks to play and sound like a professional

“General” – for postings that I do not know how to categorize, e.g., Glossary

“Recommendations” – for piano related articles, songs or videos that I would like to recommend

“Songs” – for shortcuts to play the songs that I will attempt to play using the theories and tricks above

(04 AUG 2008) I have added two pages for easier searching and navigation. These are: “Table Of Contents” where you can see all titles of my postings on one page, and “Index for Songs“, where you can find on one page all the songs that I have shared my tips on.

My hope is that this will eventually grow to become a helpful platform for pianists, especially church pianists, to download resources and share tips & experiences.

Please feel free to leave a comment, suggestion, and whatever…

Les Hmye

67 Comments »

67 Responses

on May 21, 2008 at 4:57 pm | Reply Amit

Hi
I think your blog can be very useful to many beginners. And I am going to start learning as soon as possible.
Its a great idea to share your experiences.
on May 22, 2008 at 2:00 am | Reply Les Hmye

Thank you for dropping by. I hope you will be able to pick up piano playing quickly by following the guides on my blog. Please do point out to me areas that aren’t clear and need improvement, or any suggestion you have.
on June 6, 2008 at 3:48 am | Reply Rainbow Chan

Hi,

I got to know about this blog from ‘piano forum’. This blog is surprisingly interesting and useful.

I started learning piano 5 years ago (I am already a middle-aged adult) and is being classically trained. Recently, I started to self-learn playing piano by chords. I’m always amazed to see my friends playing music by ear. Wish there are more tips on this area.
on June 6, 2008 at 8:58 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi Rainbow!

Thank you for dropping by.
I am glad you find this blog useful.
If there is any area at all concerning piano tips or songs that you would like me to post on this blog, please let me know.
on June 8, 2008 at 2:43 pm | Reply honeylet

hello,
i am very amazed with my teacher playing piano by ear.i wish i can do that too..i know this site will be very helpful.

i can play piano but not that good.can you help me?
on June 8, 2008 at 3:55 pm | Reply Les Hmye

Hi Honeylet,
Thanks for dropping by.
This is what exactly I set out to do, i.e., to help those who are keen to learn playing piano by ear by sharing my own way of playing, and to make it as simple as possible. My ‘cheat’ theory tries to help one play by using as few chords as possible. One can actually improvise many chords using 3 basic chords.
You can learn by going through my ‘Cheat Theories’ category of postings (browse in the order by dates of posting). Those posts in the ‘Cheat Tricks’ category are useful too. You will find that the posts refer to one another through hyperlinks.
If there is any song or any specific area you would like me to help you with, please let me know.
Les
on August 11, 2008 at 5:44 pm | Reply pianogal

I am dropping by here to thank you for posting your talent for us to learn. I just began watching your first video and hope to continue.

Thank you again.
on August 12, 2008 at 1:32 am | Reply Les Hmye

I should thank you too, Pianogal! You are the most enthusiastic reader I have!
on August 12, 2008 at 5:52 pm | Reply pianogal

I saw that you really put in a lot of videos in your site and that is excellent for people to learn. And also you show us in the context of songs and that’s what most people want.

I think you make all these available for us to learn. Only enthusiastic students can get the teachers to thrive in their teaching. I am trying to stretch you.

Why don’t you make this known to more people?
on August 13, 2008 at 1:15 am | Reply Les Hmye

I would like to share with as many people who find it useful as possible. Perhaps you can help me with that by introducing this blog to your friends? Thanks heaps!
Do let me know if there are any songs I should include on my “Index of Songs”.
on August 13, 2008 at 7:25 am | Reply pianogal

OK. I sure will.

How about Christmas songs since Christmas will be coming in a few months. People in general will like it. So by Christmas time, you would have built about 10 songs in these few months.
on August 13, 2008 at 7:37 am | Reply Les Hmye

Ok. Good idea!
I will try. Christmas songs are usually not easy from what I know. Nevertheless, I will try.
Thanks for the suggestion!
on August 28, 2008 at 8:27 pm | Reply Peter Lee

Hello,

Thank you so much for creating this blog. This is a blessing to us who don’t know how to play piano, but would love to try it out quickly to enjoy it every now and then. This is great! Please keep updating the blog.

I can see that you are into Christian music, too. I happen to be a Christian~~ This is awesome!

Sincerely,

Peter
on August 29, 2008 at 1:32 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi Peter!

Thank you for dropping by and for your encouragement!
Please suggest to me when you think of any song that I should post.
on October 26, 2008 at 3:50 pm | Reply jian long

hey, i think if u would be able to upload songs by jay chou would be good! especially “wo bu pei”, “cai hong” , “ge qian”, and the latest “gei wo yi shou ge de shi jian”! ur kindness is much appreciated!
on October 27, 2008 at 1:12 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi Jian Long,
Thank you for your suggestion. I will listen to those songs by Jay Chou and see what I can do with them.
Les
on October 29, 2008 at 12:43 pm | Reply jian long

alright! thanks a mile! hope to hear from u soon!
on October 31, 2008 at 1:54 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi jian long,
I have tried to reach you through your email but the delivery failed for some reasons. Anyway, just want to let you know that I have just posted 我不配 by 周杰倫. Please do check it out.
Cheers!
Les
on November 1, 2008 at 9:59 pm | Reply CC You

Hi,

I was wondering if you could upload a song by Ron Pope. It’s called “A Drop In The Ocean”… I love that song, and it means a lot to me ^^

And thanks for posting all this great songs. Your a great pianist.
I’m Chinese too
on November 2, 2008 at 5:54 am | Reply jian long

it’s ok! no worries man! thanks les! u did a great job! superb!
on November 3, 2008 at 12:58 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi CC You,
I will try.
And thank you for dropping by!
Les
on November 23, 2008 at 3:58 pm | Reply Need Help

hey, i was wondering, if you could do SHE songs.?
i like their songs, and would pretty much learn how to play them. ;D

and btw,
you have a nice site, and your tutorials are great.

greatly appreciate if you would help,
thanks.
;D
- on December 17, 2008 at 1:54 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Need Help,
  I have posted a song by SHE called An Jing Le (安靜了). Please check it out.
on November 24, 2008 at 1:49 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi Need Help,
Thank you for your your comments.
I will look for a suitable popular SHE song to post but please give me some time, as I still have some requests from others I have yet to fulfilled.
on December 1, 2008 at 2:58 am | Reply Les Hmye

Hi CC You,
I have done the song “A Drop In The Ocean” by Ron Pope as requested. Please check it out.
Les
on December 18, 2008 at 1:53 pm | Reply Rey

Hey Les Hmye,

appreciate all this sharing! your videos are great for people like us, beginners. I just pick up on pop piano classes. Hope with your sharing, i can improve even faster!

May i have two request?
1. Can you also teach us to play or act like the fingering more professionally please? hehe. for learning, it is good. but for playing outside, it is not so presentable. So sorry about it.

2. Can you also add in the scores(if you have) for us to learn with too?

***I am more into chinese songs…:)

Thank You!

Cheers!
- on December 19, 2008 at 1:07 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Rey,
  Thank you for your comments.
  There are pros and cons in playing with full chords. I did that with my earlier videos, but later found it difficult to see the notes I pressed clearly as a viewer. Besides, there are probably tons of other videos already teaching how to do that, so I decided to do it differently, and cater to those who appreciate simplicity.
  Similarly, scores and notes can probably be found or bought on the Internet, so I think I need not cater for that. Besides, I aim to cater for those who do not read notes and yet would like to play piano. I do not have any of the notes or chords. I just listen, then I play, then I forget…
  Les
on December 19, 2008 at 7:11 am | Reply Rey

Hi Les,
Initially I do not like to read scores too, but due to my classes which I am under-going now, teaches me or rather, forces me to read scores. I’m still learning…:)
My aim is to play chords and sing! After that, to be able to compose of my own songs.
Anyway, thanks for your reply. Will support your work and sharing!
- on December 19, 2008 at 7:58 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Thank you, Rey!
  Btw, for your chord-playing songwriting effort, you may find the “Chord Association” and “Chord Progressions” that I shared on the blog useful.
  Cheers!
on January 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm | Reply Kicha

I think you’re really good to play piano…

my friend is not feeling so good inside right now so as a present i will learn how to play “a drop in the ocean – Ron Pope”

thank you for making this video so i can learn.
- on January 15, 2009 at 12:44 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Wow! That’s very nice of you to play for your friend. I’m so glad that my video has helped! Thank you for your comments.
on January 18, 2009 at 3:05 pm | Reply Wei Le

I love this website,can I request for a church song? “At the Cross” I hope you can do the into for us too?thanks
- on January 19, 2009 at 1:15 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Wei Le,
  Thank you for visiting the site.
  I am listening to “At The Cross” right now on YouTube. It sounds quite easy. But please give me time, as I am swamped with requests at the moment. I have to fulfill the earlier requests before I come to this one.
  Cheers!
on January 19, 2009 at 5:36 am | Reply Wei Le

it’s ok,but i here to request another song “so you would come” hillsong.I hope ou can do this video before “at the cross” because i want to teach the youth choir with this. Of course the intro too.
- on January 20, 2009 at 1:22 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Nice song! Ok, I will do that first, when I come to your turn that is. Haha!
  Cheers!
- on January 28, 2009 at 1:56 pm | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Wei Le,
  I have just posted “At The Cross”. Please check it out.
  Sorry, I am traveling right now, so won’t be able to do “So You Would Come” till I get home this weekend.
- on February 12, 2009 at 3:31 pm | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Wei Le,
  I have just posted “So You Would Come”. Sorry for the delay. Have been really busy!
  Les
on February 2, 2009 at 4:06 pm | Reply Shaolina

Hi! I learned to play “At the Cross” from your tutorial last weekend and played it in Church during altar call. I love U! Thanks a bunch! People were pleasantly shocked. Lol…

I wish to learn “Shouting” & “Preacher runs. Can U help Me?
- on February 3, 2009 at 1:28 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Well done, Shaolina!
  Can you tell me who sing the songs “Shouting” and “Preacher runs”? I can’t find them on YouTube.
on February 20, 2009 at 9:10 pm | Reply James

Hey, I really like your site, very good and very helpful

Could you do me a favour and possible do the following songs and post them for me.

Ben Folds – Still ( On Over the hedge )
Quick link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-39eLRMqYg

King of Leon – Use Somebody
Quick Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZfJ5ai07U

Best of Regards and best of luck
- James
- on February 23, 2009 at 2:42 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi James,
  I will do the songs once I have gone through the other songs that are waiting on the queue.
  Thanks for dropping by.
- on March 3, 2009 at 3:15 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi James,
  I have just posted both of your requests — “Still” and “Use Somebody”.
  Please check them out.
on February 22, 2009 at 3:36 am | Reply wenjie

can u post kiss goodbye by wang lee hom here. i wanna try the non melody type
- on February 23, 2009 at 2:44 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi wenjie,
  No problem. I will let you know once I have done “kiss goodbye”, but please wait, as there are many other requests I have yet to fulfill before I come to yours.
  Thank you for visiting my blog.
- on March 10, 2009 at 5:24 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi wenjie,
  I have just posted Kiss Goodbye as requested.
  Please check it out.
on February 22, 2009 at 9:49 pm | Reply Zayne

Hello, Would you be able to do “Mad World” by Gary Jules.

It would be a great help. Thanks.
- on February 23, 2009 at 2:46 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Zayne,
  I will do “Mad World” for you, but please be patient, as I have still quite a number of songs to fulfill before I get to it.
  Thank you for visiting.
- on March 10, 2009 at 5:24 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Zayne,
  I have just posted Mad World as requested.
  Please check it out.
on February 25, 2009 at 9:12 am | Reply evan

hello, great site here! i’d like to request some beyond songs, there are so many great ones out there, it’d be a shame not having any on your blog!
- on February 25, 2009 at 9:26 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi evan,
  Thank you very much for your comment.
  Did you mean the group Beyond of the late 80’s?
  Can you name one title? I have a long list of requests still outstanding. So it would help if you can be more specific.
  Les
on February 25, 2009 at 2:28 pm | Reply Sedric

I saw your church list it was a great and i know you get alot of request but whenever you can please post some kirk franklin and any newer urban gospel music. Thanks so much.
on February 28, 2009 at 6:42 pm | Reply Rey

Would like to learn pu gong ying de yue ding by jay chou…thanks!
- on March 2, 2009 at 2:22 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Rey,
  I will put the song in the queue, and will let you know once it’s done.
  Cheers!
- on March 18, 2009 at 3:58 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Rey,
  I have just posted 蒲公英的約定(Pu Gong Ying De Yue Ding) by Jay Chou 周杰倫 as requested.
  Please check it out.
on March 3, 2009 at 8:20 am | Reply James

Thank so much, There excellent!
I will be learning one of them for Music, And the other one because i like it

Thank so much, I’ll tell you how i get on.

Best of Regards.

James
on March 3, 2009 at 9:00 pm | Reply James

Thanks, Iv’e learned “Use Somebody”, And going to try “Still”.

I know you have a huge queue, But could you please add “Human” by the Killers onto it?

Youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d97XFGR_IP0

Thanks, Its ok if you can’t but hopefully you can

Best of Regards,
James
- on March 23, 2009 at 3:14 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi James,
  I have posted Human by The Killers as you requested.
  Please check it out.
on March 9, 2009 at 2:21 pm | Reply Stratocastin'

Heyo,

Will you be able to send me the chords of “EVERYTHING” and “HEARTBEAT” by Leehom Wang , and the melody if possible? I really wish to learn them, Thank you alot!

Also, I will like to request for JING ZHEN DUI SHOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs0EFSWDYsk&feature=related

and

JIAO BEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnGAU1we9b4&feature=related

Both by Leehom…

It will be great if you are able to fulfill my request.
I thank you once again!

Patiently Waiting…

Truly,
Stratocastin’
- on March 10, 2009 at 3:59 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Stratocastin’,
  I will send the chords to your email, and put your requests in my queue.
  Please check your mail.
on March 11, 2009 at 9:34 pm | Reply Kyle

Thank you for providing such a short way to learn a singalong song.

I am planning to sing and play paino when I get marry with a girl I love. Thanks for making this easier for me.

Keep up the good work!
- on March 14, 2009 at 4:10 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Kyle,
  Thank you for visiting. I’m glad the videos here can be of help to you.
  What a GREAT idea to sing to your bride on your wedding day while playing piano!
  All the best!!!
on March 17, 2009 at 11:29 pm | Reply Howard

Helo, it is really a nice website and this is the first time I am here.

I am Howard and started learning piano for 2 yrs my myself. And I got some question about your playing, hope u can help.

1.I wanna know when I got a melody, I could play it in piano. However, I dont know how to give them the chords.

2. If I play the pure chord one for singing like your tracks, how can I find out the chords?

I am looking forwards to hearing from u~~!!!

Thx very very much, a nice website
- on March 18, 2009 at 1:59 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Howard,
  Thank you for dropping by.
  To find the chords for a song, you have to first know in which “key” the song is written/played/sung. It is at this point where your familiarity with “scales” is important. If you know scales of different keys well, that means you you would know the “do, re, mi,…” etc. of each scale, and from the melodies, you would be able to guess better what key the song is in.
  When you know the “key”, it also means you know the set of chords that come with the keys.
  Familiarity with “chord progressions” and bass note “patterns” are then an added advantage at this point for you to determine what the chords are in that song.
  I don’t know if this sounds too complicated. It would help if you read through my posts under the “Cheat Theories” category.
  Please let me know if you have any further questions.
on March 19, 2009 at 9:16 am | Reply Rey

Hi Les,

Would like to request 沉默玩具 by 曹格…

Thank you very much!
- on March 20, 2009 at 1:58 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Rey,
  Sure. I am downloading it right now from YouTube. Will put the song in my request queue. Please wait.
on July 30, 2009 at 7:54 am | Reply Sweetie

Hi Les,
I personally think that you are so awesome…….
I really admire you!!!

You are great….thanks for posting all the chords and songs….it’s so kind of you!!!

By the way, where are you from???

I wanted to learn chords for ages and now i had the changes…..Thanks for all your contribution.

Looking forward to hear from you……^-^
- on July 31, 2009 at 1:15 am | Reply Les Hmye
  
  Hi Sweetie, thank you so much for the flattering comments! I am from Malaysia.
  I hope you have noticed that I had moved out of here to a new site. You can go to my new site using this URL: http://www.pianocheats.com. I have added a lot more songs (and come with chords too!) onto the new site. Please pay a visit there.
  Glad to know you!