3 Powerful Reasons Why I don't transpose on the piano | It's not what you think!
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- In this video I am going to give you the reasons why I do not use the transpose button on the keyboard. It has nothing to do with playing in another key....
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The best quote about learning musical keys ever, "Learning a new key is like adopting a new child" - Sean Wilson, Genius
I wanted to see who would catch that. There’s basic stuff you gotta do with every child: feed them, clothe... that’s scales and triads. But one child likes vegetables and the other hates it. So when you try to give it veggies, that’s like taking your favorite chord and transposing it down a few notches. That child doesn’t like it, doesn’t fit the same, doesn’t sound the same, sounds muddy. So you create a special new chord (meal) for him that is unique to him. The beauty of music man 💯
buboat yeah he went way above people’s heads in this vid. Folks still arguing about whether it’s right or wrong and he is approaching from a totally different angle
@@SeanWilsonPiano
Wow! The way you articulate the varied nuances in music is astonishing sir 👏🏽 👏🏽
My kids have food allergies doc... so it’s a real example 😂😂 one allergic to soy, the other dairy, the other can eat everything...
@@SeanWilsonPiano real life examples makes lessons so much more palatable
Yes sir! I think this topic is in the air, because we are both hitting it. And the great thing is, we are addressing it from differing points of view, and not-so-much the traditional reasons that we often hear.
you addressed this recently doc?!!! Let me check your channel doc!
@@SeanWilsonPiano Yes sir! I dropped a video 2 days ago answering the question, "Should I learn to play in every key?"
I believe the transpose but is just a tool.
So what's your take? If crutches help you to walk, that's great since you need to walk.... but is it not still a crutch? Goal is to walk on two legs without shaming musicians who still use crutches. BUT Our goal is to walk without them.... Agree or Not?! *everytime you transpose you hurt your ear... this is not debatable, so stop making excuses and reach your fullest potential... ~signed Sean
Hello sir,
When you say that for you, each key has it's own unique movements and arrangements, does it mean that you when you learn something new for instance a progression you dont have to transcribe and learn it in all the twelve keys please?
They just lazy. I always learned a song in it's original key to begin with and if a singer started singing in another key other than the original I would transpose. Or if it was a congregational hip slapper. I would transpose just because I didn't want to play the same changes in every key but after having to play for years at churches with a c3 and nothing else no button to go to. So I went through the embarrassing moments. And it wasn't hard. 1 week per key. 3 months is all it took to get out of the transpose button box. If you've been transposing for the last 20 years you need to quit playing. You just trifling 😵 smh
Morris Sikweya well conventional wisdom says learn in all twelve. Personally I pick keys I think it sounds good in and learn it in those. Sometimes you’ll have to voice them differently. Remember, 12 keys. 12 children. The analogy will help with everything...
In my opinion, every keyboardist should play in every key. I started off playing in C. I transposed every song to C. But playing in other keys helps you see the Keyboard as a whole unit..you can borrow from other keys and so on. It makes you a better musician honestly.
Trina Trine said this year's ago..
Learn. Your. Craft.
I honestly don't understand why a musician would hamper themselves by being a one key wonder. Transposing really does hinder your growth on the keys. When I moved back home from college I had to struggle on the organ in several keys. My church songs a lot of congregational songs and they could be in any key. I struggled, but that's how I got better!
I think the point about the tone of the keys and the chords that are specific to certain keys is so true. I grew up playing a real piano in church and if I had a transpose button I probably would have used it but I’m glad I didn’t. Making mistakes as a young musician pushed me to grow. I push my students towards not using it. I think it slows the progression of learning. Great video!
yessir doc! gotta push ourselves to grow!
Very interesting topic Sean. I used to use Transpose button a lot because I wanted to sound proficient in each key without actually putting in the work. Did it for years. However I played for an artiste and I totally forgot. When we hit that change key it was evident. I honestly don’t think it helps. I’m not Dogging anyone but let’s say you get a gig with your favourite artiste and at the last minute you are required to play on a piano in an unfamiliar key that far from your proficient keys so you can even fake a C for a B (at least with an artiste who doesn’t know their pitches). Suppose the song is in A or E originally. Transpose kept me back for years. I hate it more so because when you don’t know a keyboard has been transposed it also messes up what you’re about to play. I’m proud to say that I have stopped transposing as well as working on my craft in all keys. I remember someone ask Joe Pryor how did he get proficient in all his keys and he said he took all the things he could do in C# and practiced it in the other keys
Nice man!!!
One thing I’ve started doing in rehearsals are using the transpose button to make me stronger in the keys I may struggle with. So for instance, instead of playing Total Praise in C# for the billionth time, I take it up a half step and play it in D (+1). It has really stretched my playing
One things folks don’t discuss is some Songs are far more difficult to transpose.... “total praise” is one of those songs. It’s not the same as transposing “how great is our God” ... so until folks reach an extremely high vocabulary they may need to still transpose that one lol.. kudos to you for doing that!! 🎉👌🍾
A 'key' is used to unlock things. Likewise, I see that with each key we can confidently play in, we unlock a new approach/feel/sound to any given song.
.
Nice man!!! Great analogy
One of the reasons the church I play for to this day hired me is because I dont transpose. I was able to follow any singer and play along with any song regardless of the key they started in. If you can throw down in all keys equally that will keep you working as a Gospel musician.
Agree 💯 man!!!
13:25 - Thank you for that, Sean! Now I see just how much unnecessary pressure I've been placing myself under, trying to play chords that I like in every single key. It's like hitting a massive brick wall. This makes so much sense! Man! I'm truly enjoying your videos!
Looks like you’re binging on my lessons huh lol?
@@SeanWilsonPiano If ever!! I sure am!! 🎶🎹❤
Point 3 12:45 is powerful and had not thought about.... I'm gonna need to watch this again cause these are points I haven't heard
most folks discuss this only from a performance standpoint, not ear.. And my channel discusses how to grow in hands, EAR, and vocab... all 3
First of all, Sean, I'm tuning in from the UK, and I'd just like to let you know what a blessing your channel has been to me. What you do is awesome, and I love your spirit and your humility. May the Lord continue to bless and enable you to do what you are doing 🙏🏾👏🏾🔥
Appreciate it man!!
I see many musicians ( most who train by ear ) transpose using the transpose button. Being classically trained and having perfect pitch, I find the transpose button totally messes up my coordination ( if that makes any sense ). It's like in your mind you know it's supposed to be a D ( and even on the keyboard you're playing a D ) but because of the transpose button, you now hear an E or Eb. There's just pandemonium in my head. That's why for me personally, I find it much easier to transpose the "traditional" way. I wonder if anyone else out there feels the same way.
Exactly... that’s exactly what the vid is saying as well 🎊🎉👌
Yea i do
One other Major Benefit of learning different keys is that you get to borrow movements from other keys, to add more flavor to your playing.
So say there is a movement you learned in F#, you can play that same movement in B (for example) but in a different context, which may help you better express yourself in that Key. So you essentially add to the list of movements you can play in a certain key without having to grind that much (I hope I am making sense)
KC, from pretty simple music, posted this other brilliant video where he explained how you can sound like a pro in A even if you're not fluent in that key: you can play preacher chords in C# and Ab and some progressions in F. And this is what I'm talking about, taking movements from relatively easier keys and using them as cheat codes to sound dope in keys you struggling with
It’s very True Sean!!!!!!Each Key sounds Unique......Transposing it destroys its flow or natural pitch either Changing it from a high Pitch to a Low one or the other way round
There you go!!!
I agree that transpose kills your ear. What if you go to a church and all they have is a older model Hammond organ and someone starts a song in a key you’re not familiar with? You can’t transpose. I believe it’s ok to use in an emergency situation. Plus shouldn’t we want to be able to play in every key? I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling myself a professional musician if I couldn’t play in every key. I wish everybody well. 🎼🎹🎶
I had to come back on and say a couple of more things. I believe that the reason why people transpose is more of a mindset vs. Actual technical ability. As the old saying goes you are what you think. If you tell yourself that the key of A or the key of B is very difficult then you will never want to approach those keys in a positive way. I actually fed into that idea as well. Once I changed my mindset and told myself that these keys are no different from the key of C then I was able to approach it and play in those keys. I would actually tell myself aloud that I love the key of B. And I love the key of A. I then sat down at my practice session and started in those keys. Your physical body will follow what your mind tells it. Come on y'all .y'all can do this. Stop telling yourself the key is so difficult. Go ahead and put that work in. If you can play fluently in C you can play in all the other keys too. 😁🎹🎶
I agree with julian Warren lol...i used to only play in a few keys so at times i would use the transpose button until i realized that the different progressions, riffs and runs that i was using and wanted to use ended up being in other keys. With that it kind of made it easier to transition further into other keys because as i was learning i realized for example a C# pentatonic run correlates with maybe a Eb minor chord...which then trained my ear in a different way that made it easier transition to other keys. Which then made it more comfortable playing the organ or acoustic grand piano
Yeah man, thank makes so much sense doc!!
@@SeanWilsonPiano appreciate you fam 👌🏾...yea we're still going to need a self reaction of the madness though lmbo
czcams.com/video/FtPyCm076po/video.html
Good Day Sir. Thank you so much for your demonstration. I'm from West Africa and a christian. Sir, the scriptures do refer to a musician playing skillfully or playing well etc.But I think it's to what level of skill a person thinks he/she aspire to bcoz life in Christ is actually more than playing well. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. The scripture that "All things are lawful to me but not all things aren't expedient....I shall not be brought under its power" may be useful here. I remember how a guitarist picked up a guitar and realized the previous player had tuned it his own way...(a kind of transpose for guitar playing) and so had to retune it...mmm. Learning to know and practice the complete holy doctrines of Christ and knowing God's voice takes much time. It wouldn't be wise to spend much time on an instrument to the neglect of prayer fasting evangelism spiritual warfare etc.We may end knowing the keys sounds etc and yet not know how to overcome sin. Infact some men aren't aware that they must take off their hats cap etc when praying or prophesying as 1st Cor 11 prescribes. They dishonour Christ in church and aren't aware it's a sin which qualifies one to hell. May we learn about Christ well and live a holy life than be a pro and yet not qualify for Heaven.Some even hate suffering for Christ and claim christians aren't called to suffer. They don't know the scriptures..can't rightly divide the word of Truth..Let us return to the old time religion. Thanks.
This is deep mannn you both highlighted on the vocabulary aspect and the ear ✔
Glad you noticed man!! 👌
I agree with your points because when I was learning to play the piano I would use the transpose button alot. I didn't have a teacher or anyone to show me how to play but it's when I got on CZcams and seen a video of a guy who was talking about how you need to learn all 12 keys and don't use the transpose button because it will make you lazy. I decided to try learning music in different keys. What help me got over transposing was when I would search on CZcams for a song in which different people song it in different keys and I would play along with them. Ever since Ive learn to play in all keys. Another thing you said which I think is correct is that I found out that I would remember the pitch of a key and I would play the music. This came in handy when I started playing bass guitar because for me the bAss guitar is basically using different sound pitches to give it that unique sound. In which when I just listen closely enough I can pick up and play the same note that a musician is being played. Then again this comes with experience, learning and understanding theory.
Definitely developing playing in all keys.... these are my exact same reasons.... as a singer... musician...my key center has to be pure... even microtonally... in the international community music is microtonal... the notes in between are there like in Arabic and Indian music... making oneself improve... is life.
Thanks for the video. Some transposers may not be able to understand the depth of what you mean because they have never experienced that relationship with the individual keys. I personally feel they need to know that they are depriving themselves of the full keyboard experience. They actually don't know what they are missing. For them it's all about the end product, missing out on the journey. I used to transpose but I stopped few years back. What you are saying wouldn't have made this much sense to me back then.
Man I wish I could heart this co.... wait I can
@@SeanWilsonPiano Thanks for heart-ing. Love from Zimbabwe. Will take this opportunity to appreciate you for sharing your vast keyboard knowledge with us. I especially like how you break down complicated chords and movements into something some of us can chew and swallow.
Thanks so much Sean I was an addict of that button but God help me out of it. A Transpose button limits your creativity I can attest to that. Going back to learn something you skipped is not bad. God bless you teacher!!! You are my best.
No arguments there although that is a different point than the video makes. Thanks for writing !!
I really appreciate this video! I was forced to play piano in church as a kid. The reason why because there was no piano player so as soon as they found out I could play one song Boom! You are our new piano player(7 years old) so when I didn’t know how to play in all keys there was this guy that came around every time we went to other churches he said just hit this button to find the key they start in it will help every time. Then when I grew up it kind of stuck with me but I started to hate it just about 4 years ago because I felt something was missing and I hear all of these people playing nice chords and I was not able to reach them cause it was an awkward position in the key I played in (c#). Not only that all he musicians I came in contact with were like man you sound nice but you need to stop transposing. But not until 3 years ago I knew what that meant. So now I am really adamant about playing in all my keys it really gives me a confidence to move around anywhere on the board without hitting a button and getting confused where I left off. Like if a pastor were preaching and I were to back up I’d transpose but one Sunday bAck in the day that some preachers do not preach Chromatically😊, but where God leads them and me as a musician (especially if I’m getting paid is my job to follow him in every key he goes to no interruptions or it will mess up the move of the service.(my very long music journey shortened
Lol the mask and hat got me thinking Sean Wilson got Gregory Porter on the channel 😂
I had so many jokes dude about that mask and hat doc!!! 😂😂😂
To expound on Sean’s 3rd reason... I can’t play something the same exact way in every key. One reason is my left hand voicings. For example if I’m using a C Major voicing in the left hand C-G-B and i have no bass player so I must have C in the root, I can use that voicing starting at the C below middle C. Now if I have to play that same song in another key where that chord is now Ab Maj 7. Hitting that voicing a third below where I play it in C may not sound as good and may muddy the sound because it’s not a perfect 5th or an octave. So at that point I would probably use octaves or perfect fifth in my left hand. Now if I transpose my keyboard down to Ab my hands will be in C but when I go to do that maj 7th voicing in my left hand it may sound muddy and not what I want.
Hey Sean , I must commend you on your views and I must agree the every key has there own unique personality so it’s a plus to learn them and it will be the best gift you can give your self musically 🇯🇲
Yessir!!
Awesome and superb no supplement as I told u on my post comment I have started challenging myself and I no longer want to hold that button. And my ears are very sharp and since I learnt how chords move on interval of minor and major thirds I have found it easily to look at chords. And another move that I learnt is combining of number system to get into extensions it helps me a lot in wen keys are changed in songs. So I see it quite easily though as I told u I quited transpose 3 months back but I have benefited a lot and my ear has truly developed more I can sense chords runs 251 without holding piano. Thank u Sean be blessed more I just want to have techniques to transcription as u do.
I can play in all 12 keys. It has taken some time to develop competence. I would encourage using theory to help learn them. The Circle of 4ths will help enormously. Also, as you become familiar with the keys, you notice that each one has a certain ‘feel’ under your fingers and indeed sound. Although I enjoy playing on keyboards, I have an acoustic piano and there is no transposition button on the piano and so it has always helped.
Sean you really did it with this one! Whew! Timely...
These are very deep reasons.... wow
Mr Sean this is wonderful. I haven't watched video and am gonna do it but before I go on.
I was using transpose button for many years around 12yrs for so many reasons coz I didn't kno anything coz I was taught on C Scale and given 4 chords at the beginning and people were praising me a lot coz I was playing so nice then I started challenging myself then I added in 3 new keys and I was locked there until last year October I said no am gud but I can't play all 12 keys then went to my Pastor in October told Pastor am going down to zero then I started learning scale first correct fingerings thanks to your Friend Mr Warren who provided us free video challenge the next step I did start to practicing circle of 4th and 5th understanding relations of intervals then in March 18th I decided no more transpose in lock down and am gaining a lot I have got capability to play all 12 keys so appropriately. Amazingly I tried to tap transpose last week man u can't believe I felt headache and turned it to zero I felt life is back. Sean I would be grateful u send me an email. Am greatful since I followed u I have learnt a lot bro keep it up
While I agree that we shouldn’t shame anyone, learning in every key is what will help you become a better musician, all the way round. I haveused transpose, but it was when I was a kid, and I knew I was just trying to be lazy. I like the analogy that you used about your son getting all A’s without doing homework.
Reading the comments supporting the transpose button esspecially the part on discouraging other pianist to play as well as the annointing being appon the musician that do transpose its less to do with the transpose button and more about the attitude you play with God says in his word He favors the humble meaning the annointing won't rest appon someone who is full of himself transposing or not. Most of the church young musicians(not all) try to impress one another developing arrogance about a gift that was given by God. Starting out playing in all keys is challenging and transposing helps bridge that gap however if you really want to grow learn all 12 keys.
There you go man... that is why this issue is such a sensitive topic for folks
I think that the transpose button is good in it's place.
But, what happens to you when you don't have an instrument with a transpose button? What happens when you have to play an acoustic instrument and someone sings in a key - you don't play in? I have been around musicians where this happens and have had to play in their place because of the key that the song was sang in - or they force the song to a key that they play in. In this instance - the singer (e.g. a soloist) is forced to sing in a key that may be too high or low or maybe better - but they are forced because the musician does not have their button to help them.
I do not shame any musicians because we are all learning - hopefully. I have played with musicians that use the transpose button - that button allows them to play in the service effectively and contribute to the service. No one should be detracting from God's service - so if use of that button edifies the service, use it. That's why I think the button is good in it's place. Please learn all of your keys though.
The irony is if u spend ample time on the keyboard, sooner or later you’ll figure out all your keys seamlessly and learn the different relationships between them that ultimately make transposing pointless. There’s so much beauty in all the keys if you keep an open mind. As a first step, consider chords and scales has the same intervals on all the keys. It’s the same principle across, just different hand placements across the different keys. My 2 cents
A beautiful 2 cents tho doc!! 🎉🎊
This ain't 2 cents...consider it a million bucks!
It's clear that Julian Warren's comment is correct. The others use the transpose button as a crutch! If that button breaks, they are done!
4th reason (which ties in with 3rd reason): If you play in one key you play the same register of the piano. When you play different keys, you may a little higher/lower cause of the different key.
Yup!!
Man you hit the nail on the head lol. I don’t judge folk who transpose! When I was coming up as a first and second your musician the band I played and stuck me on the Organ so I just couldn’t
I hear you man!!
I've noticed most KEYBOARDIStS uses the transponse button & I've been encouraging and challenging them we go wide on all the keys but aren't interested, they in a comfort zone i believe.Personally ever since i challenged myself on playing all keys been a Blessing discovering lots of stuff. so now just working on my Inversions,and Runs. thank you
Love this vid Sean. Really liked the demonstration with the covering of your eyes. I don’t don’t play a whole lot, but I’ve always felt that transposing with a keyboard function would always handicap my playing.
Yeah man!!!
It will. Need a wheelchair? Crutches maybe?. WEAK!!!!!!
I pick up songs in any key., Its helped me learn for sure, however when I want to go off and get bluesy and do some nasty licks, I am most comfortable in the key of c. I think of notes as intervals, its not hard to recognize, or quickly pick them up in any key once you have played long enough, but like guitar licks using the same scale shapes no matter what key you are in, I got some go-to licks that I have down with muscle memory and can easily play in c. C for me is also the easiest to visualize the intervals for some reason. But I do agree when I play in other keys that I am less comfortable in, It also makes me improvise a little different and can come up with something new and creative I might not have when overthinking the intervals that I cannot ignore when playing in C. Sometimes when I am composing with a DAW on the computer, I will write guitar parts and bass parts with the keyboard in C because I am comfortable with it.
This is great stuff.
Thanks @tasha!!!
@@SeanWilsonPianoI was wondering how you're able to breakdown complex passing chords ,licks and runs. Now I know how important ear training is.
My reason initially for using transpose was that the church I grew up in all the musicians around me did it and being the youngest I followed their example. However, I remember countless times showing up at churches with only organs and pianos and being stuck. I was a slave to having to have my keyboard or hoping someone had a keyboard. First question I would ask is where is the transpose button. It was not until I moved to Memphis, TN and was playing at a church in a band. I came back from out of town and the band was not playing anymore due to church could not afford to pay. It being my uncle church I decided to take over as the musician and embraced playing the organ. It was through playing the organ I began to learn my different keys. I am still learning and still struggle but I am better for learning . The one thing that help me learn to play in different keys was figuring out the pattern to the songs.
. If I have to play in F sharp major or in E flat minor, I would tune a guitar one half step down to have the main chords available to play in open position. On the piano, I use midi transpose plugin in Reaper, and I like that thing, but it can mess with the functions of instrument plugins, and I do not like that. Transpose function helps me to play easily in dreaded keys, like the ones I mentioned.
Hey Sean I’d love for you to make a video telling transpose musicians how to come out of the habit (like a roadmap)
Nah, the transpose subject has been beaten to death at this point. Furthermore If someone wants to play in another key, knowing the next step is easy not difficult. Just learn a moderately difficult song in your weak keys. No roadmap needed for that… but the longer you go without doing that the more your ego will get in the way since you’re gonna sound like a beginner in the need key
The transpose button is a gift of technology. I remember when the double foot pedal was a taboo for drummers before. its the same type of issue.
Transposing is not the best way to solve the problem of changing keys so a transpose player should be branching out to nearby keys in order to make the process smoother and build from there.
it is however hard to defend as a full time musician which is where i think the tension comes from.
i cant help but feel that because transpose players can play well in their key but someone that is proficient in all may not be to that level feels like his ability which took a lot of development is not appreciated. almost like how people see pop music as over-appreciated when other genres have a lot more sophistication.
it may be true but because music has more purpose than its generation at the hands of the musician. the listener is foremost and transposing is not necessarily disruptive.
to the listener a player proficient in all keys and a player proficient in the transpose button inconsequential.
if you heard the musician in your favourite song transposed and thus causing you to feel differently about the song, you are a weirdo (using it as a technical term)
so should you transpose or not?
i think the best way to manage it day to day (from experience) is to say try not to use it when you are practising at home.
when Performing play a easy song without it.(still hard to do but will help you)
essentially this advice will keep your performance level high as you improve in other keys.
I have used the transpose button for years and it's the worst thing I have ever done it limits me and stifles my growth, for the past 3 years I have decided to learn all 12 keys and now I can play in all 12 keys and still in proving
Preach doc!
I've had to learn to re-center my ear when transposing on the fly because the chords don't sound the same in the new key
Am really blessed
Transposers: learn triads and 7 chords in all your inversions(maj min,dim,sus2,sus4,maj7,min7,min7b5,dim7,dominant 7) in all 12 keys. There’s also the chord extensions such as 9s,11s, and 13s. You’ll never need the use the transpose button if you actually take the time to learn your instrument.
That's it! minor 7th flat 5 was always my favorite chord.....just never knew what to call it. I was thinking it was a Major 6 flat 5.....because I would mostly use the #5 of the key as the base(which, to me, would be a maj6b5 in root).......but I like the 2 of the key as the base as well.....which would be min7b5 in root position!
Have you ever heard of a Maj6b5? Or is this something I made up in ignorance?
@@rayjgold different sounds that agree with your spirit create your sound. If you made it up and other people dig the frequency it produces run with it but don't be weird or corney have soul! Rufus!!! Issac/ Al if you have a problem naming any of the last names I just mentioned stop playing immediately 😋
@@chrisbranch231 lol, thanks
Wow...you are really encouraging me!
By the Grace of God, I don't use transpose button anymore, to me I felt like I'm in a comfort zone by using transpose.The Spirit of the Lord helped me to understand how nice it is to know the Black and white Key on the Piano. Trust me it wasn't easy hey. I'm still learning even now
I start playing by ear and I was going good then one day I tried using transpose to learn a song quickly. It was the worse mistake I ever done ,because my head was in total confusion
wow man, that's exactly what happened to me... It probably means you are on the process of developing your pitch recognition... so transposing through off the note association, which is the point I was making... your brain wants things to be consistent in order to memorize things tactically
Thanks sir
When I started learning back then, I didn't realize there was transpose on the keyboard...so that helped .... and another day I saw one of my friend transposing on the keyboard and I told him transposing won't help him...and he turn around to me and ask me what is the purpose of the transpose then? ....to be honest I couldn't respond to that answer 🙂
😂😂
I don't even think this should be an issue. If in the end you can play the song and play it well whats the matter then?
I used to use the transpose button when I was a beginner. And I forgot to turn it off. And I knew I forgot as soon as the singer starting singing the verse. We had to awkwardly stop and start over. Everyone knew it was because of me. From that day on I only used transpose once. Never again did I use transpose.
Sean! Any tips for keys players who were taught to transpose for years and now want to learn other keys? finding it hard to 'unlearn' things
Glad you want to take that initiative... Good perspective.... But it's not that you are unlearning to use transpose. It's that you are LEARNING a new key. Learn ONE new key at a time. Better yet, take a key you are halfway familiar in and play as many songs as you can in that key. Keep using transpose, but when playing in that key, force yourself to "go raw" in that key (no transpose). Then add another key. If you're serious you could even learn all 12 keys in one year... one key per month
Great video, quick question: what’s the easier way to learn in all keys after I’ve mastered 1 or 2?
diminished chords are a great place to start. There are only 3 diminished chords, you just gotta familiarize yourself with their inversions.
And also do exercises, learn your major scales, your major and minor chords, extended chords, and increase the number of things you're going to be adding to that list. Repetition and Patience, in this instance, will be key. Also, dedicate each month to intensively learning one key (12 months in a year = 12 keys )
That is how I did it, started last year and now I don't use it anymore (unless it's absolutely necessary)
I'm so tired of people using god as a excuse and scapegoat to hide behind. People also hate the truth.
Me, too!!!!! I grew up in a house where both my parents were preachers. Don’t get me started on women being preachers!!!! It was a disfunctional home. I believe in Jesus for me, and I don’t hide behind Him. We should want the truth, no matter how it hurts us. It will help us in the end.
Scripture says, "...for if I justify myself, my own mouth will condemn me. If I say I am perfect, my own mouth will prove me perverse." The more they are trying to convince us transposing is right - they've actually proven it to be a crutch. (If u have to bring ur own keyboard to a gig, then ur jus adjusting to ur limitations.)
Nice!!
My perfect pitch doesn't allow me to transpose
I think it’s ok to use the transpose button once in a while. However I have never had to use it yet
Funny thing for me is that the transpose on my Korg Krome doesn't work properly with the sustain pedal. No biggie, since I take it as a sign to simply not use it. Also, in most other keyboards I don't even know how to find it lol.
I understand what you are saying bro
Great man, but why not make some videos on how to play in different keys including the special movements you talked about in the video??
That’s what I teach on my website, not CZcams
I already teach how to do movements on my channel. Are you new?
yes i'm a new member in here
Good stuff!
I’ve never used transpose but if I practiced a song in a certain key and minutes before the performance I’m told it needs to be played in an unfamiliar key then I’ll transpose. I haven’t been in that situation yet but if it happens I’m hitting the button.
I don't like when folks put that burden on the musicians. If this was a rehearsed song with lots of changes folks shouldn't be changing 2 minutes before you sing. That is unprofessional on their part, so we need to also expect a certain degree of professionalism from them as well
We have pianists at my church who play good n have been playing over 20yrs and they still transpose... I think it's just being lazy seeing as I learnt from them and I don't use the transpose button.... Thoughts??
How is sean able to comment and play at the same time?
I ask myself the same question. I'm thinking he might be pre-recording the videos.
Is it a bad idea to learn various movements in every key if every key has its own signature? Great video btw sir!
Very insightful question!!! Shows you understood the point of the video. The answer is yes, but they have to be voiced for each key. In some cases you may be able to retain the shape, but in other cases you have to voice them differently to fit each key. This is really for intermediate level and higher tho... beginning pianists should start by using transpose if needed, then move to learning the same chord in each key, then moving to the highest level which is voicing each key differently
Hello sir,
When you say that for you, each key has it's own unique movements and arrangements, does it mean that you when you learn something new for instance a progression you dont have to transcribe and learn it in all the twelve keys please?
No I don’t, the answer is more nuanced than that. I explained to another commenter above
I dont have perfect pitch but when I'm playing with people who transpose the "tactile" memory throws me off terribly. I see them playing certain chords a whole step up or down than what I'm used to hearing and it immediately makes it harder to play with them for some reason. Idrk why
A 4th reason you could have added is that you cant communicate what you're doing as accurately bc you dont know exactly what you're doing. If you couldnt transpose down in the first place, how are you gonna communicate what you're doing transposed back up?
“The tactile” memory is exactly the point I was making as well
I Like How Your Voice Went Up At Anointing🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂I just hadn't heard that argument before with that language.... "Annointed transposing" lol
@@SeanWilsonPiano He maybe is anointed but that anointing has nothing to do with transposing. That was really funny Hahahaha
😂 yeah that's right. Thank the Lord for the transpose button. Kept your job for a long time without people knowing that you're WEAK!!!
In my humble opinion, transposing makes lazy musicians. That’s just my opinion. I play boards but mainly organ and I don’t have ability to transpose. So guess what? I learn to play in every key by daily practice so I don’t embarrass myself or the person I’m playing for, particularly my pastor. In a church setting, folks always singing songs in the wrong keys so what do you do? Study, practice.
Yeah I hear you, it would be easier to just have all singers doing what’s right at all times!!!
Sean Wilson Piano That’s true. We can only wish.😂😂
When I was taught how to play the piano, I was banned from ever using the transpose button. I grew up thinking all piano and keyboard players knew how to play in all keys.
And since I stop transposing I find myself automatically expanding in music and hearing better
Sean Wilson could you do a reaction video?
On Godwin Hillary’s movement’s on keyboard 🙏
I don’t know what you are talking about... if it comes across my feed and creates an interest in me I may look at it...
Never heard anything about a reference key before. Can you do a video on that next?
(Learn your keys folks🤣)
I explain it more in this vid czcams.com/video/ape9EJSTdho/video.html
The idea is that as long as I memorize the note to one key I can find the others.
If musicians would stop performing in public (church included) before they’re ready, we wouldn’t have this problem! If you learn and play songs in the original key, eventually you’ll be able to play in all your keys!
Wow man!! 👀
Hi master Sean
Transposing Is Handy, But Learning 2 Play In Every Key Is The Best Way 2 Master The Keyboard .🤔. But Sean Sometimes The Piano Tuner Tunes The Piano 2 Steps Lower. Bad Tuner. And Using Transpose Does Retard Or Even Stunts Your Musical Growth If Used Excessively. It Turns Into A Crutch. Don't U Want 2 Pimp (walk) Instead Of Using A Crutch, So U Can Glide With Your Stride.🤔,😏.
I've been studying the in's and outs of the transpose button for 20 years; so my opinion matters...So here it goes. I use to believe that we played for god and to enhance the service...therefore we should play in the key we knew best all the time! Think about it... If Im advanced in Eb, and a beginner in E....which key do you think the singer would prefer that I accompany them in? Im there to enhance the service....not my own skills! Made be feel righteous and holy...... But it was only self-righteousness. This frame of mind did nothing to better me, my skills or any church in the long run.
Verdict: Transpose is the devil.
I remember, more than a decade ago, I was playing for a service and a singer came up there with corey henry as his pianist..... I proceeded to show him how to get to the transpose section of my new triton studio. (Please......no one try this at home.) He looked at me like I was the devil.
So there you have it... Use the transpose button and end up like me.....who cant even get Sean to take my money, because Im not serious enough..... Or axe the transpose button now and have a chance to reach the levels of the Wilson's, and the Henry's
Wow man!!! That was a long post and you had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!! 👌💯🎉
Wait Bro....you tried to show THEEE Cory Henry the transpose button????? The sacrilege lol but seriously I agree with all you said
@@mtrheins I've made many mistakes in my days of youth.....most notably, trying to play before and after he got off the organ, in many cases....not knowing what a major or minor chord was, and being able to sound like I never played a day in my life, if someone sung in Dmaj.
But you have to remember, He was not as big as he is now, 20 years ago. It took years of practice and #noTranpose for him to get where he is. And you or I can reach the same level, if we believe, and put in the work.
@@SeanWilsonPiano Hey, decades of playing behind preachers would make any man start to speak longer than they have to and in parables.
Im thinking of starting a music channel myself. But my business model would be the antithesis of yours. My channel would be for musical preschoolers, as opposed to advanced musicians. And I would have to pay people to join my site.... Maybe I'll give you the channel info when I start it, so you can see what Im talking about.
Keep up the good work, I enjoy the videos and conversation.
rayjgold whatever you set your mind to doc!!! It can be done, surround yourself with people who support you! Wishing you the best
I always say this: Better to be able to play with and without transpose.
It's not difficult to do either
I don’t mind their comments . There is absolutely nothing wrong with transposing Each its own. What is shameful is folks bashing others for the use of transposing . Whether you’re a 20 year veteran on the keys or a 5 day veteran it doesn’t matter transposing is not bad
but we aren't asking if its bad or good... we are asking if its helpful or harmful?... most people are arguing the wrong thing
I 100% agree it is wrong to bash other people, which I very clearly stated in the vid as well, so no arguments there!!
It’s not harmful it’s helpful
@@quaymcquitter8386 I think he was referring to the commenters tone. She was coming across as being arrogant about why she doesn't transpose. I think he is saying its irresponsible to other musicians to give them the impression that they don't need to learn other keys. So the comments were highly irresponsible
did you watch the video?... it's helpful in a performance situation if needed but it still hurts the ear. He clearly showed how it hurts the ear, with examples and everything
I commented but I deleted my comment... just to be succinct, I agree you should learn how to play the piano in all 12 keys because that's just proper.
My original argument was that it's equally valid to play music relationally, as in solfege, which also trains you to hear chords in relation to the key (as in 1, 4, 5 progression, which is applicable to any key). however, the beauty of music often comes in subtle modulations, and things like borrowed chords which is difficult to translate when you transpose everything to the C position.
great point man!
I just think it's mean to call out musicians that may have to use that transpose. I know it isn't Christlike. I'm not a musician so when I'm in church I don't know or wouldn't know if a person hit a transpose or not. So this is a issue with musicians if you can play in every key why are you worried about someone who can't? Now I do agree if both of you were going for the same job then I would say that the church or whatever industry should take into consideration you level and abilities. But a musician at a local congregation has to use it how is that hurting you. It just seems your premise is not Christ like. There are many people who have learning disabilities but they have a talent of playing an instrument. How do you know GOD did not give the inventor of the transpose the gift to come up with a transpose to help musician who can't because of a wide range of things lack the abilities of much better musicians. These faithful musicians will never have the opportunity that better musicians have you folks will get better gigs. I think it's hateful to call musicians out on this. Because the novice like me sitting in church most likely will never know. If you can play in any key then that's great and I'm sure every church doesn't have transpose or every venue have it. That's where you will shine. I still believe all musicians should practice but not all have the same learning skills. We shouldn’t point them out to hurt them but rather pray for them. I do like the way in which you explained it.
I was very discouraged by the over abundance of negativity and the apparent lack of the fruit of the Spirit (gentleness, kindness, love) BUT I do appreciate and give GOD glory for Sean’s talent and the heart to share his gifts (like so many others). I’ll be praying for others who may have been totally discouraged and thus beat down spiritually. I believe that it wasn’t Sean’s intention to sew seeds of discouragement, but to encourage others to grow musically. The presentation just seemed a bit insensitive. “Let us encouraging one another ‘all the more’ as we see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25)
Transpose is training wheels for beginners and at some point you have grow up. That why use carefully choice who I call players and who I call musicians. I don't care if someone is a ear musician or school musician they have to have worked and gained a set of music skills. There are schooled people who are still just players because they didn't put the hours in the shed in and rely too much on theory or things like transpose button.
Stop using transpose and go back to the shed and get some seat time in building you fundamental skills.
"trainings wheels" great analogy man!!! It can get you going till you learn to ride!!!
I have perfect pitch so transposing would really mess with my head
For sure... it’s like nails on a chalkboard.
Once the organist at my church had the organ in transpose up a half step. When I sat down to play the song was hand ✋ of the Lord by Ricky Dillard originally in the key of B natural. So when I hit the first chord of the song my mind went into a whirlwind like wtf is this 😂 and he apologized and took it out of transpose and I was severely distraught. It sent my tonal memory into Oblivion. I couldn't get my Grove back after that. I haven't transposed in 20 years so it really bothers people with perfect pitch who is pressing one hey and hearing another. "Ludacris I tell you"😝
@@chrisbranch231 yup, that means our ears our similar. The same folks who have a problem hearing chords dont have a problem using transpose lol
@@SeanWilsonPiano 😂😂😂😁
@@SeanWilsonPiano but my problem with him is he's proficient in reading music and can play in every key except B,D,E,A. all natural keys. He's the traditional church musician. I began playing in E,D and A natural playing Anita Baker and Eric Benet' songs r and b and white Christian worship music written by guitarist changed my life 😊 oh and by the way I'm in Memphis TN I'm good friends with Derek Jackson and have been learning from your videos for years. Keep up the good work. When I'm tired of the way I play something. I check out you or either Lawrence Lyles for new movements. By the way my favorite tutorial you did for me was Kevin Bond the promise. Keep up the good work 😉
It's just lazy. I don't respect people who have been playing for 5 years using the transpose button. Especially when it only takes 3 months to play in every key. 1 🎹 key per week. Play shouting music, Glory Glory hallelujah, thank you Lord, I love you Lord today in a natural all week. Next week move up to the next key. Play in e natural all week. Until you have all 12. That's how I did it. They just trifling
While I agree with you that the transpose key can be hurtful, it is there for a reason and can be helpful to young to as knowledgeable musicians. Case and point: A young musician at church and a person is called up to do a solo and he only knows that song in the original key. So, he uses the transpose key in order to enhance the service by playing with the soloist. I have ZERO problem with it as long as it is not used as a crutch. Understand, that just because playing may come easy to you it doesn't to others and everyone doesn't have the time to practice 8 hours out of the day. That's why people play at a different level. The transpose key has it's place in my opinion. And yes, I am a musician as well.
yes, in this situation it must be used in order for the service to go on. No disputing that. However, using it will still hurts the ear and ability to remember tactically where notes are so it is a powerful incentive for learning all your keys... the video proves that if I had a transpose button I wouldn't be able to hear or transcribe properly
@@SeanWilsonPiano Again, I agree that it can. But, I tell my students that they can use it in church to help them in cases where they need it. Everyone is not going to be able to play every song that's out in every key. I do understand it can be a crutch if they continue to use it. I would never tell them to practice with it. But in church, I would much rather them use it in some cases. Have you ever been to a church where a musician is fooling around in a key that you can hear that everyone can tell they are struggling with? I have. lololol. Even in some cases I stop playing when the singer keeps changing pitch (really can't sing well at all but someone told them they could sing) after every other phrase of a song. I let them screw that thing up all by themselves. lolololololol I have to say that I can play hymns congregation songs and most any song in every key. However, there are some songs that I only learned to play in one key and if I have to change keys.....I can fake it but I don't like to, so I will use the transpose key. I am not as good as you are but I am still working on it. Again, everyone doesn't develop at the same pace. You have to remember everyone is not going to be on your level as a musician nor will it come as easily for them to understand no matter how you may explain it to them.
Again I have no arguments about that. And in fact I tell all members to work on one key at a time... but the video is making an entirely different point. But I get you man!! Keep it up with your students doc!!!! Much success !!
@@SeanWilsonPiano God bless you brother. Keep doing what you are doing. Love your vids.
It’s not a responsible comment. But I understand what he meant. For gospel musicians you aren’t there to shame anyone. Your purpose for playing in the house of God is the opposite of whether or not you use the transpose button. BUT you shouldn’t post something like that because that is telling people that they don’t have to develop and be fluent in every key. Learning every key is for development and will better you in terms of your craft And will better you as a musicians.
Exactly doc!
Ok. I play in 12 keys everyday. I however, believe that demonizing a technology is wrong. Of course I also believe classical pianist are only technicians stuck in a dead unevolvong music and are not real musicians so I am always the odd man out! Use the transpose button as a tool and as needed.
so true, it's a tool. The reason people fight this I think is because musician are in to shaming those who still use it as if that makes them bad musicians. My video is taking a different approach in tone... instead of saying its right or wrong, its focusing on the effect it has on the ear, which most don't consider when they frame this discussion. Thanks for commenting as always!! excellent points!!!
whoa!! you said "classical musicians" aren't real musicians?!! 😲
@@adventistmusiciannetwork2563 A musician expresses himself in the language of sound. Would you say that someone who copies books was a writer. No. He would be plagerising not a writer. A composer is different, and Do not even get me started on.........
On a side note, funny dress up to explain this though lmao. Doing the most.
😂😭😂
God bless all of you..just bless God with your playing ..i think were the only ones who cares about this..i don't think God cares if you transpose or not..were is your heart..God will take transpose or no transpose..if you can learn more go for it..if not just bless God..
You may be lucky for now with that transpose but if your put on the spot with a grand piano or a keyboard that doesn't transpose you will be embarrassed for sure. Learn to play in all keys.
It's all fun and games until those acoustic keys are in your phase. Lol
Let go and let god pj morton
Don't be using God. God gave you time to sit down and learn that new key. You can't say you're better then anyone when they put the effort to learn more keys and you didn't that's crazy...
Preach doc
Hold up, hold up if you transpose you are not better than those who don't transpose even if they are beginners, i would rather play with someone who plays in all keys even if they suck
transpose is the worst think that can happen to a pianist.