When you learn one chord shape, you’re often learning a pattern that covers several chords at once. Here’s a quick exercise to show you how that works:

• C, F, and G major all feel the same in your hands — all white keys (W–W–W). Same fingerings as you move through the inversions.

• D, E, and A major also share a shape — white–black–white (W–B–W). Again, the fingerings stay the same through the inversions.

That’s 6 chords from just 2 shapes! Both piano and guitar are full of these patterns.

👉 Download the PDF here

Step 1: Start small.

Pick just one or two chords this week. Once those feel comfortable, expand to the rest.

Step 2: Improvise in rhythm.

Make it playful. Go back and forth between two voicings, or repeat one voicing a bunch of times. Watch the video for a demonstration.

Pro Tip

Think of this as a warm-up exercise. Play it for 3–5 minutes at the start of your session, at least 3 times a week. It will train your hands to see the bigger patterns behind the chords.

That's all for now,

Thomas Silvani

thomas@silvanimusic.com