Simple Patterns for Simple Major Key Chord Progressions

(Left Hand)

The accompaniment chord progressions required for the Music Therapy Piano Proficiency exam may be played in any major key, using the following patterns of finger movements. Note that for most changes, one finger stays anchored. Since all distances on a keyboard (whole step, half step) are consistent, if the fingers learn how far to reach, the proper notes will automatically be played. Finger numbers are those standard for piano notation (i.e., 5 is for the pinkie finger, 1 is for the thumb).

I IV I V7 I

Place 5 (left hand) on the tonic note and rest the remaining fingers atop the first five scale steps. Play fingers 5-3-1.

To move to IV: Leave 5 anchored on the tonic; move 1 up a whole step; move the
  middle note up a half step (may exchange 2 for 3).

 

To return to I: Leave 5 anchored on the tonic; move 1 down a whole step; move
  the middle note down a half step (may exchange 3 for 2).

 

To move to V7: Leave 1 anchored on the dominant; move 5 down a half step; move
  3 down a whole step; play 2 a whole step below 1.

 

To return to I: Leave 1 anchored on the dominant; move 5 up a half step; move 3
  up a whole step; rest 2 atop a convenient note.
I IV V7 I  

Place 5 (left hand) on the tonic note and rest the remaining fingers atop the first five scale steps. Play fingers 5-3-1.

To move to IV: Leave 5 anchored on the tonic; move 1 up a whole step; move the
  middle note up a half step (may exchange 2 for 3).

 

To move to V7: Leave 2 anchored on the fourth scale step; move one down a
  whole step; move 5 down a half step; if desired, play 3 a minor
  third below 2.

 

To return to I: Leave 1 anchored on the dominant; move 5 up a half step; move 3
  up a whole step; rest 2 atop a convenient note.
I vi IV V7 I

Place 5 (left hand) on the tonic note and rest the remaining fingers atop the first five scale steps. Play fingers 5-3-1.

To move to vi: Leave 5 and 3 anchored; move 1 up a whole step.

 

To move to IV: Leave 5 and 1 anchored; move middle note up a half step (may
  exchange 2 for 3).

 

To move to V7: Leave 2 anchored on the fourth scale step; move one down a
  whole step; move 5 down a half step; if desired, play 3 a minor
  third below 2.

 

To return to I: Leave 1 anchored on the dominant; move 5 up a half step; move 3
  up a whole step; rest 2 atop a convenient note.

ADJUSTMENTS FOR MINOR KEYS: When moving from i to iv, only move 1 up a half step; move 3 up a whole step.