How To Play 10th Intervals
In this lesson we will explore the concept of 10th intervals. The 10th is a beautiful interval and when played in our left hand it creates a strong foundation which in turn frees up the right hand for melodic decoration.
If you have small hands, you will undoubtedly find it difficult or even impossible to play 10th intervals, in which case I recommend that you focus your practice time on the other left hand piano styles that we have covered in this course such as the left hand stride style and spread voicings.
What Is A 10th Interval?
A 10th interval, as the name suggests, is an interval of 10 scale degrees. The first chord in Georgia is an Fmaj7 and so we use the F major scale to find the 10th interval for this chord.
An easier way to visualise the 10th is simple to think the 3rd of the chord, but an octave higher. We can add the 5th into our left hand which then outlines the shape of the F triad but spread between the interval of a 10th.
Different Types Of 10th Intervals
10th intervals can be a major 10th, or a minor 10th, (in effect the major & minor 3rd) and depending on the key some are smaller distances than others.
For major 10th intervals in white keys, the shortest distance are the keys of C, F, and G because we can hang our hand off the keyboard. More difficult are D and A, and finally E and B are bigger still due to the layout of the keyboard. For black keys, Gb is the easiest to play, next Db & Bb, and finally Eb & Ab.
For minor 10th intervals the opposite is true for white keys, D, E, A & B are the easiest to reach again because the hand can hand off the keyboard, and C, F and G are slightly more difficult. For black keys, Eb and Bb are the easiest to reach and C#, F#, and Ab are a little harder.
These 2 intervals allow you to build all chord types. Major 10th intervals can be used for major and dominant chords, and the minor 10th intervals can be used for minor chords, half diminished chords, and diminished chords.
Lesson Downloads
-
Left Hand 10th Intervals File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
In this lesson we explore further chord substitutions and reharmonisation for the second half of the 8 bar blues form.
In this lesson Jon expands on the basics of the 8 bar blues and shows a range of chord substitutions for the first 4 bars of the form.
In this lesson Jon gives us an introduction to the 8 bar blues, including the form, left and right hand patterns, and the feel.
Practice Tips
-
When starting out with 10th intervals, they can be a real stretch and often difficult to execute. With practice this becomes easier.
-
If you are close to reaching the 10th intervals I advise you persevere and we will also be covering some techniques in this lesson to help build strength and dexterity.
-
It may be that you can play 10th intervals in some keys, but not other keys, and also for some chord types but not other chord types.
-
This lesson will help you to identify the 10th intervals that you can play, and some useful tricks using slash chords to help you to play common progressions with 10ths.
Hi Haydn,
The last lesson of this course (how to play 10th intervals) does not load. An you fix it please?
Hi Henk,
Thanks for letting me know about this.
I have now fixed the issue and checked the the lesson plays correctly.
Let me know if I can help further and enjoy the lessons!
Cheers,
Hayden
HI HAYDEN,
THIS LESSON IS too
advanced for me but love it and your arrangements grab me!
Will return to Moon River and others but had to do this and can handle playing it but not understanding chord structures yet. It is really motivating and will keep me going big time! Your lessons are very helpful and easy to follow.
Thank you!
Sue
Hey Sue 👋
Yes these left hand 10th techniques are advanced, but it’s definitely something to work towards in the future if you like the blues/New Orleans piano style. It takes a while to build up the hand and finger strength to play this voicing style, and so it’s completely normal that you find this challenging.
Exactly as you say, I like to hint at more advanced topics in our beginner courses just to keep students motivated and excited for what lies ahead.
Yes the next “Moon River” lesson on Chord Extensions is coming shortly. We discuss further developing the left hand with lower octaves and also 10th intervals, but played in an arpeggio style which is much easier than the 10th interval techniques covered in this lesson on “Georgia”. The editor should have the lesson finished in the next day or so. Keep an eye on the Moon River course page.
Talk soon,
Hayden
p.s thanks for the feedback and I’m really glad to heat that the lessons are a good fit for you.