Learn to Play the Smooth R&B Song 'Rain' by SWV on Piano
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the Song "Rain" by SWV
- The Key of G Major
- Learning All 12 Major Scales
- The Intro and Verse of "Rain"
- Breakdown of the Chords in the Intro and Verse
- Adding the Melody to the Chords
- The Outro of the Song
- The Chorus of "Rain"
- Breaking Down the Chords in the Chorus
🎵 How to Play "Rain" by SWV – A Smooth Neo-Soul R&B Tutorial 🎹
Introduction
Hey guys, what's up? It's Yahash with Simple Keys, and welcome back to another video tutorial. In this lesson, we're going to learn how to play "Rain" by SWV. This song was suggested by one of you, and let me tell you, it's a real gem! "Rain" has that classic 90s neo-soul R&B vibe, but it still feels modern. So, I thought I'd share the chords and breakdown with you guys. Let's dive right in!
About the Song "Rain" by SWV
Before we break down the chords and learn how to play "Rain," let's talk a bit about the song itself. "Rain" is a smooth neo-soul R&B track that was released in the 90s. It has a mesmerizing melody and catchy lyrics that resonate even today. The song's key is G major, which gives it a warm and vibrant feel. So, if you're ready, let's start playing some beautiful chords!
The Key of G Major
To fully understand the chords and progressions in "Rain," it's important to know the key of the song. "Rain" is in the key of G major, which means the scale consists of the following notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#. These seven notes create a harmonious foundation for the chords we'll be playing throughout the song. Now that we've got that covered, let's move on to some valuable techniques to expand your musical repertoire.
Learning All 12 Major Scales
If you're looking to improve your skills and be able to play songs in any key, it's essential to learn all 12 major scales. Practicing these scales will help you develop a solid foundation and a better understanding of music theory. At Simple Keys, we offer a free guided course that teaches you how to play all 12 major scales. It's a fantastic resource for any aspiring musician.
The Intro and Verse of "Rain"
"Rain" consists of three main parts: the intro, the verse, and the chorus. The intro and verse share a similar chord progression, while the chorus introduces some variations. There's also a short break that serves as a bridge between sections. It may seem complex at first, but once you learn the intro, verse, and chorus, you'll have the entire song down. So, let's break it down step-by-step.
Breakdown of the Chords in the Intro and Verse
Let's start by breaking down the chords in the intro and verse of "Rain." We'll be using four primary chords for this section. The first chord is C major seven (C E G B). Next, we have G major seven (G B D F#). Surprisingly, the next chord is not in the key of G major, but it sounds sweet. It's an E major seven (E G# B D#). Finally, we return to C major seven (C E G B). By mastering these four chords, you'll be able to play the intro and verse smoothly.
Adding the Melody to the Chords
To take "Rain" to the next level, we'll incorporate the melody alongside the chords. The left hand starts with a little walk-up, followed by the C major seven chord. For the right hand melody, we'll be moving down the scale, playing D# and B notes. When combined, the melody and chords create a beautiful and enchanting sound. Practice playing them together slowly, ensuring you capture each section accurately.
The Outro of the Song
As we reach the end of "Rain," we encounter the outro section. The outro starts with a C major chord played in the second inversion. Then, the melody ascends, leading to a G major seven chord and finally resolving with an F# minor seven chord. This outro adds a touch of elegance and finality to the song.
The Chorus of "Rain"
Now, let's move on to the chorus of "Rain" - the part that really takes the song to another level. For the chorus, we'll be playing C major seven (C E G B) or C major nine, followed by E minor nine (E G B D). The easiest way to approach E minor nine is to play the octaves of G in the right hand, just like the G major seven chord played earlier. Next, we have A minor seven (A C E G), which can be thought of as a B minor seven (B D F# A) played over the note A. Lastly, we return to C major seven and incorporate the passing chord once again. The chorus ends with a mesmerizing F# minor eleven (F# A C# E G# B) chord, which adds a touch of bittersweetness to the progression.
FAQ
Q: Can I learn to play "Rain" on any musical instrument?
A: Absolutely! The chords and techniques we discussed can be applied to various musical instruments, including keyboards, guitars, and even ukuleles.
Q: Do I need any prior musical experience to learn "Rain"?
A: While some basic knowledge of music theory will be helpful, anyone with a passion for learning can pick up the chords and melody of "Rain." Just take it step-by-step and practice regularly.
Q: Where can I find the chords and sheet music for "Rain"?
A: You can find the chords and sheet music for "Rain" on websites dedicated to music enthusiasts, such as Ultimate Guitar or music learning platforms like Simple Keys.
Q: What other songs have a similar style to "Rain"?
A: If you enjoy the smooth neo-soul R&B vibe of "Rain," you might also enjoy songs by artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, or D'Angelo. Their music shares similar qualities and can be a great addition to your repertoire.
Q: Are there any alternative chord progressions I can experiment with in "Rain"?
A: Absolutely! Once you have mastered the original chord progressions, feel free to experiment with different voicings, inversions, or even substitute chords to add your personal touch to the song.
Conclusion
And there you have it - a comprehensive tutorial on how to play "Rain" by SWV. We've learned the intro, verse, and chorus, and explored the key of G major. Remember to practice each section slowly and methodically to grasp the essence of the song. If you enjoyed this tutorial, make sure to leave a like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more quality content. Stay tuned for upcoming videos and exciting new projects on our soon-to-launch membership site. Until then, keep playing and exploring the wonderful world of music. Stay easy, and peace! 😉
