More Right Hand Runs: Using Sixteenth Notes
For those wanting more written examples… I’m sharing two more visuals of right hand runs using sixteenth notes.
Runs add a nice driving force to the music and creates energy if played correctly š
Tip:
Emphasize the 1st note in each sixteenth note group for a more shapely sound.Ā Emphasizing every note can sound mechanical.
In my earlier days of being church pianist, I would often rush a run.Ā It’s so easy for our fingers to speed too much when viewing a sea of black notesĀ that need to occur in a brief moment!Ā I had toĀ make myself slowly practice the run and count the main beats as I conquered the sea of notes in front of me. In time the run sounded like it fit!Ā Just remember….not all runs mean “super fast!”
Click on the following title to download free pdf with two more examples of this right hand run:
Tags: church pianist, jenifer cook, right hand runs
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Thanks! I’m going to work at incorporating this into my hymn-playing. Practical examples are very helpful for me and are what I try to do for my piano students.
OK! I spent some time practicing this technique. Hereās my homework!
You asked what inversion you used and why you used it. You used the second inversion (5th of chord on bottom/ on thumb & on downbeat). When I tried different inversions with this run technique, I found that the second inversion was the easiest to play fluently(and add the 2nd of the chord to it), as well as the best sounding. Am I right?!
You also have a neat point of not necessarily using the melody note as the starting note for the run. That helps me think in chords. (Quick! Whatās the 5th of this chord?)
When looking for other hymns to incorporate this into, I looked for songs that had the melody in quarter notes for 2 beats. Also, the chord was the same for those 2 beats. Having dotted rhythm didnāt work as well. Four-four timing seemed the best.
Hereās just a couple I practiced with:
-Lead Me to Calvary
meas. 2, beats 1 & 2 with run up
meas. 3, beats 3 & 4 with run up
meas. 4, beats 1 & 2 with run down
meas. 6, beats 1 & 2 with run up
-Nothing But the Blood
With this hymn, I could put them in every measure! If I added runs every place possible, it would be over done. Therefore, I tried putting them in at regular intervals in a more deliberate way. Eliminating the runs that didnāt flow as well into the third beat(last note of run) helped.
I also appreciate your note, Mrs. Cook, on making them agree with the words. Two phrases in the chorus- āis the flowā & āfount I knowā ā go well with the runs flowing up (both also go melodically up on the second beat).
meas. 2, beats 1 & 2 with run up
meas. 6, beats 1 & 2 with run up
meas. 10(2 of chorus), beats 1 & 2 with run up
meas. 14 (6 of chorus), beats 1 & 2 with run up
Thanks! I enjoyed my practicing.
PS. These two hymns I’m scheduled to accompany for congregational singing this Sunday. I’m hoping to put these fill-ins in a few of the verses.
Wow! Thanks SO much for the feedback š I was gone all last week because helping out with my Mom…Dad had major heart attack but back home. I’m home now catching up on correspondence.
I’m in midst of creating more right hand run uses. I see you’ve been busy! š
(special note: I didn’t count your first line as the first paragraph.)
Yes” to 2nd inversion being more comfy to the hand. “Yes!” Think in chords is a must.
Parapgraph #3 Dotted rhythm will work for the 2nd inversion as well as other time signatures(I’ve already been working on LOTS of examples…you’re ahead of me!) š
Good application on “Lead Me to Calvary” Just watch out for run application on last line of Lead Me “love for Me” May not want to use right hand run here because it will clash with alto on word “for” Overall you’re making great application š
You’re right to not use run in excess. Hope this helps! I guess you’ve already played these songs by now due to my delayed response. How did it go?
Thanks for your additional comments, Mrs. Cook! I appreciate your thoughts.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad… I just read your comment today.
As for playing them on Sunday, I did Ok. Several times, I was a measure or two behind in remembering where I had practiced to put the runs in. But I did get a few in!
Recently, I’ve been accompanying an abundant amount of congregational hymns… hearing myself play, it often sounds boring. Or at least like I’m playing the same technique/ fill-in over & over. So, thanks for the encouragement and “freshening up”!
May you enjoy your Resurrection Sunday! I’m coordinating some special music for our church service.
Oops! Just now getting back to working on my Right Hand Run tutorial and realized I gave you the wrong info about 6/8 time being compatible for this run.
This run works best for just 3/4 and 4/4 time.