Chances are, if you’ve ever taken piano lessons, you’ve probably spent at least a little time on piano chords. But learning the names of some basic chords and really understanding chord theory are two different things. And while it is possible to learn to play the piano without learning the chords, learning the theory has several benefits.

Many piano students complain that music theory is too difficult to understand. They quickly give up in favor of simply playing the piano by reading a written sheet of music. Those who take the time to get the basics of chord theory find that chord theory helps them in a number of ways.

Learning chord-based theory is kind of like learning math. You can just memorize the fact that 2 + 2 = 4, and that can serve you well for a few years in school. Or you can learn and understand why 2 + 2 = 4. Once you do, you can be successful in math when the formulas become too difficult to memorize and regurgitate. The same goes for chord theory. It’s one thing to memorize a chord chart. If you don’t understand how chords work, your skills won’t take you much beyond playing the basic piano.

One of the most obvious benefits of learning chords is that you will soon develop the ability to play the piano by ear. Have you ever seen a band play, like the ones on late-night TV shows? Pianists seem to be able to pick up any song, on the spur of the moment, and start playing it without the benefit of a score or practice. That is music theory in action. There are few things more exciting than sitting at the piano, improvising, and accompanying any song.

Those musicians inclined to write original music will find that knowledge of theory is essential in creating music for lyrics. Even if you don’t transcribe the music yourself, chord theory will provide you with the means to communicate your ideas to the transcriber. The final product will be exactly as you envision it.

Once you understand how chords work, you will also be in a better position to learn to play other instruments; if you don’t play them yourself, you can work with other musicians on a band stage. For example, another instrument that relies heavily on chord theory is the guitar. This is why many pianists find it easy to learn to play the guitar. In a band, the music is largely based on the guitar and piano soloist. Knowledge and understanding of chord theory ensures that the pianist and the guitarist are always on the same page, so to speak.

Finding a good instructor is vital when it comes to chords. It can mean the difference between giving up in frustration and success in becoming proficient. Taking advantage of jam sessions in your area will also help you put chord theory skills to use in an informal setting. You can learn from other musicians whose passions are similar. Additionally, students learning chord theory notice a marked improvement in their overall piano playing skills.