I messed up chords & melodies

[billxam]

Short explanation: last September after mom passed, I got her casio keyboard and set about learning to play without outside help.  What I never asked my is what is the difference between melody and chords - which is created first and exactly what defines them. I've been playing chords not melodies and melodies I thought were chords.

[UltraBudgie]

melody you can whistle
and play with one finger

awesome to learn without lessons
just have fun and mash
the keys as you like

[greymagick]

I think chords are usually played with the left hand, 3 fingers, and melodies are played on the right hand, one finger alternating between 3 finger chords as well.  I took lessons years ago as a child, but forgot how to read music.  I have a piano and still play my own music, but it's all by memory - though certainly the chords and scales taught in piano lessons have stayed with me.  I bet you can get pretty good video instructions on YouTube, if you so desire...