Chord Progressions
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Common ii - V - I chord progressions
Beginning progressions: V - I, V7 - I and V - V7 - I
The V - I progression is central to western music. It is the clearest was to establish the tonal center (key) of a song and appears in most western music
These two songs in the key of C major have the Dominant seven version of the V chord. This is written V7 - I. Counting the notes of the C major scale, C-D-E-F-G, or 1-2-3-4-5, the V is the G major chord and the I is the C major chord. The melody is accompanied by an accompaniment suitable for beginning guitarists. The recordings match the provided pdf lead sheets.
V7 - I
Buffalo Gals Recording Buffalo Gals pdf lead sheet
Buffalo Gals Relaxed Tempo
Barnyard Song Recording Barnyard Song pdf lead sheet
Barnyard Song Relaxed Tempo
The following song is a variation of the V-I progression by having both the V and V7 chord. Notice the voice leading sounds as the progression goes from V to V7 to I. What you will clearly hear is a very nice smooth sounding melodic line of the notes G -F- E contained in these chord changes
V - V7 -I
Polly Wolly Doodle Recording Polly Wolly Doodle pdf lead sheet
Polly Wolly Relaxed Tempo
Theory: for each of the progressions, there is a brief theory discussion at each of the links. (Currently only the blues - much more to come)
Twelve Bar Blues Progressions - a theory discussion
Read 12 bar blues theory discussion (link just above) then use the below audio links for practice. Audio: Each of these audio examples has three iterations of the 12 bar formula from the theory discussion about the blues from the link directly above. The first two 12 bar lines in each turn around by the V chord. The 3rd iteration ends firmly on the I chord. This is a great starting point to experiment with scales you are learning. Listen to the progressions for cues from the various instruments letting you know when chord changes are coming. (extra drum hits, variation in rhythmic lines from the guitar or keyboard). Play the chord progression for whichever key you are in, the begin improvising with your scales. Use the pentatonic - minor or major, blues and major scales, along with the Dorian or Mixolydian modes on the 12 bar blues. The tonality on the boogie woogie samples are definitely major/dominant in feel. If you are new to this, at first it may be not as musical as you like. Keep after it - it will come. We will definitely go over these in our lessons.
12 bar blues with boogie woogie bass line in E
12 bar blues with boogie woogie bass line in A
12 bar blues with boogie woogie bass line in D
Knowing music theory to the musician is like a painter knowing the color palate. Music theory is sort of like eating your veggies. Not always the tastiest dish on the plate, but one of the most important to a strong mind and body. |