Hi
This week I want to introduce you to a technique exercise that will help you discover, learn, and play chord/scale relationships. Before diggin' in let's make sure we understand how chords are constructed using the major scale.
Each major scale is consists of seven musical notes - for example, the "C major scale" is constructed using the notes C D E F G A B. Now, if you simply take every other note beginning with the note "C" you create a "C major chord":
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We can repeat this very same process for each note of the scale to create six more chords: | |
The diagrams above help us successfully discover the seven chords of the C Major Scale - now we have to learn them. Take time to practice saying and spelling each chord (over and over!); C Major (CM7) = CEGB, D Minor (Dm7) = DFAC, E Minor (Em7) = EGBD, F Major (FM7) = FACE, G Dominant (G7) = GBDF, A Minor (Am7) = ACEG, and B Half Diminished (Bm7b5) = BDFA. After we discover and learn a jazz skill it's time to play the jazz skill. Below is a wonderful exercise for mastering chord/scale relationships. Be sure to watch my video to help you nail down the proper articulation, feel, and time of the 8th notes outlining each chord. | |
Once you can play the chords belonging to the C major scale, take time to discover, learn, and play the seven chords for each of the other 11 major scales/keys.
Enjoy learning/mastering chord/scale relationships!
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P.S. I highly recommend using an application like iReal Pro or software like Band In A Box when practicing. Hearing and Feeling a skill within a musical context makes all the difference in the world - it expedites your musical development. | |
