Instead of using dominant chords throughout the progression, we will add a diminished seventh chord as well as some minor seventh chords. Let’s get started.
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Chops: Beginner Theory: Intermediate Lesson Overview: • Spice up a blues with diminished and minor seventh chords. • Learn how diminished seventh chords are constructed. • Use I–vi–ii–V progressions over a blues progression. |
In Fig. 1 I’ve added a diminished 7th passing chord in the sixth measure. The diminished 7th (1–b3–b5–bb7) is a great way to move from the IV chord back to the I chord. In this example, the diminished chord is a tritone away from the key we are in, in the case, A. This creates some nice tension that resolves beautifully to the A7. This is a fairly easy chord to play. Since we are playing the D7 with a barre at the fifth fret, all we need to do is add our second finger on D# on the fifth string. Take your time and listen to each chord and how it sounds moving from one to the next.
We move a little closer to jazz-based harmony in Fig. 2. Check out what is happening starting with measure seven. Starting with A7, we create a I–vi–ii–V progression. Since we are in the key of A, we use the A major scale (A–B–C#–D–E–F#–G#) as a reference point. Here, the A is our I chord, F#m7 is the vi, Bm7 is the ii, and E7 is the V. When a chord is major (or dominant) we use a capital roman numeral, and when it is minor we use a lowercase numeral. Using this new system, we consider the diminished chord in the sixth measure a #IV. Again, pay attention to how the chords sound moving from one to another.
In Fig. 3 I added a few more elements to our progression. First, I changed the minor chords to dominant chords. This gives you more options when it comes to improvising. When you use minor chords in a blues, it sometimes tends to sound dark. Simply by changing them to dominant chords, you are able to “brighten” up the sound. In measure six you can see that we have added some inversions to the diminished 7th chord from the previous examples. Since all the notes in a diminished chord are the same distance (a minor 3rd) from each other, any one of the notes can be considered the root. When you slide the shape up three frets you create inversions that can be substituted for the original chord. This creates not only some cool tension, but some movement going back to the I chord.
I hope you enjoyed adding these new chords to our old blues. There’s a lot you can do with this newfound knowledge. Take your time and experiment with which chord voicings you use and where. Also, feel free to add some of your own chord voicings. Try writing a blues tune with these new progressions. The more you force yourself to use them the more they’ll stick.
Whitman Audio introduces the Decoherence Drive and Wave Collapse Fuzz, two innovative guitar pedals designed to push the boundaries of sound exploration. With unique features like cascading gain stages and vintage silicon transistor fuzz, these pedals offer musicians a new path to sonic creativity.
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Introducing: Decoherence Drive - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Wave Collapse features include:
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Introducing: Wave Collapse Fuzz - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.In our third installment with Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover, the master luthier shows PG's John Bohlinger how his team of builders assemble and construct guitars like a chef preparing food pairings. Hoover explains that the finer details like binding, headstock size and shape, internal bracing, and adhesives are critical players in shaping an instrument's sound. Finally, Richard explains how SCGC uses every inch of wood for making acoustic guitars or outside ventures like surfboards and art.
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Cort Guitars, acclaimed for creating instruments that exceed in value and quality, introduces the Essence Series. This stunning set of acoustic guitars is designed for musicians looking for the quintessential classic acoustic guitar with fabulous tone all at an exceptional price point. The Essence Series features two distinct body shapes: The Grand Auditorium and the OM Cutaway. Whatever the flavor, the Essence Series has the style to suit.
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Cort Essence-GA4 Demo - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Moth Electric's C. regalis overdrive pedal offers massive boost, natural overdrive, and searing distortion for guitar and bass. With active treble and bass controls, clean blend, Smooth/Crunch modes, and true-bypass switching, this USA-made pedal is a versatile addition to any pedalboard.
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The C. regalis carries a $179.99 price and is available for purchase at mothelectric.com.
For more information, please visit mothelectric.com.