tips & tricks for the rhythmically & harmonically-challenged
Posts tagged chord progression
Wanna Play Pop, R&B, or Jazz? Then You Must Know the Diatonic 7th Chords Too!
Nov 28th
Oops! That looks like my longest article title yet! But it got you looking, right? Cool 
Now that you know what the major scale diatonic triads are (check out my post on diatonic triads here), it’s time to expand the wee little triad to include it’s cooler, modern-sounding fourth note, that is to stack another note on top to make a Diatonic 7th chord.
Diatonic 7th Chords of the Major Scale
Here are the seven Diatonic 7th chords in the key of C Major:
Notice how just one additional note has given a slight twist to the chord qualities. The main quality of the chords are still there. With the exception of two of the chords, the major chords still retain their major quality sound and are still in the major chord family; the same goes with the minor chords. However, the 7th note has given each chord an extra bite, or a slightly more sophisticated quality, apart from contributing to a fuller, richer sound.
Now, the next important thing to look at are the chord symbols relative to each chord’s position (or chord degree) in the scale:
| Chord Degree | Chord | Chord Degree | Chord |
|
I |
Cmaj7 |
V |
G7 |
|
II |
Dmi7 |
VI |
Ami7 |
|
III |
Emi7 |
VII |
Bmi7b5 |
|
IV |
Fmaj7 |
|
|
The I and IV chords are both major 7th chords. The chord symbol is now represented by a capital letter along with ma7 or maj7.
The II, III and VI chords retain their minor chord quality to become minor 7th chords. The chord symbol is now represented by a capital letter along with mi7 or min7, sometimes you will also see this -7 (minus sign followed by the 7).
The two chords that take on different qualities are chords V and VII. Chord V is especially important to note because the added fourth tone has changed the major quality triad to one that is now called the dominant 7th chord. The chord symbol comprises simply the 7 next to the capital letter.
The Importance of the V7 Chord
The dominant 7th chord contains the 4th and 7th degrees of the major scale. If you take a look at the keyboard, you will notice that these two notes are part of two sets of white key halfstep intervals. For example, G7 consists of the notes G-B-D-F — B is the 7th and F is the 4th. These two notes form the core structure of a dominant 7th chord and give it the “active” sound that calls for a resolution to a stable chord, which is usually chord I of the key.
Listen to the chord again, followed individually by the 7th and 4th notes and finally the 7th and 4th notes sounded together (forming a tritone interval).
G7-chord-and-its-tritoneIn this case, G7 will move naturally and completely (or resolve) to C. Notice how and where each note moves from V7 (SO-TI-RE-FA) to I (DO-MI-SO-DO). Breaking the notes down to solfeg, you will see a very natural and organic movement in music, i.e. SO moves (up a perfect 4th or down a perfect 5th) to DO; TI resolves up a halfstep to DO; and FA resolves down a halfstep to MI.
In short, the V7 is a signpost to the key of a song or composition, since there is only one such chord quality in a major key. For example, if we see this chord progression, Gmi7-C7, there’s a great probability that we are in the key of F major; or G major, if it’s this progression: C-D7.
And finally, the last chord of the scale on the seventh degree, VII, is now a minor 7th with a flatted 5th. The chord symbol is a capital letter along with mi7b5, mi7(b5), min7b5, or min7(b5).
Traditionally, this chord is referred to as a half diminished. However, in pop and especially jazz music, we view this chord as having a minor chord quality rather than a diminished one.
So this wraps up all the seven diatonic 7th chords of the major scale. In the next post, I will show you how just by using these seventh chords, a simple song can be tweaked to sound more sophisticated. Meanwhile, learn and play them in all keys!
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7 Ways to Become a Better Pop or Jazz Pianist
Nov 21st
“Practice!” That’s what piano teachers always tell their students, or “Practice makes perfect,” spout many. But practice what? Practice how? If practice makes perfect, then it is also true that imperfect practice makes imperfection! And we don’t want that. To become really good at our craft, i.e. piano-playing, it is important to know what and how to practice. Hence, to me, the saying should really be knowledgeable practice makes perfect.
Here are the seven important areas to cover and to diligently practice in order to become a better pop and/or jazz pianist.
- Scales - All contemporary piano players know that scales are the basic building blocks in music. The notes of a melody come from a scale, as are improvisational lines in jazz solos. Essential scales to master are: major (ionian mode), melodic and harmonic minor, modes (dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian [natural minor], locrian), major and minor pentatonic, major and minor blues, diminished and whole-tone.
- Chords – From scales, we build chords. It’s vital to memorize all the diatonic chords of the major and minor scales. Diatonic chords are chords that are built on every note of a scale and whose notes come from that very scale; there are seven altogether for each scale. Learn up its chord quality and function within the scale or key, regardless whether the chords are triads, sevenths, or 13th chords. Essential chord families to master are: major, minor and dominant.
- Rhythm - The best melody and harmony in the world will be quite boring without a hint of rhythm that goes with it. Rhythm gives life to music. Inherent with rhythm is feel, i.e. the interpretation of rhythmic units. Essential rhythmic feels to grasp are: straight and rolled 8ths, straight and rolled 16ths, swing and triplet. Additionally, it is also important to work on other rhythmic aspects such as syncopation and anticipation.
- Cycle of 5ths – Imagine the face of a clock and instead of the hourly numbers, replace these with the 12 notes in music, i.e. starting at the top at 12 with C, then moving clockwise down five steps to F, then Bb and continuing this until you end back at C. This is what you will get: C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db(C#)-Gb(F#)-Cb(B)-E-A-D-G-C. Memorize this movement because a lot of chord progressions in songs move naturally in this way, either down in perfect 5ths or up in perfect 4ths. For example, the A section of “Fly Me to the Moon”: Ami7-Dmi7-G7-Cma7-Fma7-Bmi7(b5)- E7-Ami7. The roots of the chords move perfectly around the cycle, diatonic to the key of C major!
- Form – All the elements of music – melody, harmony and rhythm – will be pointless or meandering if not held together or structured in specific forms. Pop songs are known for their verse and chorus structures, or AB form. It is also common to find modern pop songs these days with the following form: intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-outro (ending). Blues music, of course, has its 12-bar structure, and its less common 16-bar form. And the 32-bar song form in jazz with its many variations, i.e., AABA, AABC, et cetera, are all important to note and remember.
- Styles - The beautiful thing about contemporary music is its many styles: pop, rock, R&B, reggae, gospel, bossa nova, swing, bebop, et cetera. Each and every style has its inherent melodic, harmonic and rhythmic characteristics. Break down every facet of a style and learn how to interpret it correctly. Master the styles and make your playing more colorful and multidimensional!
- Listen - Last but not least, because contemporary music comes in many genres, styles, shape and form, we need to develop a healthy listening habit. Every area from 1 to 6 above can be consolidated through a good listening session. As you listen to a piece of music, be it something from Coldplay, Sara Bareilles, Michael Buble, or Keith Jarrett, look out for and analyze all the elements – the melody/scale, chord/harmony, rhythm/feel, form and style. Music is an audible art. Hence, as a musician you need to build up your analytic listening skills!
Since there are 7 areas to work on altogether, these can be put to efficient practice, one for each day of the week! And remember only knowledgeable and perfect practice makes perfect. Have fun!
I have been teaching piano for more than 20 years. Although classically-trained, I have always loved contemporary music. I grew up in a household filled with all types of music, from classical to jazz, Pavarotti to Sinatra, Goldberg to Grusin, pop, rock, etc. Currently residing in Singapore, I conduct private piano lessons in pop and jazz music to students of all ages, ranging from music enthusiasts, piano teachers to professional musicians. I also write a blog especially for pianists who find themselves rhythmically and harmonically challenged, and also on other interesting music and piano-related stuff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_H._E._Lee
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Ways-to-Become-a-Better-Pop-or-Jazz-Pianist&id=3291829
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Top 5 Pieces For a Beginner Jazz Pianist
Nov 12th
Learning how to play jazz piano for the first time is exciting yet very intimidating if one starts with the wrong songs. Selecting pieces that are melodically pleasing, rhythmically simple, harmonically easy (as in the chord changes) and all structured within a straightforward form is very important if a beginner jazz pianist is to gain any significant performance result.
Hence, the following pieces all comprise the elements just mentioned above and, in my opinion, are very suitable for any novice jazz player. Interestingly, these pieces will eventually have to be among the standard tunes in any true jazzer’s repertoire.
The five songs are: (listed in alphabetical order)
- 1. Autumn Leaves: Beautiful melody in simple rhythms; II-V-I chord changes in the key of G major and its relative E minor; 32-bar AABC form. This is a “must know” jazz standard, often played in ballad and/or medium swing style. It is also common to find this song represented in G minor.
2. Blue Bossa: Descending melody line with lightly syncopated latin rhythms; II-V-I in C minor and Db major; 16-bar AB form. This piece is great in two ways: it is a great introduction to bossa nova style and also chord changes in minor key.
3. Fly Me to the Moon: Another beautiful descending melodic line with a rhythm that can be interpreted in swing or latin; mainly diatonic and related chords from C major; another 32-bar ABAC form. An old Sinatra favorite and, of course, repopularized by Michael Buble, this song not only has a catchy melody, but the chord progression also moves beautifully in the cycle of fifths.
4. So What: Simple modal melody in the bass in flowing 8th rhythms; D Dorian modal chords; classic 32-bar AABA, starting with 16 bars of D Dorian, moving up a half step to 8 bars of Eb Dorian and back to the last 8 bars of D Dorian again. Miles Davis’ popular piece is an excellent thesis in modal studies. The beginner will learn the concept of “less is more.”
5. Summertime: A classic Gershwin blues melody in simple rhythms; mainly diatonic and related chords of D minor; 16-bar AB form. Another great minor piece and also a “must know,” with a bluesy tinge. There is an opportunity to learn about line clichés and applying them to chords Imi and IVmi.
For each song, learn the melody and play through its chord progression. Pay attention to the form and structure of the song. If possible, commit all these to memory. It will be well worth the effort and time and you will appreciate knowing the song inside out, especially once you start the improvisational aspect of jazz piano-playing!
I have been teaching piano for more than 20 years. Although classically-trained, I have always loved contemporary music. I grew up in a household filled with all types of music, from classical to jazz, Pavarotti to Sinatra, Goldberg to Grusin, pop, rock, etc. Currently residing in Singapore, I conduct private piano lessons in pop and jazz music to students of all ages, ranging from music enthusiasts, piano teachers to professional musicians. I also write a blog especially for pianists who find themselves rhythmically and harmonically challenged, and also on other interesting music and piano-related stuff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_H._E._Lee
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Pieces-For-a-Beginner-Jazz-Pianist&id=3225638
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