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5 Beautiful Ways to Play a II-V-I Jazz Chord Progression

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Photo by Ava Weintraub

I just love figuring out different ways to play a jazz chord progression or just mixing up jazz chords with other styles of music.

It can add nice flavors to a song and give it some extra magic. It’s really fun to experiment with that.

Learning jazz expands your guitar vocabulary to a whole new level if you are ready for it.

In the meantime it’s just fun to play some beautiful jazz chord progressions and it will certainly contribute to your playing skills and creativity as well.

There are also more advanced II-V-I’s than the ones I show here but these are really nice to start out with and get your feet in the dirt. It can be a little bit overwhelming if you learn to play jazz chords and progressions for the first time, but after a few runs you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll be amazed!Continue Reading

6 Basic Major Scale Sequences / Melodic Patterns

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Photo by Gideon

When I first learned to play sequences I didn’t know what all the fuzz was about. Why was it so important to learn all these “sequences” or as some prefer to call them “melodic patterns”?

Anyhow, I did enjoy playing them because after a while I got into this flow and it sounded kinda cool.

Once I really got the hang of it I came to learn the benefits of mastering sequences

Sequences will improve your technique and ability to improvise and create melody on the spot.

Your playing becomes more flexible, creative and it’ll keep you from sounding like someone who is playing scales all the time. :-)

In other words… Want to improve your technique or want to improve your improvising skills?

Go ahead and work hard on these assignments.

Enjoy!

Assignment #1: Memorize the G Major scale and play it using alternate picking.

Assignment #2: Memorize the 6 sequences below (ascending and descending) and play them through the cycle of fourths. (in the key G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G)

Assignment #3: Incorporate bits and pieces of each sequence into your improvisation.

Assignment #4: Try to make melodies from the patterns, play with the notes, experiment with timing and rhythm, turn things around, extend or shorten the duration/length of some of the notes, create pauses, etc.

These assignments will keep you busy for a while. Be patient and take your time!


G MAJOR SCALE

e:-----------------------------2-3------|

B:-------------------------3-5----------|

G:------------------2-4-5---------------|

D:-----------2-4-5----------------------|

A:-----2-3-5----------------------------|

E:-3-5----------------------------------|


 

G MAJOR SCALE descending

e:--3-2---------------------------------|

B:-------5-3----------------------------|

G:------------5-4-2---------------------|

D:-------------------5-4-2--------------|

A:--------------------------5-3-2-------|

E:---------------------------------5-3--|


 

SEQUENCE #1 ascending

e:----------------|-----------------|-------------------|

B:----------------|-----------------|-------------------|

G:----------------|-----------------|---------------2---|

D:----------------|-------2-----2-4-|---2-4-5-2-4-5-----|

A:-----2-3--2-3-5-|-2-3-5---3-5-----|-5-----------------|

E:-3-5-----5------|-----------------|-------------------|

Continue Reading

Play The 7 Modes in 7 Days (Tabs Incl.)

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Photo by Marta Monleón
Modes are used in all kinds of musical styles like Jazz, Blues, Rock, Metal, etc. They create a certain mood or feel to your playing.

If you feel like you are stuck playing solos using just Major/Minor or Pentatonic/Blues scales all the time, you’re ready to call on the modes and dive a little deeper.

When you first get introduced to modes you might be a little bit overwhelmed, but at the same time it’s also exciting to explore this whole new world of boundless possibilities.

It’s all about the journey and not the destination, so just take it slow and enjoy the process!

The 7 Modes of the Major Scale
Modes are scales which can be derived from the major scale. The 7 modes of the major scale are:

1 – Ionian
2 – Dorian
3 – Phrygian
4 – Lydian
5 – Mixolydian
6 – Aeolian
7 – Locrian

Each mode starts and stops on a different note within the major scale. E.g.: The Dorian mode starts on the second degree of the major scale all the way up to an octave higher, the Phrygian mode starts on the third degree of the major scale up to an octave higher, the Lydian mode starts on the fourth degree of the major scale up to an octave higher and so on.

For example, Modes derived from C major:
C Ionian, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian, A Aeolian, B Locrian.

C Major = C D E F G A B
D Dorian = D E F G A B C D
E Phrygian = E F G A B C D E
F Lydian = F G A B C D E F
G Mixolydian = G A B C D E F G
A Aeolian = A B C D E F G A
B Locrian = B C D E F G A B

What you want is to be able play these modes in any given key, depending on the song or chord progression. Let’s say you want to play these modes starting on C: C Ionian, C Dorian, C Phrygian, C Lydian, C Mixolydian, C Aeolian and C Lorcian.

You have to figure out from which major scale each mode is derived from. Let’s take C Dorian for example. If the Dorian mode is from the 2nd degree of the major scale, the question becomes:
“C” is the second degree of which major scale? The answer is Bb

Bb major scale = Bb C D Eb F G A Bb
C Dorian = C D Eb F G A Bb C

Do the same with the other modes. If Phrygian mode is from the 3rd degree of the major scale, ask yourself: “C” is the third degree of which major scale? The answer is Ab

Ab major scale = Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab
C Phrygian = C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C

And so on.

I’ll show you two fingerings to play for each mode. I’ll give you the notes, mode formula, whole/half step formula, mood and the associated chord type.

In the example below we’re playing all 7 modes starting on C.

DAY 1
C IONIAN
The first mode, the Ionian mode is starting from the root note/tonic in the scale.
So the Ionian mode and the major scale are basically the same.
The (C Ionian) notes are: C D E F G A B C
Mode formula = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1/2
Mood: Happy / upbeat.
Chord type = Maj or Maj7 (so in this case CMaj or CMaj7)


C Ionian starting from the E-string
e:--------------------------------------------8----------|
B:-------------------------------------10-12-------------|
G:----------------------------9-10-12--------------------|
D:-------------------9-10-12-----------------------------|
A:----------8-10-12--------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-12----------------------------------------------|

 

C Ionian starting from the A-string
e:----------------------------------------5-7-8----------|
B:---------------------------------5-6-8-----------------|
G:-------------------------4-5-7-------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-7---------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-7-----------------------------------------|
E:-------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the C Ionian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode in different keys. E.G.: If you play C Ionian up a whole step (moving the entire scale 2 frets up), you are playing D Ionian mode.
If you move down the scale a half step (1 fret) from C you are playing B Ionian. So practice the Ionian mode in different places across the neck.

 

DAY 2
C DORIAN
The C Dorian mode starts on the second degree of the Bb major scale.
The (C Dorian) notes are: C D Eb F G A Bb C
Mode formula (compared to the major scale) = 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1
Mood: Minor Jazzy feel.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Cmin or Cmin7)



C Dorian starting from the E-string
e:-----------------------------------------------8--------|
B:-----------------------------------------10-11----------|
G:-------------------------------8-10-12------------------|
D:---------------------8-10-12----------------------------|
A:-----------8-10-12--------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-11-----------------------------------------------|

 

C Dorian starting from the A-string)
e:-----------------------------------------5-6-8----------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-8------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-7--------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-7----------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-6------------------------------------------|
E:--------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn D Dorian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play the modes in different keys through the cycle of 4ths.
Assignment 3:
Play the Ionian modes as well.

 

DAY 3
C PHRYGIAN
C Phrygian mode starts on the third degree of the Ab major scale.
The (C Phrygian) notes are: C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C
Mode formula = 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1/2 - 1 - 1- 1- 1/2 - 1 - 1
Mood: Spanish, Flamenco.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Cmin or Cmin7)



C Phrygian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8------|
B:------------------------------------------9-11---------|
G:--------------------------------8-10-12----------------|
D:----------------------8-10-11--------------------------|
A:------------8-10-11------------------------------------|
E:----8-9-11---------------------------------------------|

 

C Phrygian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------4-6-8---------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-8-----------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-6-------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-6---------------------------------|
A:---------3-4-6-----------------------------------------|
E:-------------------------------------------------------|

 

Assignment 1:
Learn C Phrygian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode up a half step all the way up to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Take a break and make yourself a hot cappuccino.
Assignment 4:
Play the Ionian and Dorian modes as well.

 

DAY 4
C LYDIAN
C Lydian mode starts on the fourth degree of the G major scale.
The (C Lydian) notes are: C D E F# G A B C
Mode formula = 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 - 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1/2
Mood: Dreamy, floating.
Chord type = Maj or Maj7 (so in this case CMaj or CMaj7)



C Lydian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8------|
B:-----------------------------------------10-12---------|
G:--------------------------------9-11-12----------------|
D:----------------------9-10-12--------------------------|
A:------------9-10-12------------------------------------|
E:----8-10-12--------------------------------------------|

 

C Lydian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------5-7-8---------|
B:---------------------------------5-7-8-----------------|
G:-------------------------4-5-7-------------------------|
D:-----------------4-5-7---------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-7-----------------------------------------|
E:-------------------------------------------------------|

 


 

Assignment 1:
Learn the C Lydian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode up a whole step all the way up to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Go for a run and take a nice shower.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian and Phrygian modes.

 

DAY 5
C MIXOLYDIAN
C Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth degree of the F major scale.
The (C Mixolydian) notes are: C D E G G A Bb C
Mode formula = 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1
Mood: Bluesy
Chord type = Maj or Dominant7 (so in this case CMaj or C7)



C Mixolydian starting from the E-string
e:-------------------------------------------------8------|
B:----------------------------------------8-10-11---------|
G:-------------------------------7-9-10-------------------|
D:----------------------7-8-10----------------------------|
A:------------7-8-10--------------------------------------|
E:----8-10------------------------------------------------|

 

C Mixolydian starting from the A-string
e:---------------------------------------3-5-6-8----------|
B:-------------------------------3-5-6--------------------|
G:-----------------------2-3-5----------------------------|
D:---------------2-3-5------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5--------------------------------------------|
E:--------------------------------------------------------|

 

Assignment 1:
Learn the C Mixolydian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice the Mixolydian mode randomly in different keys.(E.g.: E-string in the key of Bb, A-string in the key of C, E-string in the key of F, A-string in the key of G, etc.)
Assignment 3:
Meditate for 20 minutes.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian and Lydian modes.

 

DAY 6
C AEOLIAN
C Aeolian mode starts on the sixth degree of the Eb major scale.
(Aeolian mode is the same as the natural minor scale)
The (C Aeolian) notes are: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C
Mode formula = 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1
Mood: Sad, somber, unhappy.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Cmin or Cmin7)



C Aeolian starting from the E-string
e:--------------------------------------------8-------------|
B:------------------------------------8-9-11----------------|
G:----------------------------7-8-10------------------------|
D:---------------------8-10---------------------------------|
A:-----------8-10-11----------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-11-------------------------------------------------|

 

C Aeolian starting from the A-string)
e:--------------------------------------3-4-6-8-------------|
B:-------------------------------3-4-6----------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5------------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-6------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-6--------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------|

 

Assignment 1:
Learn the C Aeolian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice each mode in different keys.
Assignment 3:
Take a 30 minute break and pour yourself some hot green tea with nice biscuits.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian modes.

 

DAY 7
C LOCRIAN
C Locrian mode starts on the seventh degree of the Db major scale.
The (C Locrian) notes are: C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C
Mode formula : 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1
Mood: Dark, sinister.
Chord type = dim or m7b5 (so in this case Cdim or Cm7b5)



B Locrian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8-------|
B:------------------------------------------9-11----------|
G:--------------------------------8-10-11-----------------|
D:----------------------8-10-11---------------------------|
A:------------8-9-11--------------------------------------|
E:----8-9-11----------------------------------------------|

 

C Phrygian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------4-6-8----------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-7------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-6--------------------------|
D:-----------------3-4-6----------------------------------|
A:---------3-4-6------------------------------------------|
E:--------------------------------------------------------|

 

Assignment 1:
Learn the C Locrian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice each mode up a whole step all the way to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Practice all the other modes as well.
Assignment 4:
Take a nap.

 

Well done! Give yourself a pat on the shoulder. You can be proud of yourself!

You managed to play all the scales/modes up and down the fretboard in different keys.

Learn to understand the basics and play the modes in 7 days. It's a great place to start from.
From there you can start your journey through the vast possibilities of improvising and soloing with modes.

If you want know more about modes check out Frank Gambale's "Modes no more mystery"

Give it your best and you'll benefit!