Lesson Goal: To become fluent playing the Harmonic Minor “scale-chord” pairings for the minor iiø7-V7-i chord progression…
One way to conceive of the iiø7-V7-i chord progression is as three sets of “scale-chord” or “chord-scale” pairings as follows…
iiø7 Chord
The Dø7 chord is paired with the second mode of the C Harmonic Minor Scale…
V7 Chord
The G7 chord is paired with the fifth mode of the C Harmonic Minor Scale…
i Chord
The CmM7 chord is paired with the C “Harmonic” Minor Scale that you already know…
Now let’s put it all together (with voice leading for the left hand chords)…
As you listen/play, simply be receptive to the overall sound-feelings while keeping in mind that THIS is what a minor iiø7-V7-i chord progression sounds and feels like. Such is nothing more than ear training by experience and association. And it won’t take long for you to recognize a iiø7-V7-i chord progression when you hear it!
Homework
Using your knowledge of scales and chord structure (and your ears of course), play these scale-chord pairings in the keys of C minor, F minor, G minor, A minor, D minor, and E minor.
Doing so will develop an enormous scale and chord vocabulary that you will know by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle… laying a rock solid foundation for fluent improvisation.
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