Gospel School: Neighbor Chords: Major Triad Melody

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An extension of the Neighbor Chord concept is to play the prevailing major triad and neighbor chord pair “melodically” up or down in all three voicings…

Applied to a C Major Triad…

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If the four-note chords in the right hand are too much of a reach, just drop the bottom note and play 3-note voicings instead…

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Study-Practice Notes

  • Think of the neighbor chord as “the ii” of the prevailing chord.
  • Notice that each of the three chord pairings has a characteristic “shape”.
  • Notice that the prevailing harmony is played on downbeats and the neighbor is played on the upbeats.
  • Use your knowledge of chord theory, ears, eyes, and muscles, work this pattern out for all twelve major triads.

learn more… Gospel School: Neighbor Chords: Minor Triad Melody