Lesson Goal: To learn the diatonic scale-chord parings for the ii7-V7-IM7 chord progression in all major keys–by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle…
In the Key of C Major
One way to conceive of the ii7-V7-IM7 chord progression is as three sets of “scale/chord” or “chord/scale” pairings as follows…
The Dm7 chord is paired with the D (Dorian) mode of the C major scale…
IMPORTANT: This is NOT the same as Dorian modal music. This is tonal harmony in the key of C Major, not modal harmony in the key of D Dorian.
The G7 chord is paired with the G (Mixolydian) mode of the C major scale…
IMPORTANT: This is NOT the same as Mixolydian modal music. This is tonal harmony in the key of C Major, not the key of G Mixolydian.
The CM7 chord is paired with the C Major scale you already know…
Now let’s put it all together with voice leading in 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 major ii7-V7-IM7 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 ii7-V7-IM7 chord progression when you hear it!
Homework
Using your ears and knowledge of scales and chord structure, play this ii7-V7-IM7 pattern in all 12 major keys arranged around the cycle of dominants…
Listen to an example at 120 beats per minute…
Play-along Tracks
Of the score above with a two bar count off at 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, & 180 beats per minute…
Playing along at a variety of tempos is a highly effective way to discover and tighten up every loose screw in your thinking, technique, and rhythm. And as you do so, you’ll automatically internalize an enormous chord vocabulary–by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle!
Leave a Reply