Lesson 9

Notes to Lesson 9

We're all experts now with Group A chords and we've lost our fear of the "Terrible Flat's", so it must be time to work on Group B chords. As a review, Group B chords have the I or Tonic or the IV or Sub-dominant notes (the roots of the I and IV chords) on the 5th string.

We've also started using the Roman numerals as chord names. We have learned that the names of notes of the scale. We already know 1/2 of them so why not learn the rest? Let me give you some foolproof tricks to memorizing them:

I = Tonic (see how tough this is?)
ii = Super-tonic (because it's just above the tonic)
iii = Mediant (because it's the middle note of the Tonic triad)
IV = Sub-dominant (because it's just below the dominant, but you knew that one already, right?)
V = Dominant (another one you already knew)
vi = Sub-mediant (a toughie: because it's the middle note of the Sub-dominant triad. Or if you prefer, if the mediant is a 3rd above the tonic, then the sub-mediant is a third below.)
vii = Leading Tone (because it leads to the tonic).

Those names of notes remain the same in the minor scales with one variant. When the natural minor is used, such as A natural minor, the 7th is a whole tone below the tonic. Instead of calling it a leading tone, it is called a "Sub-tonic."

Let's continue with our review. Mickey has tailored this course for the "horn keys", that is, keys that are commonly used in arrangements with horns and woodwinds. They equate to the notes of an Ab Major Scale: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, and G. With the Group A chords, we've worked with the keys of F, G, Ab, and Bb. For those of us that are a little more adventurous, we also practiced in the key of A, and discovered that we could actually use Group A chords for the key of C. With Group B chords, we will concentrate on the keys of C, Db, and Eb. We soon discover that Bb is comfortable with Group B chords, in addition to D and E, and maybe with a little effort, F. We could actually use the keys of E in Group A or A in Group B, but we would have to modify several of our chords. So for now, let's hold off from attempting those keys in the opposite group.

What changes with Group B chords? The chord philosophy remains the same I Maj7 and I Maj6 chords still substitute for the I chord, ii7 and ii6 still substitute for the V7 (as well as a ii, iii, and vi). In Group B, Mickey's all purpose highly colored dominant chord is a V7#5b9 chord.

As we learned with a Group A F Maj6 chord and its open 4th string D, Mickey doesn't have a problem using open strings in chords. Refer to Measure 1 of the "score" here. In Form 17, the Group B Major 6 form, a Bb Maj6 will have an open 4th (D) and open 3rd (G) string. Next to that chord is a slight modification for the Bb Maj6 that makes the I Maj7 to I Maj6 progression a real snap.

Bb Maj6 Variation

Instead of playing the open D, we now play the F on the 3rd fret, 4th string, which is the 5th of the chord. The combination of the F and G notes together make an interval of a Major 2nd, which is very pleasing and modern sounding. Measure 2 shows how to use this chord with Form 16 to get our Maj7 to Maj6 progression. We just lift our 2nd finger. I've included a TEF of the above example in this lesson's TEF download for those of us that like to hear examples as well as look at them.

Lesson 9 should remind you of Lesson 2, and in fact, now is a good time to compare Lesson 2 with Lesson 9. Seldom in an arrangement will we play all Group A chords, or all Group B chords, but rather we'll chose which chord from which group is the most logical, or gives us a nice chord movement or bass line.

Mickey uses chord Form 22 in Exercise 6. He has misnamed this chord. It is really what is called a 6/9 chord: a major triad with the 6th and 9th notes from the root. This chord is a workhorse because it is very popular as an ending chord in many forms of modern music. Also, it is used quite a bit in the charming Jazz that comes from Brazil, Bossa Nova.

In the next few lessons we'll explore some new keys like Db, Eb, plus old friends like C and F. We'll also have an opportunity to work out our exercises in the keys of D and E.

Just keep it FUN!