Intro to Drop 2 Voicings These exercises all use CMaj7 as an example. Use the same procedure to work out drop 2 voicings in all keys. Use the circle of fifths as a guide. For instance, after working out CMaj7, work out FMaj7, BbMaj7, EbMaj7, etc. CMaj7
CMaj7/E
CMaj7/G
CMaj7/B
CMaj7
4 4
2nd Inversion
1st Inversion
7th as melody melody note
#1) Start with the block chord.
#2) Drop th e second second note from the top.
3rd as melody melody not e
CMaj7
Starting from 1st Inversion
Starting from 2nd Inversion
16
CMaj7/E
3rd Inversion
Starting from Root Position 10
CMaj7/G
4 4
Root Position
CMaj7/B
#3) Add t he Root in the bass.
Follow t he same pr ocedure ocedure t o derive voicings for the other seventh chord inversions.
Root as melody note
Starting f rom 3rd Inversion Inversion
5th as melody melody note
Apply t he same procedure procedure t o work out Drop 2 voicings for Dominant 7, minor 7, minor 7(b5), and diminished diminished 7 chords.
CMaj7
22
CMaj7
31
or
Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in Major) G7
D-7
4 4
Start with block vo icings
4 4
D-7
G7
CMaj7
D-7
G7
CMaj7
D-7
G7
CMaj7
7
13
19
CMaj7
D-7
G7
CMaj7
G7
CMaj7
D-7
Drop the 2nd voice from top
D-7
G7
CMaj7
G7
CMaj7
D-7
D-7
D-7
G7
CMaj7
G7
CMaj7
Add the root notes in bass
D-7
D-7
G7
G7
*
CMaj7
CMaj7
*
* lower note is opt ional depending on reach
Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj, BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.
Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in minor) D-7(b5)
4 4
G7(b9)
C-7
Start with block vo icings
4 4
D-7(b5)
G7(b9)
C-7
7
D-7(b5)
13
G7(b9)
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
19
C-7
C-7
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
C-7
Drop the 2nd voice from top
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
C-7
D-7(b5)
G7(b9)
C-7
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
C-7
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
C-7
Add the root notes in bass
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
D-7(b5) G7(b9)
*
C-7
C-7
C-7
*
* lower note is optional depending on reach
Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj, BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.
The Circle of Fifths The Circle of Fifths, or Cycle of Fifths is the basis of tonal harmonic progressions, and is your “master key” for understanding tonal harmony.
Notice how this diagram looks like a clock with C in the 12 o'clock position. Here is a mnemonic to help with memorization: “ God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions For Being Evil And Disobeying God's Commands” •
God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions (G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#) Up the interval of a 5 th (7 half steps) Down the interval of a 4 th (5 half steps) Clockwise For Being Evil And Disobeying God's Commands (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb) Up the interval a 4th (5 half steps) Down the interval a 5 th (7 half steps) Counter-clockwise ◦ ◦ ◦
•
◦ ◦ ◦
Practice
1. 2. 3. 4.
Memorize the mnemonic. Say it out loud. Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go clockwise. Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go counter-clockwise. Practice daily and repeat ad infinitum.
2012 || Musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com
