Exploration of Two-Chord Vamps and Seventh Chords

In this chapter, we've explored a range of two-chord vamps, including:

• Alternating 1 and 4 chords: C to F
• Alternating 1 and 5 chords: G to D7
• Alternating I and II chords: G to A minor
• Soulful step: C minor to F (one minor to four)

We've also delved into three different types of seventh chords:

• C major seven
• C seven
• C minor seven

It's beneficial to get to know these chords in other keys as well. We haven't always done them in C.

Daily Practice Routine

• Play these three chords in a different key every day using the cycle of fifths.
  • For example, tomorrow try F major, F7, and F minor 7.
• Additionally, practice them in the left hand with arpeggios.

This is a little routine you can do with a metronome. Again, we're practicing in C today. I'll demonstrate it.

1. Set the metronome at 100 beats per minute.
2. Play the arpeggio of the chord up to the root using all five fingers.
3. Let's do each arpeggio twice, just in case you make a mistake the first time.
4. We will be going from major to dominant to minor (2 each).

Count In:
1, 2, 3, 4.

Moving Through Keys

So, that's your practice for the day. Tomorrow, go around the cycle either clockwise or counterclockwise:

• If you're moving up in fourths, you might move up to F.
• If you want to move up in fifths, you'll be doing it in G.

Keep time with the left hand chords. Notice that I'm playing the left hand on the first beat of every bar; this is also important.

Weekly Routine

If you did this little routine every day, maybe give yourself Sundays off, in two weeks you could cover all 12 keys, practicing a different key every day. That would result in 36 chords learned and 36 arpeggios.

Listening Suggestions

Don't forget to check out the PDF with listening suggestions. This has a whole bunch of tunes featuring just two chords from artists like:

• Etta James
• Dr. John
• Bill Evans
• Keith Jarrett

And many more, including:

• Cannibal Adderley
• John Coltrane
• Ramsey Lewis
• Miles Davis
• Herbie Hancock

Explore these tracks to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the music!