The minor chord on II

Music Lesson: Exploring Chords and Scales

So, one of the things you may remember from lesson 16 is that in major keys, the II chord on the second degree of the scale is a minor chord.

Example:

• Key of G: The II chord is an A minor.

If you look at the scale of G, those notes are in the scale. This means we can play a two-chord vamp using G and A minor. This will be a one to two vamp.

Let's Try This:

• Use the metronome following the eight-bar sequence from the next tune, Eau de Cologne.
• This piece was inspired by Keith Jarrett's famous recording from the Cologne concert, known as Part One, where he improvises over these two chords for about seven minutes.

"It was good enough for Keith Jarrett. Didn't worry him not changing chords for seven minutes."

Metronome Setting:

• Set at 100 beats per minute, 3/4 time.

Just repeat that 8-bar sequence over and over. In the right hand, you can play:

• The scale of G
• A G major pentatonic.

Either will sound fine, as the scale of G contains both the notes of G major and A minor. So what can go wrong?

Chord Positioning:

We're actually going to not play the chords in root position. Instead, you'll play them in second inversion.

Preparation:

In preparation for the piece, try playing a scale loop or a five-finger position up and down.

1. Scale Practice:

   • Let's try a scale first of all in straight 8ths.
   • Go down as well.

2. Pentatonic Scale:

   • You could also try a pentatonic scale using the same type of approach.

Additional Resources:

Have a look at the PDF; there are some tips there and some things you can practice in readiness for playing Eau de Cologne, the next piece.