Long & Short II-V-Sequences

Long and Short 2-5 Sequences

In this lesson, we'll explore long and short 2-5 sequences. You may recall that in tunes like Take the A Train and Fly Me to the Moon, chords typically lasted one bar each. However, in Ornithology, you'll find instances of what we call a short 2-5, where each chord lasts only two beats.

Scale-Based Routines

I'm going to give you a couple of routines that are scale-based, using shells in the left hand to help you become fluent with these sequences.

Using the Dorian Mode

Remember, over the two chord, you can play the Dorian mode. However, our goal is to make it sound less like a scale and more like an improvisation.

• I will change direction and use the same scale over all three chords.
• The Dorian mode will shift to a scale of F when we reach the I chord.

Short 2-5 in F Major

Here's the first pattern: short 2-5 in F major.

• We will end up in a five-finger position in F.

I suggest getting into the habit of performing this around the cycle of keys.

Progressing to F Minor

Next, we move to F minor, finishing in E flat.

The way I used the scale over the chords here is efficient because the notes of the chords are on the beat.

• This is why it sounds cool!
• If I had reversed that, it would have sounded much less coherent, as if I were on the wrong foot.

Long 2-5 Variation

Now, what if you have a long 2-5?

You can apply the same concept but stay on each chord a bit longer, perhaps changing direction more frequently.

• For example, here's a long 2-5-1 over G minor, C7, F major.

Try adding a little scale pattern at the end and practice it a bit faster.

Expanding the Practice

Then, move to F minor.

• See if you can do this around six keys.

By six keys, I mean the entire cycle of fifths. That's what we will focus on next.