The Off-On and On-Off Rhythm

Music Lesson: Chord Patterns in G

Overview

In this lesson, we're going to stay in G. We will explore a two-bar chord pattern by combining the off-on chord pattern from the previous lessons with the on-off pattern we practiced a few lessons ago. This combination results in what I refer to as an off-on, on-off chord pattern.

Chord Progression

1. First Chord: G6 with Barrel House Left Hand

• The first chord will be played on one.

• Let's first tap this pattern on our knees, similar to what we did with other patterns:

  • 1 and 2, 3, 4
  • 1, 2 and 3, 4
  • 1 and 2, 3, 4
  • 1, 2 and 3, 4

It helps to count it out loud, as this will clarify where the ands are.

2. Transition to Piano

• Now, let's practice this on the piano.
• Move to C6:
  • Left hand goes down, right hand goes up (thumb on E to establish the 12 bars).
• Notice the change in the middle of the two-bar pattern from D6 to C6:
  • Ensure you play the D6 chord off the beat on the one and, but come in on the one with the C chord.

Looping the Bars

• Let's loop these bars:

  • The right hand is playing first inversion sixth chords on every chord, which will require some jumping.

  • Focus on getting a good definition in the right hand.

  • Remember, the chords should not sound the same length.

  • If you play it like this, you're doing something wrong:

    "That doesn't have the focus that you need to get a really good groove."

• The short chords must indeed be short; only the last one should be held to any degree.

Additional Melodic Material

• This basic pattern can be seen as another comping or accompaniment pattern, but we will introduce more melodic material in between the chords.

Stabs

• I suggest using this phrase:

  • It resembles a five-finger position, but we've moved one or two notes higher, reaching C and E over the G chord, which corresponds to the fourth and sixth.
  • Start with fingers 2 and 4 to prepare your third and fifth fingers for the higher notes.

Full Playthrough: Barrel House Blues

• Before we proceed, take a look at bars 9 and 10; a new phrase is introduced:
  • Once again, it's based on the first inversion, but with a blue third in front of it.
  • For the D chord, the blue third is from F to F sharp. Play this using your thumb on F.
  • When we do this for C, it's reversed because the blue third is a black note:
    • Use your second finger on E flat and your thumb on E.

Looping the New Phrase

• Loop that bar in exactly the same way, then tone down.