Diminished Chords

Exploring the Flat Five and Diminished Sounds

In this lesson, we're going to look at that flat five, which brings a diminished kind of sound that I demonstrated earlier. This is a real dissonant sound, which can be quite expressive.

Chord Structure

• Chord used: G diminished seventh chord over a C bass line
• Effective combinations: Emphasizing that flat five; it's a classic Memphis Slim technique.

Experimenting with Inversions

• Try using different inversions of the G diminished seventh chord.
• I was using it on the four during the second repetition of the riff based on the ninth that we discussed earlier.
• Incorporating a roll in the rhythm can add interest.

Key Changes

• On the second time through, replace with a D flat:
  • This creates a hip and interesting sound, taking the music somewhere fresh.
• The movement from a G7 to a G diminished seventh and back to the seventh is commonly used, especially by guitar players like Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton.

Dissonant Sounds

• You could also play that diminished sound over a D in the bass:
  • This will sound dissonant but can work within context.
• Remember, the blues is about expression:
  • Be it joy, sadness, frustration, or anger, embrace the emotion.

Techniques and Improv

• Use the diminished seventh vibe to imply movement by utilizing single notes in the right hand:
  • For example:
    • When moving to the fourth chord, you might play something like this.

Practice Tips

• Don't overuse the diminished sound to avoid it becoming predictable.
• Experiment with its application around the 12-bar structure to see how it fits:
  • If it sounds right, go with it!

Summary

I've summarized this lesson, along with all the previous ones, in a downloadable PDF. It includes:

• Practice tips to enhance your understanding.

Use the diminished seventh and the flat five as expressive tools in your music. Happy practicing!