Minor key musical template examples 18 -
EXAMPLE PROGRESSION 1: Dm - Gm
By analyzing the chords we determine we are in the key of D minor. The progression is a I
minor chord, Dm, to a IV minor chord, Gm. Lay this change down on a practice jam track with
a slow groove and two measures per chord.
What relates to all the chords:
- D minor Pentatonic & Blues scales over all the chords. Remember this is the default setting.
We are in the key of D minor, with no major V chord so we know that D minor Pentatonic &
Blues will work over all the chords.
- D Aeolian mode over both chords relates to all. By analyzing the progression there is no IV
major or II minor chords. As per our rule we can play D Aeolian mode over all the chords. D
Aeolian is the same as F major (minor & relative major). D Aeolian = F major. Play all the F
major scales but start on and emphasize the D notes. Emphasis on the D makes D the tonal
center and it will then sound minor. If you emphasize the F notes it will sound major and we
don’t want that because this is a very minor sounding progression.
The D minor chord contains the chord tones D (root), F (b3rd), and A (
th
). The G minor chord
contains the chord tones G (root), Bb (b3rd), and D (5th). When the chord changes to the Gm
try landing on a G, Bb, or D note. Listen to how strong those landing notes sound. They sound
very bold because they are strong notes that make up the Gm chord you are playing over. Do
the same thing when the chord changes to the Dm chord - land on a D, F, or A note. Listen for
the strong chord tones, it’s a big wow and makes very strong solo statements.
The non chord tones that are in the scale you are using will surely still work and sound good,
but the chord tones may be stronger choices. Remember, there is good and then there is
better. Use your ears and play what sounds best to you.
KEY PRACTICE: As an exercise, try landing on a different chord tone each time the chords
change. Practicing gets your ear dialed into strong landing notes. In the above example, when
changing to the Gm chord first time around, try landing on the Bb note. The second time
around, try landing on the D note when the change goes to the Gm chord. Next time at the
change, land on the G note. Listen to how strong those chord tones are, and hit the note right
when the chord changes. Then, try landing on one of the Dm chord tones when changing to
that chord. Landing on the root, b3rd, or 5
th
kills! Try it and really listen to the chord changes
underneath. This way you can time your changes exactly and make bold solo statements.