In this module you are going to study chords 2- and 3- in the context of a minor key, where the 6- chord is the tonal center. So in all the activities you are going to do, you are going to feel the 6- chord and note 6- as home.
In a minor context, the 2- chord has a similar function to the 4 chord in a major context. And the 3- chord has a similar function to the 5D chord in a major context. In other words: the relationships between chords 6-, 2- and 3- are the same relationships between chords 1, 4, and 5D. So for example, the progression 6-, 2-, 6-, 3- would be the minor version of the progression 1, 4, 1, 5D.
In this video lesson we explore how chords 6-, 2- and 3- combine to create the minor blues:
IFR materials you will need
For all of the activities described below (and on the subsequent pages), you will need the following two resources:
IFR Jam Tracks Level 3: Pure Harmony Advanced Sing the Numbers 3: Melody Paths
After you have purchased these two courses, all of the links below will take you directly to the appropriate lesson pages.
Let's get started!
To study these chords deeply, I propose the following activities:
1) Practice with IFR Jam Tracks Level 3: Pure Harmony Advanced
Lesson 7 - Chords 6- and 2- Lesson 13 - Chords 6-, 2-, 6-, 3-
Practice the following activities over each jam track:
a) Observe the sensation of the 2 chord. Just listen to the backing track and try to feel this chord without playing or singing anything. Just listen and feel. b) Sing/play the roots of the chords over the backing tracks (in many keys). c) Sing/play Melody Paths over the backing tracks (in many keys). The ultimate goal for this exercise is to be able to sing melody paths without the help of the instrument and without having to look at the drawing of the chord columns. d) Improvise freely over the jam tracks.
2) Sing the Numbers 3: Melody Paths
While you sing along with me over the following tracks, I want you to notice how the 6- chord feels like home. Notice also how the 2- chord feels "suspended" and the 3- feels farther away from the 6- chord.
Lesson 13 - Chords 2- and 6- Lesson 16 - Chords 6-, 2-, 3-, 6-
3) Playlist of songs with chords 6-, 2- and 3-
Here are a few songs that demonstrate the difference between the 2- chord and the 3- chord in a minor context.
Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZPtdr4MvXucLE5AWJIPgh?si=5c67198997dc4844
Blowin' Smoke by Kacey Musgraves
| 6- | 2- | 6- | 2- |
Fallin' by Alicia Keys
| 6- | 3- | 6-| 3- |
Family Affair by Mary J. Blije
| 2- | 6- | 2-| 6- |
I Wanna Be Yours by Arctic Monkeys
| 6- | 6- | 2-| 3- |
Links to all extra activities
Lesson video: Where to go from here? Next steps: The 2- chord in a major context Next steps: The 1, 6-, 2-, 5D progression Next steps: The uplifting movement from 1 to 3- Next steps: Studying the 3- chord with its neighbors Next steps: Chords 2- and 3- in a minor context Next steps: The 6-, 5D, 4, 3- progression Next steps: Studying the 7-b5 chord