In this video we will train our ear with the beautiful chords of the minor blues.

The three chords we are studying in this video are 6-, 2- and 3-. Note that all three of these chords come directly from the major scale, but together they produce a surprisingly dark and brooding sound. These are the three chords that make up the beautiful “minor blues” chord progression that we study in-depth in the IFR Blues Mastery Course.

Things to observe in this chord progression:

IFR Blues Mastery Course

The minor blues is one of many beautiful forms that we study in the IFR Blues Mastery Course. Even if you are a complete beginner to the blues, this course will allow you to truly master blues harmony and enjoy improvising over the blues. Learning to play the blues will enrich every aspect of your playing, and it will give you countless opportunities for creative jamming with other musicians. To get this course, please click here.

• First just listen and enjoy the chord progression. Notice how the line flows like a wave coming and going on the shore.
• The first time you sing along with me, focus on finding a nice sound and good intonation with your voice. Then the second time around, try to also feel the chords changing in the background.
• When the music stops, can you still imagine the chords, the melodies, and the flow of the line in your mind?
• Notice that note 6, which in this context is the tonal center, is present in all the chords except in the 3- chord. So the first three measures of the line all share this note that contributes to a sense of stability. Then in the last measure, in the 3- chord, this note splits into notes 5 and 7 and there is a feeling of unrest and movement, causing us to want to go back to the tonal center.