With a major II-V-I chord progression, you can theoretically use the scale of the tonal key, which means you can use these seven notes all the time. With minor II-V-I, you must change scales in any case. In this course, you will learn how to connect the chords with a nice voice leading, but improvisation is also discussed in detail. In addition to a sample solo, there are also extremely useful licks worth practicing. They show you how it's done, and everyone should have a few of these licks in the bag when it comes to improvisation.
Level
Medium
Lessons
7 Lessons | min
Lesson 1Introduction
Duration: min
Let me introduce you to the topics covered in the course "Minor II-V-I".
Lesson 2Chords in different keys
Duration: min
In this video, I'll show you how the chords of the minor II-V-I progression work with beautiful voice leading in all keys. Practice these chord changes carefully and remember to always be aware of the name of the chord you're playing.
Lesson 3Chord substitution on the Vth degree
Duration: min
By using a clever substitution on the Vth degree of your minor II-V-I progression, you can add more color to your playing. Another desired effect is that the bass now moves chromatically downwards instead of jumping around. This creates an additional, soft, very logical, and exciting effect.
Lesson 4Licks in Am
Duration: min
Move licks I'm showing you here to other positions on the fretboard (and thus to other keys). Only then will you be able to use them profitably later.
Lesson 5Licks in Dm
Duration: min
You can reach the areas of the fretboard that haven't been covered yet with the licks presented here. Try them out in other positions on the fretboard as well.
Lesson 6Example Solo
Duration: min
This detailed sample solo shows you the improvisation on the minor II-V-I in a larger context. It's not necessary to incorporate the solo as a whole into your repertoire, but rather to understand the ideas from this solo so that you can invent your own melodies in similar situations. Therefore, be sure to analyze the intervals of the chords to understand what's happening. Choose your favorite parts of the solo and practice them diligently.
Lesson 7Improvisation explanation
Duration: min
Here I'll explain the tools I use for the licks and the solo. This will give you a glimpse behind the scenes of an improvisation. Once you understand the methods used, you can also try to play such lines yourself. However, it's important to remember that this won't work in real time at first. That's why I recommend composing lines over chord progressions like this one instead of improvising. This gives you all the time you need, and the learning effect is greater than if you fail countless times over the chord progression. A well-thought-out composition is like an extremely slow improvisation. To be able to switch to real improvisation later, many attempts creating a composed line are necessary. Be brave and write your own lines - they will only improve over time if you do it, not just intend to. Do the work and it will work for you too!
