I get tons of e-mails everyday and from experience, I find that one of the hardest things for musicians to do is play chords on both hands.
It takes a lot of getting used to, especially when you’re used to playing chords on the right and single bass notes (or power chords like the “1″ and “5″ notes) on the left.
Don’t get me wrong… this is fine if you’re a solo musician and have to hold down the chords and bass.
But as you get more experienced and start getting invited to play in bands, you’ll have to say goodbye to the left hand bass technique, or the bass player WILL HATE YOU. And your chords won’t sound as full as the musician using two hands to play them.
So as I was going through our youtube videos (we have almost 200 of them there, check it out), I came across a pretty good demonstration of a two-hand groove by our very own Jonathan Powell from the GospelKeys Urban Pro 600 course.
He goes over this chord progression in depth in the dvd but what I wanted to do was include the notes of the groove and explain a little more of what’s going on for those who don’t have the course.
Stick with me… you’ll get a lot out of this…
If you want to check out the video first, be my guest. If not, click on this video after reading what I have to say:
So here’s what’s going on…
Jon is in the key of Ab major and he’s playing a 2-6 groove. This is very common in urban and contemporary music. This happens to be a part of a contemporary gospel theme but the truth is that you’ll find this is in R&B, soul, and other genres.
(For my beginners, it’s called a “2-6″ groove because the bass is moving from Bb to F… which are the “2nd” and “6th” tones of the Ab scale, respectively. You won’t find Jon doing this because he’s not playing the bass. He has a bass player on the side so don’t get confused).
Ok, so the groove is starting on Bb and then moving to F. But it doesn’t stay that simple for long as you’ll find Jon introducing other changes to get you from Bb to F that I’ll cover in a minute (like using the 3 to get to 6… thus a “2-3-6″ progression or using the 7 to get to the 3 and the 3 to get to the 6… thus a “2-7-3-6″ progression). Don’t worry, I gotch you!
But let me cover what you don’t get to see in the video (because it’s actually already occurred and this clip starts in the middle).
Here’s what Jon is playing on Bb:
Left hand: Ab C Db F
Right hand: Ab C Eb (but he’s using his pointer finger to play Bb slightly early to create a “grace note sliding” effect).
Chord name: Bb minor 11Here’s what he’s doing on F:
Left hand: Eb G Ab C
Right hand: Eb G Bb (using “F” to create the “grace note sliding” effect).
Chord name: F minor 11
So these are the two chords you hear in the beginning of their groove. This is the foundation.
What can you gather from this?
Any time you want to play a two hand voicing for a minor chord and make it sound real good, you can use this voicing. Notice that the Bb and F chords use the same exact type of voicing. So if you learn all of these, you’ll have your minor chords taken care of.
To learn em’ all, just move up your notes a half step and write that chord down. Move your bass up as well even though you’re not playing the bass. Whatever bass note you’re at will be the title (or keynote) of the chord. Do this to all keys until you get back to your starting point. Then practice playing them.
Now, let’s move further.
He introduces a chord on the “3″… or in this case “C.”
(Bass player would be playing C)
Left hand: E Ab Bb Eb
Right hand: Ab C Eb (using the same “grace note slide” effect with “Bb”)
You’d put this chord in between the Bb and F chord.
So altogether, it looks like this:
Left hand: Ab C Db F
Right hand: Ab C Eb (but he’s using his pointer finger to play Bb slightly early to create a “grace note sliding” effect).
Invisible Bass: BbLeft hand: E Ab Bb Eb
Right hand: Ab C Eb (using the same “grace note slide” effect with “Bb)
Invisible Bass: CLeft hand: Eb G Ab C
Right hand: Eb G Bb (using “F” to create the “grace note sliding” effect).
Invisible Bass: F
This is called a “2-3-6″ progression because the root bass is going from Bb (which is the 2nd tone in the Ab scale) to C (the 3rd tone) to F (the 6th tone).
But it gets even better than that…
He wants to lead to the “3″ with a chord so he uses the “7″ chord in the scale. In this case, that’s a “G” bass.
Left hand: F B
Right hand: F Bb Db
But he does change the “3″ chord from before to this:
Left hand: E Bb
Right hand: Eb Ab C (using the same “grace note slide” effect with “Bb)
If you think about it, it’s pretty much the same chord that you used above on “C” but it’s just smaller. Instead of the big ‘E Ab Bb Eb’ chord on the left, it’s just ‘E Bb’ (which is a tritone… another lesson). And the right hand is still an Ab major chord, just in second inversion (Eb Ab C instead of Ab C Eb).
So altogether, this progression looks like this:
Left hand: Ab C Db F
Right hand: Ab C Eb (but he’s using his pointer finger to play Bb slightly early to create a “grace note sliding” effect).
Invisible Bass: BbLeft hand: E Bb
Right hand: Eb Ab C (using the same “grace note slide” effect with “Bb)
Invisible Bass: GLeft hand: F B
Right hand: F Bb Db
Invisible Bass: CLeft hand: Eb G Ab C
Right hand: Eb G Bb (using “F” to create the “grace note sliding” effect).
Invisible Bass: F
At the end of the day, you have 3+ ways to play this same progression. You can keep it simple with just the “2″ and “6″ chord. You can add the big “3″ chord in between them. Or you can add the “7-3″ pair between the “2″ and “6.”
Of course Jon does other fancy things on the video that I can’t get into right now because of time but this lesson will get you started jammin’ with this groove!
I would really like to hear from you all on this one. Did you enjoy this progression? Are you having problems playing it? Are you getting that little “grace note sliding” trick? Let me know!
I can even get Jon on here to do another demonstration or something if you let me know what you want to learn! :)
Until next time!
P.S. - Here are some other video clips in the urban series…
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August 8th, 2008 (comment#1)
Are these clips all part of a series or something? And if possible would they be available to me infinitely? Please let me know. This is an incredible like having a live teacher! Thanks!
August 9th, 2008 (comment#2)
Thanks for breaking these chords down. I actually have the urban 600 course, and it is really a blessing. In the course, he also talks about the 1-4 progression (or Ab to Db in the key of Ab).
There is a song that is made up of progression alone, and uses the exact chords that Jonathan shows. The song is “Its your Time” by Donald Lawrence and Tri City. The entire is a 4-1-4 progression that just loops over and over. Check it out if you get a chance. It is a great way to practice these chords in a real song.
But thanks again Jermaine for breaking these chords down.
August 9th, 2008 (comment#3)
Wow, thats a really good lesson. Beautiful chords, we would like to see Joh come on here and breakdown some of the extra stuff he does in the video!!!
August 9th, 2008 (comment#4)
I love it!
August 9th, 2008 (comment#5)
how do i subscribe to the blog? i’m not that good on computers.
August 9th, 2008 (comment#6)
thanks alot very helpful!please i would to see another demonstration by jon.
all the best
celine
August 9th, 2008 (comment#7)
Dear Jermaine.
A while back,I think you offer a hannon series on fingering techinques. Do you have that video? Or? Where can I purchase that DVD?
Mark A.
August 9th, 2008 (comment#8)
Please visit http://www.hearandplayhanon.com
August 10th, 2008 (comment#9)
thanks so much for this lesson. i’ll be visinting here daily!!!!!!!
Jim Nelson
August 10th, 2008 (comment#10)
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! this is hot. it’s being played at my evening service TONIGHT.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#11)
is this a new blog? i like the look
August 10th, 2008 (comment#12)
Hey HearandPlay.com,
Thanks for all your great e-mails. This lesson was nice. When my budget allows, I’m definitely going to invest in this course.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#13)
Other than dude’s voice, everthing is nice. Talk straight tho dude.
DJ
August 10th, 2008 (comment#14)
How happy l am,thank so much for letting me have this,l love it.God bless you!
help me get to know more………………
August 10th, 2008 (comment#15)
teach me music
August 10th, 2008 (comment#16)
thanks i’m all about gosple music, if i can take piano course on line that would be great
August 10th, 2008 (comment#17)
Kool, kool, kool! Jamaine, yu r really doing a good job in giving some helpless people hope of actualizing their dreams on the keyz.
Keep it up!
August 10th, 2008 (comment#18)
HELLO EVERYONE! I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE AT HEARANDPLAY.COM FOR BLESSING US WITH THEIR GOD-GIVEN TALENT.THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN A TOTAL BLESSING FOR ME!ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!
August 10th, 2008 (comment#19)
How can I purchase these dvds without using a credit card
August 10th, 2008 (comment#20)
Hello Mr. .Griggs just letting you knows you have been a blessing to my playing and thank you for sharing what God has given you.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#21)
how can i get this series,it is unbelievably wonderful.i think this is what i need to go to the next level in my playing.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#22)
I’m having touble learning progression and chords.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#23)
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your wonderful comments. Please stay tuned in for daily posts here. Bookmark it or subscribe via RSS (if you’re familiar) or e-mail updates to be notified right away.
To get this course, visit http://www.hearandplay.com/gkurban.html
Take care,
Jermaine Griggs
August 10th, 2008 (comment#24)
Jay Moe,
You can order offline at:
http://www.hearandplay.com/gkurbanoffline.html
Thanks,
JG
August 10th, 2008 (comment#25)
I hate to be the one to say it, but these progressions seem to have little to do with gospel playing, except in its fairly recent incarnation as a form of easy-listening\smooth r&b. The progressions and the timbre are bland.
Calling this gospel is like calling Kenny G jazz.
August 10th, 2008 (comment#26)
yes …My name is bryan …And I sorry to say this, but I don’t understand a little bit of what this message is for>?? can you pleasee help me understand..thank you soo much…..
August 10th, 2008 (comment#27)
Hi Jake,
Interesting point.
When comparing to traditional gospel, I would agree… it’s far from that. However, if you look at some of the newer incarnations of gospel and its neo-soul and contemporary r&b influences, you will find this progression and similar ones all throughout. One of the earlier comments even pointed out that a particular song used the same exact progression (and exact chord voicings) for the entire song.
Please check out other clips of Jon… there’s less bland stuff in the player above. He’s a monster, to say the least. :)
Thanks for your feedback,
JG
August 10th, 2008 (comment#28)
Hi Bryan,
not sure what you’re referring to (the e-mail you originally received or the lesson itself) but if this lesson doesn’t make sense, I would probably go to some of our other foundational lessons in these categories:
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/index.php/category/piano/beginners/
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/index.php/category/piano/ear-training/playing-by-ear/
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/index.php/category/piano/theory/
* Check out the piano category and all the sub-categories at the top of this page.
Thanks,
Jermaine
August 10th, 2008 (comment#29)
I’d like to see him do better. I don’t think this clip is bland, i think it’s hecka tight. This is the epideme of west coast playin in this clip. It’s the nuances like the flicking of the extra notes that make all the difference.
michael
August 11th, 2008 (comment#30)
Hi Jermaine,
you realy make a splash in training. Thanks for your E-mails and every thing that you have done for us.But the main problem is time to real your mails. I cannot stop them and if I stop them, I cannot get the remains.
Any how I try to do my best.
thank you.
August 11th, 2008 (comment#31)
thanks for the training. I need more theory before I do the practical. Please send me the lessons.
August 11th, 2008 (comment#32)
how are upper structures applied
August 11th, 2008 (comment#33)
Hi JG,
Thanks for the free lessons. Wud love to subscribe so I can get more of them. Let me know how cause they one u sent was a blessing. Cheers.
Emma
August 11th, 2008 (comment#34)
hi jermaine, thanx for posting this..
u’ve really helped me alot
it’s amazing to see and hear sumthin like this
it sounds so full and rich..
August 11th, 2008 (comment#35)
Ya cool man
August 11th, 2008 (comment#36)
Bless it be the name of the LORD !
It’s about time the LORD have sent a ” MUSIC WARRIOR” to help us fight our battles, thru teaching the FUll Gospel on Priase and Worship.
AGAPE
Yishaq[:{]
Hazak 1 Hazak !! v’nit Chezak !!!
August 11th, 2008 (comment#37)
Great!! Answer to my pressing question! This is much appreciated, thanks so much!!!
August 11th, 2008 (comment#38)
The video was very good, but for those of us that are just learning to play by ear, how helpful it would be if we could get beginners lesson. I dearly love
gospel. Thank you.
August 11th, 2008 (comment#39)
I would welcome some beginning gospel lessons.
August 11th, 2008 (comment#40)
This is really great, I’ve finally learned where a tritone can be used in a progression. Very smooth sounding. I’l definately be practising this in every key!
August 11th, 2008 (comment#41)
@Marcie Simpson: There are over 100 articles in the blog already. You’ll find tons of information on beginning gospel lessons. Just go to this category or use the search bar above:
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/index.php/category/piano/gospel-music/
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/index.php/category/piano/beginners/
Thanks
JG
August 11th, 2008 (comment#42)
I really enjoyed what Jon was showing in this lesson. He broke down in the ways that I can understand them. I just hope that I can do it. But I believe in God and that He has His hands on me and that I know I can do it if I really work hard at it. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun to work with. Once again, thank you.
August 11th, 2008 (comment#43)
@josh: Yes sir, you can do it! I will pass your remarks on to Jon.
Jermaine
August 11th, 2008 (comment#44)
I’m learning alot, congrat’s to you for signing on Jon. I’m understanding more about the keys on the piano.
August 12th, 2008 (comment#45)
wow wow wow wow great staff…..
August 12th, 2008 (comment#46)
wow wow wow wow great staff…..
Would like to play jus like you …god bless. where can i buy your material from in south Africa
August 12th, 2008 (comment#47)
I rely appriciate God for your life.I learnt keyboard in a wrong way, not untill i came across these toturials. it has given me a edge,stand.formaly i was just playing by error i.e not knowing the names of chords and where to apply them.But now it’s better,i and i know it can only get with you.thanks for reaching out to millions of persons like me,who have the zeal,but no body to put them 2ru.
August 12th, 2008 (comment#48)
thanks for these tips. its going to play a great role in my playing in the church choir am playing for.
August 12th, 2008 (comment#49)
Great chord progressions. These are really worthwhile lessons. I’ll definately purchase some of the lessons soon. Do you have really basic minor chord proressions I mean for begginers?
August 12th, 2008 (comment#50)
I just want to say thanks. What you all are doing is wonderful!
August 12th, 2008 (comment#51)
i like here and play!help me very much.
August 12th, 2008 (comment#52)
thanks guys for all your comments! stay tuned for daily posts! ;)
August 12th, 2008 (comment#53)
Hi I want to say thank for sending all the emails and taking that time to do it even though I don’t know how to go on this website and leave comments. I just want to ask you is there any way I can get 300page for $39.95 like you had for the 4 of July special it kind of hard for me to come up with $69.95. I love for this helping me get started now I ready to finish.Lakisha McDonald
August 13th, 2008 (comment#54)
i’m terribly in love with this idea.jermaine is the best.
temitope
August 13th, 2008 (comment#55)
thank for this imformation, it has improve my playing. i have the gospel keys 101 202 300 500 and i am saving to order the mike bereal and urban 600.thank for sharing your God given gift,God Bless You
August 14th, 2008 (comment#56)
Hi Jermaine! I really love your ministry. I have purchased the Gospel Keys 100 and 200 series. I also have the Urban 600. I go back and learn something new every time I watch them again. I am playing at our church by myself with no bass player. I want to do something different in the left hand besides the usual 1 and 5. What can I do besides this? I really would have liked to see more actual progressions on J Powell’s DVDs and songs. I need something I can turn to simply and easily. Should I just not play the 1 and 5 in the right? Give me a little insight. Thank you so much! Zac Taylor
August 14th, 2008 (comment#57)
im loving this corse but i would like to get the whole thing and not just snipets,but i don’t have a credit card.what can i do?
August 14th, 2008 (comment#58)
i luv u all]
August 15th, 2008 (comment#59)
Waow. Jermaine, you’re an ANGEL. This stuff is great. I love P.I.T.C.H.so much. It’s an amazing little wizard. I’ll make sure i get all the GK DVDs though i don’t have a credit card yet.
August 15th, 2008 (comment#60)
Jermaine,
I am thankful to God that you have been sucessful in teaching many thousands of Christians to broaden their horizons musically by way of the internet. This is a ministry that is much needed in the Church of God. Please continue what you are doing. I cannot always afford to purchase the courses you offer, but I am thankful for the crumbs (free tips) that fall from the table. May God’s grace, mercy, peace, and other blessings be with you, your family, and staff as you continue to serve Him through Jesus Christ our Lord!
August 19th, 2008 (comment#61)
Hey Jermaine G. I’ve been listening and learning for a couple of years from you and your anointed friends. I play the keyboard and plan on learning the lead guitar from your lessons. But I plan on opening a Mime and arts center in the future and music will be a major part of it. How can I have my center to incorporate Hear and Play as a official class institution or site with the lessons and 300 pg book. I live in Hampton Va.
August 19th, 2008 (comment#62)
Hey Terry, if you contact us at 1-877-856-4187 and give us your information, we can definitely arrange this.
Thanks,
JG
August 28th, 2008 (comment#63)
Jermaine, You are the answer to my prayer. Only GOd knows how much you have helped me with find the many missing links in piano playing. Your gift as a teacher and musician is indeed heaven-designed. To thank you will never be enough, but thank you forever.
Ana
September 12th, 2008 (comment#64)
i fine theis hear and play music as a means that will and have been aprove my skill in playing keyboard. one thing that stand as indrance to my proper improvement is facilities to achieve my musical dream such as keyboard computer for browsing and other.help
September 15th, 2008 (comment#65)
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow those are really great .wishing icould see more
September 22nd, 2008 (comment#66)
I wish to start learning the keyboard from the scratch. can you help me with beginner lessons. i know i can learn very fast so, for me, i wont have to stay too long on any lesson. Please, i really need your help. can you help?
Thanks for being a source of inspiration to millions on the earth. God Bless you.
September 25th, 2008 (comment#67)
You are indeed a music legend and keyboardist with a difference i love you, Thanks.
April 16th, 2009 (comment#68)
i am very impress for what i found here,good job keepit up
May 7th, 2009 (comment#69)
Jermaine, may the good Lord continue to bless you for the wonderful work you are doing. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, advice and tips on playing the piano. It has taken my piano playing to a whole new level…I’m the type of guy who only knows how to plays simple triad chords. But now I’m playing at a whole new level thanks to your lessons! I should also mention that my playing sounds a lot better now than before…
Keep doing the good job, Jermaine…I really appreciate what you are doing for us musicians.