The “3-6-2-5-1” progression is common in gospel music and creates a distinct sound. In this month’s classroom lesson, I am going to share with you a few of my favorite “3-6-2-5-1” progressions and how to use them in your gospel music.
Like every other progression we’ve learned, this one simply adds on to the “6-2-5-1” progression from March. In fact, the “3” chord simply pulls us towards the “6-2-5-1 progression.
So it is safe to say that any “6-2-5-1” chord progression with the addition of the “3” chord can be transformed into a “3-6-2-5-1” progression.
First, I want to explore “3” chords that will actually pull us towards our “6-2-5-1” progression. Let’s explore the following chords:
(In the key of Db major):
D major scale = Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C – Db1) F7 (#9#5)Left hand = F * Right hand = A + Db + Eb +Ab
2)
F7 (b9#5)
Left hand = F * Right hand = A + Db + Eb + Gb
3)
Dmaj / F
Left hand = F * Right hand = A + D + F#
4)
F7 (b9)
Left hand = F * Right hand = Gb + A + C + Eb
5)
Fmin7 (b5)
Left hand = F * Right hand = Ab + B + Eb
6)
Ab (add 9) / F
Left hand = F * Right hand = Eb + Ab + Bb + C
Ok, now that we have learned a few “3” chords, let’s combine them with “6-2-5-1” to create our “3-6-2-5-1” progressions. 1) “3” chord: A + Db + Eb + Ab / F “6” chord: Ab + C + Db + F / Bb “2” chord: G + C + Db + F / Eb
“5” chord: C + F + A / Ab
“1” chord: Bb + Eb + Ab / Db
2)
“3” chord: A + Db + Eb + Gb / F
“6” chord (1): Ab + C + Eb + G / Bb
“6” chord (2): Ab + B + D + F / Bb
“2” chord: Gb + Bb + Db + F / Eb
“5” chord: F + A + C + F / Ab
“1” chord: Eb + Ab + Db / Db
3)
“3” chord: A + D + F# / F
“6” chord: Ab + C + Db + F / Bb
“2” chord: Db + Gb + Bb / Eb
“5” chord: C + F + A / Ab
“1” chord: Bb + Eb + Ab / Db
4)
“3” chord: Gb + A + C + Eb / F
“6” chord (1): F + Ab + Db / Bb
“6” chord (2): F + Ab + B + D / Bb
“2” chord: Gb + Bb + Db + F / Eb
“5” chord: Gb + Bb + C + F / Ab
“1” chord: Eb + Ab + Db / Db
5)
“3” chord: Ab + B + Eb / F
“6” chord: Ab + B + D / Bb
“2” chord: A + Db + Eb + Gb / Eb
“5” chord (1): Ab + Db + F / Ab
“5” chord (2): C + F + A / Ab
“1” chord: Bb + Eb + Ab / Db
6)
“3” chord: Eb + Ab + Bb + C / F
“6” chord: F + Ab + Db / Bb
“2” chord: Gb + Bb + Db + F + Ab / Eb
“5” chord: F + A + C + F / Ab
“1” chord: Eb + Ab + Db / Db
Jermaine Griggs
Attention: To learn more about this, I recommend our 500+ page course: The "Official Guide To Piano Playing." Click here for more information.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I wish these examples could have been in C instead of Db.
AYE MATEY, HIDDEN TREASURE
@Virginia… this is one of my “throwback” newsletters from 2006 I think. You can see the rest at http://www.pianoweekly.com.
At any rate, I used Db major a lot back then because our GospelKeys 202 course was spankin’ brand new and it focused on Db, which is a popular gospel key… especially contemporary music like kirk franklin, etc.
But just type in “transpose” or “transposition” in our search box and there are lessons on how to transpose chords to other keys. You’ll find it helpful. And because Db is just one half step above “C,” if you move everything down, you’ll have your answers right there! :)
Take care,
Jermaine
pls sir jermaine, how can i know what chord to play on my left hand when i hold a chord on my right hand?
Germaine, you are the best thing to happen to me musically. i have been playing sheet music for the past 15 years. I purchased a few courses and I have embraced your concepts and now i can play by ear, i still have a long way to go, but I know I will get there with your continued help thanks.
Tony (Jamaica)
Thanks to Jermaine Griggs and his team…Jonathan Powell and the rest i’m yet to fish out. Somehow they are not aware that far away in Africa-Nigeria, their great work is burnishing the talent of a pianist.
Jermaine is not only a mentor but a method. In him I find an Emperor and a General. Thanks for keeping it up.
Jermaine can you give me an example of how to sing a song over the 3-6-2-5-1 progression or is the progression just ending chords?
Big thanks u have boost my moral,God bless u real good. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
salutations from over the sea. detailed article I shall return for more.
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salutations from across the world. interesting post I shall return for more.
Thanks a lot… God bless you real good
tanx alot i’m na ok but jst a list question shw me 7-3-6-2-5-1 progression
dnt knw hw to start but may God continually bless you”
How to add bigger 36251 progressions to your songs I just don’t understand these
I love this chords it has so much helped my playing and knowledge about chords… Thanks so much
Jermaine
I did not understand the chord progression 36251. You used the term 3 chord. What does the 3 chord mean?
Diane, check out this post and also search our blog for “number system.” Essentially, the numbers come from numbering the major scale. A 3-chord is a chord based on the third tone of the scale: https://www.hearandplay.com/main/why-the-number-system-is-so-important
Any song that has these progressions that you can help us with??
PRICELESS!!!!! Can’t believe i’m actually sounding like a pro!!! God bless you sir.
Thank you Jermaine, for the concept on How to add bigger 3-5-2-5-1. This is a
great blog sight. Let me take notes, so I can practice this. Thank you for the golden
gems. This is the most awesome music site I have seen. Thank God for given you this
vision to help thousands of inspired musicians as myself. You have taken a lot of frustration and guess work out of music. You make it so simple and easy to learn. May God continue to bless the work of your hands.