I found it an easy way to remember this thinking of the Em Pentatonic (which works by the way over the complete ii-v-i / – Dm7-G7-Cmaj -. This works as well for the Am Pentatonic. So 3rd (Em Pent.) or 6th degree (A m Pentatonic) of the Major scale always works fine for me.
How useful of an exercise is it to try switching the way you think about each chord during a pass? Like thinking about it as 3-5-7-9 for one pass around the cycle, then switching to think about it as the minor 1-b3-5-b7 for a cycle, then back again? What about trying to hold both concepts simultaneously? Or thinking about concert keys?
Good question. I think that would definitely be beneficial, with the ultimate goal of being able to see each chord up to the 9th automatically, to where there’s little conscious thought when playing either 1-3-5-7 or 3-5-7-9.
Thinking ahead two chords (the next root + the minor cord on the III) is pretty tough for me (I wonder if you can see how often I started the exercise).
Thinking (1)3579 makes it much easier. So I mix this exercise up with circles of 13579 and have a better progress on the thinking ahead thing.
I hear you, Luciano. That’s totally OK! The main thing is to find the avenue that makes the most sense TO YOU. And by exploring doing it this way, it sounds like you found the way that works for you.
Hi. I played along with Bob. And discovered it also sounds very cool when you start one bar behind Bob.
I found it an easy way to remember this thinking of the Em Pentatonic (which works by the way over the complete ii-v-i / – Dm7-G7-Cmaj -. This works as well for the Am Pentatonic. So 3rd (Em Pent.) or 6th degree (A m Pentatonic) of the Major scale always works fine for me.
How useful of an exercise is it to try switching the way you think about each chord during a pass? Like thinking about it as 3-5-7-9 for one pass around the cycle, then switching to think about it as the minor 1-b3-5-b7 for a cycle, then back again? What about trying to hold both concepts simultaneously? Or thinking about concert keys?
Hey Michael,
Good question. I think that would definitely be beneficial, with the ultimate goal of being able to see each chord up to the 9th automatically, to where there’s little conscious thought when playing either 1-3-5-7 or 3-5-7-9.
Thanks, Bob!
I’ve been at this course for months and months…slowly chipping away at it.I can sometimes even see a little sunlight and,I will finish it.
Had to get this off my chest.
Keep going, Kevyn!
It’s a big task, but you’ve got it.
Hi Bob.
Thinking ahead two chords (the next root + the minor cord on the III) is pretty tough for me (I wonder if you can see how often I started the exercise).
Thinking (1)3579 makes it much easier. So I mix this exercise up with circles of 13579 and have a better progress on the thinking ahead thing.
I hear you, Luciano. That’s totally OK! The main thing is to find the avenue that makes the most sense TO YOU. And by exploring doing it this way, it sounds like you found the way that works for you.