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Author Topic: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????  (Read 17980 times)

Offline MemphisKeys

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Hey LGM this Memphiskeys and I don't know where to start with using and trying to master Passing chords...does anyone have any tips where to start...that's another goal of mines for this year...
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Offline T-Block

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Re: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2009, 08:27:51 AM »
You start by changing how u view passing chords.  Contrary to popular belief, passing chords are NOT a separate box of chords.  They are just regular chords used that aren't part of your basic progression pattern.

Next, you look at your basic progression pattern.  Find the spots where u stay on a chord for a while.  Look at those chords and the chords that follow them and see if u can throw in some logical chords that connect the 2 together.  Example:

1-4-5-6-7 progression
Key F  LH/RH [4/4 time count] 60-70bpm

[1,2,3,4] F / C-F-A
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D
[1,2,3,4] C / G-C-E
[1,2] D / Bb-D-F
[3,4] E / C-E-G

*the numbers in parenthesis are for the tempo

Now, look at the first 2 chords.  You see how u stay on the 1st chord for a full count.  Well, why not add a chord there instead of just staying on that a while.

Your next question is probably:  What are my options? To answer that question, u need to know what chords resolve or lead to 4.  Here are some great options:

Options Set #1

1 dominant type chord (7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th)
1 chord with the 3rd in the bass
#4 chord, *a chord 1/2 step above ur target chord

So, now that u got ur options, plug each one in and see if u like the sound:

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] F / C-Eb-F-A *added Eb to make an F7 chord
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] F / A-Eb-G *added Eb and G to make an F9 chord
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] F-Eb / Bb-Eb-G *added an Eb major chord to make an Fm11
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2,3,4] F / C-F-A
[3,4] F-Eb / A-D-Gb *added a b9 and a 13 to make an F7 b9/13
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] A / C-F-A *1 chord, with 3 in the bass
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] B / A-Db-Eb-F *chord 1/2 step higher, B9 b5
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3,4] B / A-Db-Eb-G *chord 1/2 step higher, B9 #5
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

Look at that, u got 7 options right there.  And u can even vary the rhythm in which u play those chords. U can bring the passing chord in on beat 2 or beat 3 which gives u 14 more options, for a total of 21 passing chord options right here.

Something else u can do is see if u can add in a passing chord "move", meaning playing more than one chord.  Knowing theory here is good.  The ZIP CODE IS: (7)-3-6-2-5-1-(4)

Now, using the 1st two chords of this progression example, u have a 1 going to a 4.  But, right before u get to 1, u have a 5, a 2-5, a 6-5, a 6-2-5, a 3-6-2-5, and a 7-3-6-2-5.  Judging by how much time u have in between chords, u can choose either one of those options to play with your 1 chord then go to 4:

Options Set #2

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[3] C / Bb-Eb-G *5 chord, Cm7
[4] F / A-Eb-G *1 chord, F9
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1] F / C-F-A
[2] G / B-F-A *2 chord, G9
[3] C / Bb-Eb-G *5 chord, Cm7
[4] F / A-Eb-G *1 chord, F9
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

[1] F / C-F-A
[2] D / C-F-A *6 chord, Dm7
[3] C / Bb-Eb-G *5 chord, Cm7
[4] F / A-Eb-G *1 chord, F9
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

And the list goes on and on.  Like I said ealier, u can experiement with the rhythm on these chords to make even mor options.  U can come in on the in between beats as well:

[1,2] F / C-F-A
[an] G / B-F-A *2 chord, G9
[3] C / Bb-Eb-G *5 chord, Cm7
[4] F / A-Eb-G *1 chord, F9
[1,2,3,4] Bb / F-Bb-D

Now, after u have found a passing chord or passing chord move that u like, WRITE IT DOWN AND TRANSFER IT TO EVERY KEY.  This way, it becomes a part of your music and then u won't even view it as passing chords.  U will view it as a progression within itself. 

This is how the pros do it.  They practice these moves over and over and over again until its a natural part of their music.  You can do the same thing.  If anyone has questions about what I've posted, feel free to ask!
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline Mrandrew

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Re: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2009, 10:26:42 AM »
When does the dvd come out?

Offline T-Block

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Re: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2009, 12:03:05 PM »
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline Mrandrew

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Re: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2009, 03:43:37 PM »
On a serious note T you need to get set up to do youtube. Everyone's doing progressions, but you have the theory to go with it.

Offline hardheaded

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Re: Where Do I start....Im trying to learn to use Passing Chords?????
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2009, 04:08:05 PM »
T-Block in one post you have upgraded my playing to a whole new level dude you are amazing
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Psalms 40
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