Improvisation/chords
Hi David,
From a chord progression can you find out the key that a particular song is in, or is it a case of working through your harmonicas to see which root note fit. I am currently trying to learn Baby scratch my back - Slim Harpo - so that I can use his licks in my improvisation. I hace used Chordify to review the chord progression but am not understanding how the progression works. Please can you or anybody help.
Thank you
Paul
Hi David, following on from the last question, when looking at the chord progression how do you know whats the I chord IV chord etc...... and whether its 12 bar blues 16 bar blues or some other progression.
Once again thank you for your help
You're looking for a repeated pattern. If the chord progression is the same every twelve bars, then it's a twelve bar pattern. You have to use your ears to know if it's a I Chord... it has to sound resolved, like you're home. When the other chords happen, then it sounds unresolved. It's an ear training thing. This is why it's important to study what you already know (your study songs and others, like in Music Theory Study 6), to become familiar with the soundscape that's already around you. When you hear it used elsewhere, you're conditioned to recognize it. To get better at non-12 bar progressions, study non-12 bar progressions (again, Music Theory Study 6), so you can have a reference point.
Lastly, it's a good idea to pick up another instrument, such as guitar, piano, or even though not a chordal instrument, bass. By playing an instrument that's responsible for the form, apposed to an instrument that plays on top of the form, you're more likely to gain structural knowledge.
Yes, you can. When the music sounds resolved, like it's gone to the I Chord, check on the program you're using to see what chord it's showing. Check it by playing the note identified in the chord (in this case F). Play that note throughout the song to see if it fits (2 draw on the Bb Harmonica in the case of "Scratch My Back"). Then improvise for a bit, or even better, play a song you know in that position to confirm that everything aligns.