“Autumn Leaves” The B Section
In this lesson we explore the B section of “Autumn Leaves”. In the previous lesson we mastered the two A sections (which are virtually identical) and we now shift our focus to the B section which take us from bar 17 up to bar 24 in the form.
Transition to the B Section
The B section of “Autumn Leaves” introduces a flip in the sequence of chord progressions compared to the A sections. Unlike the A sections that begin with the 2-5-1 in Bb major, the B section starts with the 2-5-1 in G minor and then leads into the 2-5-1 in Bb major.
It’s important to notice that the B section does not introduce any new chords or progressions that we have not covered already in the previous lessons, it simply changes the order in which they occur.
Melodic Considerations
We pay special attention to the melody of the B section and we highlight how it differs from the A sections. We explore the ‘left hand shell voicing’ technique which allows our left hand to take over the entire chord voicing and frees up are right hand to play the melody.
Related Lessons
This whole step 251 drill will ensure that you are comfortable with the 251 progression in all keys using simple root, 3rd, and 7th voicings.
A seventh chord is a triad which has been extended to include the 7th degree of the scale. This creates a fuller sound than simple 3-note triads.
Minor harmony is much more complex than major harmony and so the minor 251 progression takes much more time and patience to master.
Practice Tips
Isolate The 251s: Practice the minor and major 2-5-1 progressions separately before combining them with the melody. Pay close attention to the 'guide tones' where the 7th of each chord drops to the 3rd of the next.
Master the Melody: Just as we did with the A sections, isolate the melody in your right hand to understand the contours and phrasing. Once you are comfortable, incorporate the melody into your 2-handed spread voicings.
Combine the A & B Sections: Focus on the transition from the 2nd A section into the B section and remember that there is a slight variation in the melody at the end of the 2nd A Section.
