New Orleans Style Turnarounds
So far in this course we based our playing around the core pillars of the harmony which are the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord. In this lesson we introduce a New Orleans style I-VI-II-V progression into the turnaround section of the blues.
Introducing the II and VI chords expands our harmonic palette and when playing these chords as dominant chords, rather than the minor chords found diatonically, we can add alterations and sus chords to our turnaround passages.
Chord Alterations & Extensions
Dominant chords are compatible with multiple alterations, each offering a unique harmonic character. In this lesson we delve into a selection of these alterations and how they can be applied in context of the 12 bar blues turnaround.
Blues Scales Passing Chords
We explore the F major blues scale and how this can be used to embellish the I-VI-II-V progression to create a soulful flavour. This word particularly well over the II and V chords.
We demonstrate the application of passing chords which can be used to further enhance the I-VI-II-V progression and provide additional options for filling in the space when playing the slow blues.
Lesson Downloads
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New Orleans Style Turnarounds File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
In this lesson we apply the I-VI-II-V progression to the turnaround section using a selection of meaty New Orleans style chord voicings.
In this lesson we’ll look at the structure of 12-bar blues and explore some of the embellishments we can apply to the chord progression.
Intros can be useful to extend the length of your performance and also to establish the tonality or the key in which the tune is being played.
Practice Tips
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Learn and memorise the basic I-VI-II-V turnaround voicings presented at the start of the lesson.
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Once you are comfortable with the basics, add different sounds by incorporating various alterations and chord extensions.
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Follow your own taste on which alterations and voicing styles sound best to you.
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Incorporate blues scale melodic fragments and add additional embellishments over the New Orleans style I-VI-II-V progression.
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Lastly venture into the passing chords featured in this lesson, and if you're feeling creative, craft your own variations!
Thank you Hayden. I love having options while playing the blues!
Cheers,
Glenn
Awesome – thanks for letting me know Glenn.