Major Grooves: 251 & 2516 Progressions
In this lesson we create a simple Bossa Nova or Samba groove over the major 251 and 2516 progressions in the key of G.
Start With Simple Voicings
We start with a simple vamp using 3-note voicings for the major 251 progression. We experiment with chord inversions and play the voicings in the different registers of the piano.
Altering the V7 Chord
We can add alterations to the V7 chord to achieve different chord colours and textures. Check out the course on Altered Harmony and USTs for more information on the tensions we can play over dominant chords.
Adding the VI7 Chord
We can extend the progression to include the VI7 chord of the key. In the key of G Major, we can add an E7 chord which creates a circular progression back to the ii-7 chord. We now have the progression A-7, D7b9, G7, E7alt.
The VI7 chord in a 2516 progression is often played as an altered dominant chord. Jovino demonstrates the different chord colours and tensions that can be played over the E7 in a 2516 in G Major.
Lesson Downloads
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Major Grooves Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
One of the best ways to learn a piece of music is to first learn how to accompany it. This tutorial demonstrates using the tune “Corcovado”.
Minor progressions often contain altered tones which can be used to add interesting colours to your progressions and groves.
In this lesson, we explore rhythms, voicings and comping patterns for common chord progressions in major keys such as the 25, 251, & 1625.
Practice Tips
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When starting out with Bossa Nova and Samba grooves, we should keep our voicings simple and focus on the rhythmic placement.
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Accent the 2nd beat of the bass line to enhance the rhythmic feel of the groove.
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Experiment with the different chord colours and tensions over the V7 and VI7 chords.
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Check out the related lessons above for more Brazilian grooves and vamps.
Wow! beautiful playing! Love this lesson – and as well as blowing my mind again on the Theory of these chords! I just finished learning about major and minor modes – then how 7,9,1,13 chords are built. I was lucky to have randomly clicked on the right lessons to watch yesterday and last night and gave me a clearer understanding of a few jazz concepts. 🙂
Then this haha – I’m really looking forward to understanding this lesson and being able to improvise on these beautiful progressions.. Would it be too early for me to be learning about altering the V7chords since I also am still working on practising its inversions on keys (I’ll keep practising!) … Thanks very much in advance.