G Major 251 Progressions
Welcome to this key discovery lesson on the key of G Major. In the previous module of this course we explored the key of C Major and we will repeat the same process and explore some common voicings and progressions key of G Major.
G Major Diatonic 7th Chords
We will start with the diatonic 7th chords found in the G Major scale and then we will discuss the different variations of the 2, 5, and 1 chords which are used the create the 251 progression which is the most common progression in jazz music.
Extended & Altered Harmony
We will be applying theory from the different beginner and intermediate courses on the website such as chord extensions, chord alterations, passing chords, and upper structure triads. You can find links to these tutorials in the related lesson below and if you have any questions with the material you can post these in the comment box below.
Related Jazz Standard Lessons
Check out the related lesson section below where we cover tunes in the key of G Major. Once you are familiar with the voicings and progressions in this tutorial we can apply this knowledge to the tunes that we are playing.
Related Lessons
In part 2 of this tutorial on “Embraceable You”, we focus on the second half of the form. We create bigger voicings to add a sense of climax and finale.
Widely quoted as one of Gershwin’s finest compositions, the harmony and melody is challenging with unusual changes and large leaps in the melody.
In Part 1 we run through the first half of the tune. We start with simple voicings and then create a more modern sound using chords built from 4ths.
Practice Tips
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Ensure that you are comfortable with the 3-note voicings and that you can clearly visualise the voice leading of 7ths falling to 3rds.
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Try to visualise the alteration voice leading on the dominant chords. Usually the altered tones will sit a half step above or below the tones of the ii-7 chord.
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Experiment with alteration voice leading in the centre of the voicing and also at the top so that the altered tone is the melody note.
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Practice single alterations, double alterations, and upper structure triads.
Are you going to add course downloads for the key of G as you did with C? I know that’s a lot of work, but it helps me to have all the information in that format so I can just print it out.
Hey Wendy,
My apologies that this course has taken a back seat with other things going on. I will revitalise the Key Discovery initiative asap.
Yes here is the notation file which you can print: https://www.pianogroove.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/36251-Progressions-G-Major.pdf and I will add a tidied up version to this page in the downloads section.
Cheers,
Hayden
ps. the Eddie Higgins “Over The Rainbow” seminar is published with chapters: https://www.pianogroove.com/live-seminars/eddie-higgins-over-the-rainbow/
Here is the notation from this lesson: https://www.pianogroove.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/251-and-1625-Progressions-G-Major.pdf
– the PDF in my comment above is for the next lesson on G Major which I will record asap.
Cheers,
Hayden