Minor Key Introductions
In this lesson we look at creating introductions for tunes in minor keys. Although working on material in a minor key is fundamentally the same as working in major, somehow we tend to be more comfortable in major keys.
We will use the Sigmund Romberg tune Softly As In A Morning Sunrise as an example.
Options For Creating Introductions
The same guidelines apply for all introductions, whether we are in a major or minor key. We can always play the last 4 or 8 bars of the tune, and another less common but still very effective approach is to play the bridge.
We can also cycle through a 1-6-2-5 progression and use secondary dominants and passing chords to add more flavour.
Other options include using pedals or even creating our own chord progressions that lead us back to the top of the tune.
Lesson Downloads
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Minor Key Introductions Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
In this tutorial we will explore some useful formulas and techniques that can be used to create solo piano introductions in minor keys.
The secondary dominant, or 5 of 5, is one of the fundamental extensions of the basic 2-5-1 progression in jazz harmony.
In this lesson, we explore the minor 25, and how to use our chosen melody over any minor 25 progressions and also the tune we are studying.
Practice Tips
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It's worthwhile practicing these intros around all twelve minor keys, or at least the six or seven that are commonly used in jazz. These include Cm, Fm, Bbm, Ebm, Gm, Dm and Am.
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In his examples Tuomo frequently uses secondary dominant chords and tri-tone substitutions to add more colour and flavour to the progressions. If these are unfamiliar there are other lessons on pianogroove.com explaining these concepts.
- If this lesson feels too advanced for you check out the lesson "Minor Introductions and 1625s" which should be more accessible.
