Introduction

 
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In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice minor triads and their various inversion shapes on the A, D & G strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.


If you are unfamiliar with the concept of triad chord inversions, then I strongly suggest you review this tutorial which explicitly covers the theory of inversions and triad chord voicings:



Chord Theory: An Introduction
Introduction to Triads & Chord Inversions


We will use a backing track to practice these ideas using three major chords: A minor, D minor, and E minor & major. We will use the idea that a chord in it's most fundamental basic unit is only three notes: the 1st (root), minor 3rd and 5th from it's respective scale. Therefore, an A minor chord is the 1st (root), minor 3rd and 5th from an A minor scale.



A minor scale:

A (1) - B (2) - C (3) - D (4) - E (5) - F (6) - G (7)


A minor chord:

A (1) - C (3) - E (5)



Anywhere on any musical instrument you can isolate, find and play these three notes you have an A minor chord.


From there we build chord inversions in order to achieve an A minor chord in a variety of voicings for different sounds. We do the same to D minor and E minor chords. We find a place to play these chords on the A, D & G strings. Then we are ready to practice!


We'll also add an E major chord to the end of the progression before it cycles around to start over. The reason for this is to use the opportunity of modulating to a V chord, making the "five" chord major in a minor key in order to see and hear how a little voice leading works.

Christopher Schlegel
Instructor Christopher Schlegel
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