Example Lesson
The 2, 5, 1 chord progression is the most important sequence in jazz as it is the smoothest possible transition into any key. Most jazz tunes are littered with these progressions. As a jazz guitarist you will need to have a thorough knowledge of this progression in all locations which in turn will give you a good visual reference for stressing strong sounds at major change points. Refer to fig 48 showing the two fretboard shapes of this 2, 5, 1 chord progression. By learning two seperate positions of this sequence it is possible to play the progression through all possible keys with ease. You will not be more than a few steps away from an economical fingering. Learn the basic shapes in both locations and then play through the exercise (fig 49) entitled: "2, 5, 1 All Keys".
| Two five one in G major "shape 1" |
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Am7
(chord 2: Supertonic)
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D7
(chord 5: Dominant) Embellishments: D11/D13/D9/D7(b9)/D7(#9) D9(#11)/D9(b13)/D7(b5b9)/D7(#5#9) D7(b5#9) D13(b9) Substitutions: Ab7 dominant alterations |
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Gmaj7
(Chord 1: tonic) |
| Two five one in G major "shape 2" |
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Am7
(chord 2: supertonic) Embellishments: Am9/Am11/Am13 |
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D7
(chord 5: dominant) Embellishments: D9/D11/D13/D7(b9)/D7(#9)/D7(b5) D7(#5)/D7(b5b9)/D7(#5#9)/D7(#5b9) D13(b5) Substitutions: Ab7 dominant alterations |
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Gmaj7
(chord 1: tonic) |
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