Comping lesson

[ewanwallace]

Hi there, thanks for the video lessons, really helpful.

I've a question: I noticed that in bar 28 the Gm9 chord you use looks and sounds to me exactly like a Bbmaj7. I'm totally new to music theory of any kind so no doubt this exposes a gaping hole in my knowledge of the basics, but would I be right in noticing a pattern, i.e. that if you play a m9 chord but omit the root then provided it's voiced so that the new bass note is the minor 3rd of the m9 chord, you're actually playing a maj7 chord with a root a minor 3rd higher? Hence Gm9 with the m3 in the bass is identical to Bbmaj7?

No doubt this is a very unwieldy way of describing what's probably a very simple thing. But I've now got the idea that there are probably a load of relationships like this between chords that it'd be helpful to know about, but that it'll take years for me to figure out on my own. Can anyone suggest any reading or links that would help me out there?

Cheers!

Ewan

[m78w]

Hey Ewan,
There are a few simple rules to think about that can help you with these substitutions.

In the key of C for example, you can play Em7 or Am7 instead of Cmaj7 to make Cmaj9 and a Cmaj6 chord. So basically Imaj7, iiim7 and vim7 can interchange with eachother.

As well you can play an Fmaj7 instead of a Dm7 to make a Dm9 chord. So basically IVmaj7 can interchange with iim7.

The last one is when you play Bm7b5 instead of G7 to make a G9 chord. So basically viim7b5 can interchange with V7.

These types of substitutions are a good place to start. Once you get these down there are tons of other subs like these you can use.

For further reading check out either of Ted Greene's books, Modern Chord Progressions and Chord Chemistry. Or any of the Mick Goodrich books, or Steve Khan's Chord Khancepts book. And if you want to study these subs in action you can buy any Joe Pass solo transcription book and check out where and when he uses these subs.

MW

[ewanwallace]

Ah, I see, that makes sense. Time to get my mathematical head on then...

I've got both of the Ted Greene books but to be honest I'm a bit daunted by them - I think I'll play around with the subs you've suggested and get familiar with the concept before I delve into too much of the theory.

Thanks yet again!

Ewan

[m78w]

Yeah that's why it's a good idea to check out a Joe Pass book or other transcription book of chord melodies/solos. That way you will learn "real life" examples of these subs, rather than working your way through the theory stuff. The way I always think of stuff like this is that the theory is just there to explain what is being used on the bandstand, and the best advice I've ever received regarding theory is, "if it sounds good, than it's correct!"

MW

[ewanwallace]

Ah, okay. Well, I've got hold of a copy of 'Joe Pass chord solos for guitar, vibes and all keyboard instruments' so I'll see how I go with that. Seems like it'll be a good reading exercise as well, which is something I could do with some practice in.

Nice one,

Ewan

[Annalisa]

Where is the video for the comping lesson? I can't seem to find it on the website...

thanks!