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superimposing major triads over a minor 7th chord..

 

Introduction

This month, i will show you the way i superimpose major triads over a minor 7th chord. Triad substitution is a fairly common approach used in Jazz. It’s a simple way of creating complex harmonies.

Explanation

In this example, i superimpose Eb, Ab and Bb triads over Cm7. Notice that even though all three triads are diatonic to C Aeolian, they produce some hip tones in context to of the Cm7 tonality.

Cm7 is: C (root), Eb (-3), G (5th9, Bb (-7th)

 

 

Major Triads

Eb, Ab and Bb over Cm7

 

Construction:

EbMajor is: Eb ,G ,Bb / Root , 3rd , 5th so,over a Cm7 chord, Eb creates a Cm9 sound ( Eb:-3, G:5th, Bb: -7 )

 

 

Ab Major is: Ab, C, Eb / Root, 3rd, 5th So, over a Cm7 chord, Ab alludes to a Cm b13 sound (Ab: b13, C:Root, Eb: -3rd )

 

 

Bb Major is: Bb, D, F / Root, 3rd, 5th over a Cm7 chord, Bb creates a Cm9(11) sound (Bb: -7th, D: 9th, F:11th)

 

 

here is a melody in wich i play Eb, Ab and Bb over a Cm7, try to analyse this melody and try to make your own phrases using that approach.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Triads are helpful in many cases for me beacause, it gets right to the point.

when i play a melody, i try not to think of scales but colors, tensions and releases. Since triads have only 3 notes to play, i have no choice but try to make music with it.

Also, try to experiment with some rythm ideas, by just playing triads in a chordal fashion instead of arpeggiating them, you can also use these substitition for chord voicings.

Remember, these ideas will only become a part of your playing if you work hard, practice and experiment.


keep making music, love and peace..


Steev

 


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