Try This Chord Progression Challenge

I've got a cool harmony challenge for ya...

Pick two key centers - the further apart on the circle of fifths, the better.

 
 

For this example, let's go with C Major and F# Major. (Minor keys are fine too.)

Next, come up with a chord progression that moves smoothly from Key Center 1 to Key Center 2 using a set number of chords. I chose two chords for my demo.

To recap, the task is figuring out how to transition from C Major to F# Major using just two chords

Here's what I came up with:

CMaj7 -> Bm7 -> C#13sus -> F#Maj7

Each chord plays a part:

  • CMaj7 kickstarts the progression in C Major, and F#Maj7 wraps it up. Pretty straightforward so far.

  • C#13sus is the V of F#. The V -> I progression is as basic as they come.

  • Bm7 (B D F# A) is the secret ingredient for making the transition from C Major to F# Major a smooth one. It's the IVm7 in F# Major, a commonly borrowed non-diatonic chord. Plus, it flows smoothly from C Major, sharing three notes: B, D, and A.

To hear how it sounds, check out the quick loop of the progression below. It actually came out pretty sick:

Learning all this theory and chord-smithing in a post like this isn't easy, which is why I've developed a full course to explain my process called "Chord Theory for R&B Piano" (great for jazz, too!).

In the course, you'll learn how to finally make sense of R&B and jazz chord theory, so you can get that silky, soulful sound every time you sit down at the keys.

Also, if you dig that loop I just shared…

you're going to love the special bonus I'm throwing in this week:

When you sign up for "Chord Theory for R&B Piano", you'll also get my entire "Stanky Loops" collection for free. That's 92 of the sickest chord progressions you've ever heard, and you get the midi, audio, and sheet music, 100% royalty-free.

 
 

Check out some examples here:

but the goodies don't stop there!

Here are even more free bonuses included in this week's deal:

  • Diminished Chords Decoded

  • Bassline Builders

  • Scale Mastery

You can find all the details on the course information page linked below. Just don't dilly dally – all of these bonuses will be gone by the end of the week.

Happy Shedding,

Jeff

P.S. If you take the chord progression challenge, leave a comment with the progression you came up with.

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