2 Handed Minor 251 Tutorial
In this lesson we are going to look at some 2 handed minor 251 variations. In the previous lesson on the minor 251 progression, we covered the basic theory and learnt how to voice the chords in our left hand.
We know that in a minor 251 progression, the V7 chord is usually an altered dominant chord. Adding alterations is done by either raising or flattening the upper extensions of the chord. The upper extension are the tones 9, 11 and 13.
When we add alterations to the V7 chord it creates extra tension and dissonance and this strengthens the sense of resolution into the I chord.
In the introduction lesson on the minor 251, we explored the progression with left hand voicings. In this lesson we will spread the notes out over two hands to create bigger and fuller sounding voicings.
We start by exploring a new way that we can voice -7b5 chords. The voicing is constructed by playing the root and b5 in the left hand, and a major triad a whole step below the root in the right hand. This gives you the chord tones b7, 9, and 11 in the right hand so technically this is a -11b5 voicing.
We start off by constructing these voicings in a few different keys and then apply the progressions to 3 well-known jazz standards: Tenderly, Round Midnight and In a Sentimental Mood.
Lesson Downloads
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2 Handed Minor 251 Supplement File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
My Romance follows a 32 measure A-B-A-C form and the tonality is primarily major. The tune is played as a ballad or medium swing feel.
This lesson applies upper structure triads to the tune Tenderly and also discuss ways to add fills and runs in between the chords of this great tune.
Thelonious Monk’s Round Midnight contains lots of interesting chord changes. Written in the key of Eb Minor, there are 6 flats to watch out for!
Practice Tips
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As an exercise, take these voicings around al 12 keys.
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3 keys were covered in the lesson which is 1/4 of the work done!
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The key is to remember the formulas in terms of scale degrees - that is the blueprint to apply to any key.
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Study the accompanying lesson for applying these voicings in context of jazz standards.
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Always analyse the melody note over -7b5 chords, if the 11th is in the melody, then the -11b5 voicing will be an excellent choice.
- If the 11th is not in the melody, you can always tweak the melody, or reharmonise the chord changes.
Hi Hayden, is the download here more relating to the left hand minor voicings from the previous lesson? It doesn’t look like the voicings you demonstrate in the lesson here – unless I’m misreading! Thanks!
Hi James,
Yes you are correct – the download is from the left hand minor 251 lesson.
There is a handout for this lesson which I have just uploaded here: pianogroove.com/resources/2-handed-minor-251/ – it’s more of a transcription of the lesson with annotations. I also need to tidy it up as it was generated from a midi file. I’ll do that this evening and then add it to the “Downloads” section of this page.
The most important thing to remember with the -11b5 voicing is the following formula:
Left Hand: Root and b5
Right Hand: Major Triad built a whole step below the root (but an octave up)
Work through a few keys and try to find the voicing using the formula… you will find it difficult and that’s how it should feel, your brain should have to work hard to identify and visualise the notes…. you then know you are making progress because you are taking the time to work it out.
If I can be of further assistance just let me know 🙂
Cheers,
Hayden
That’s great, thanks Hayden. Yes, definitely a brain workout. Possibly more so having recently just drilled in alternative voicings from elsewhere – but this voicing is really nice – I also like resolving to a bigger i – root and b7 in left, 2, b3 & 5 in the right – though this is largely habit! 🙂
Yes that’s also a nice place to resolve to. With anything I teach James, you should always experiment. If you like the sound of something then follow your ears and play it. That’s the beauty of this music.
I try to teach general concepts, or ideas for voicings and then it’s down to the student to take it in their own direction, add to it, change it, tweak it, and ultimately, make it your own 🙂
ps. I have updated the lesson download – the notation is now fully accurate and I’ve added improved annotations and guidance.
If I can be of further assistance let me know.
Cheers,
Hayden
Brilliant, cheers Hayden 🙂
Hi Hayden. The -11b5 voicing is fantastic! I love voicings that are formulas beautiful, stick in your brain and then become easy to grab. I think they’ll work as a substitute for -7b5 too, right?
Hi Robert,
Good question!
Yes that is correct, this exact same voicing can function as 2 related dominant chords.
For example, D-11b5 is the following notes:
D = root, Ab = b5, C = b7, E = 9, G = 11
If we add a Bb as the root of the voicing, it becomes Bb13#11
If we add an E as the root of the voicing, it becomes E7#5#9
Also if we take this original voicing and move all of the notes up a minor 3rd, we have a rootless G7#5#9 or a rootless Db13#11.
Let me know if you have any further questions here.
Cheers!
Hayden