Intro to Drop 2 Voicings

These exercises all use CMaj7 as an example. Use the same procedure to work out drop 2 voicings
in all keys. Use the circle of fifths as a guide. For instance, after working out CMaj7, work out FMaj7,
BbMaj7, EbMaj7, etc.

CMaj7 CMaj7/E CMaj7/G CMaj7/B CMaj7 CMaj7/B CMaj7/G CMaj7/E CMaj7

  
 44  
         

 4           
4
Root 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion 3rd Inversion
Posit ion

Starti ng from Root Position Starting from 1st Inve rsion

7t h as melody note Root as melody note
  
10

     
  
      

#1) Start with #2) Drop the second #3) Add the Root Follow the same procedure to derive voicings
the block chord. note from the top. in the bass. for the other seventh chord inversions.

Starting from 2nd Inve rsion Starting from 3rd Inve rsion


3rd as melody note
  5th as melody note   
   
16

   
    
    
Apply the same procedure t o work out Drop 2 voicings for
Dominant 7, minor 7, minor 7(b5), and diminished 7 chords.

CMaj7
    
    
22

      

    
   

CMaj7
     
     
31

      

  or
   
    
    

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

 Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in Major)

D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7

 44           

        
 4 
Start wit h block voicings
  Drop the 2nd

voice from top
 Add the root notes in bass
 
4 
D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7

           

7

      
         
  
D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7
        
  
13

      
     
      
D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7 D-7 G7 CMaj7
        
      
19

   
     
       
* *
* lower note is optional depending on reach

Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj,
BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

 Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in minor)

D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7

 44       

   

   

  
 4 
Start wit h block voicings
   Drop the 2nd
  voice fromtop  Add the root

notes in bass
 
4 
D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7

                

7

     
         
  
D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7
           
         
13
   
     
      
D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7 D-7(b5) G7(b9) C-7
              
 
         
19
   
      
       
* *
* lower note is optional depending on reach

Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj,
BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

The Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths, or Cycle of Fifths is the basis of tonal harmonic progressions, and is
your “master key” for understanding tonal harmony.

Notice how this diagram looks like a clock with C in the 12 o'clock position.

Here is a mnemonic to help with memorization:

“God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions For Being Evil And Disobeying God's
Commands”

• God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions (G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#)

◦ Up the interval of a 5th (7 half steps)
◦ Down the interval of a 4th (5 half steps)
◦ Clockwise
• For Being Evil And Disobeying God's Commands (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb)
◦ Up the interval a 4th (5 half steps)
◦ Down the interval a 5th (7 half steps)
◦ Counter-clockwise

Practice
1. Memorize the mnemonic. Say it out loud.
2. Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go clockwise.
3. Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go counter-clockwise.
4. Practice daily and repeat ad infinitum.

2012 || Musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com