C# Minor Slow Jam

Key: C# Minor
I section A we have a VI - V - I progression (with IV and natural V being
the passing chords) built based predominantly around the natural minor,
with the exception of the V being augmented - meaning we can move
briefly out of our natural minor into using augmented arpeggios. In
section B we have a completely "natural" sequence (there are no
accidentals) that goes like this - VI - I - III - VII

The natural minor is a very melodic sounding scale. It contains all the
satisfying notes of the minor pentatonic but includes the 2nd and 6th
degrees of the key, offering a richer harmonic make-up and ultimately, more
options on what to do melodically. It is a great scale for writing with for this
reason.
Quite often in genres that use Jazz chords, whilst there may often be a
definitive key, generally speaking, we will quite often be faced with more
unconventional chords that may include accidentals, giving us the feeling
that we are drifting in and out of the key briefly. This tends to give us a
"free" feeling, allowing the sequence to have more interpretative elements
and ultimately allowing the musician playing over it to have more choice in
how the sequence is heard.
With this sequence, we can use the natural minor and everything will sound
great over the top. Having said that, with the inclusion of the G# Augmented
in place of the G# natural minor (which is what we would expect to hear in
the key of C#), we are given the freedom to replace our natural minor with
an augmented scale or arpeggio for the half bar we hear the G# Aug.
 Chord Chart
When improvising it's always important to have an understanding of each
chord and how to use the chords to bring the most out of your
improvisation. For this particular track, the chords are mostly 7ths, 9ths
and augmented chords. All of the chords work very well with the natural
minor, the augmented 5th chord will allow you to step outside of this into
some more unusual notes if you wish to.

| Amaj7 | G#Aug5 | | C#min9 |

| C#min7 | C#min9 |
Standard tuning
= 87
1 2 3

4
4
cl.gui.

2
4
5 5 4 5 4 5 5 5
6 5 4 4 4 6 5 5
6 6 2 2 2 6 6 6
4 4 4
5 4 5 4 4

4 5

(4) 2 4
(4) 2 4
(2) 2 4
(4) 4 6
2 4
 Section B Chords
On this particular track, the chords for section B are played on keys, not
guitar, however below are the chords translated onto the guitar, you can
use these to play over the top or use as a basis for any other notes you
may want to include.

| Amaj7 | C#m11 | Emaj7 | Bmaj |

1 2 3

4 2
5 4 7
2 4 8
2 2 6
4 0 4 7

7
8
9
9
7
Scale Shapes
Here are two shapes of the natural minor scale that were mentioned
earlier. Focus on these to get started. Once you're starting to get
comfortable with these, see about moving them around the fretboard to
access other parts of the neck.

C# Natural Minor Box 1

R 2 b 3

5 6 b 7

2 b 3 4

b 7 R

4 5 6

R 2 b 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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C# Natural Minor Box 2

2 b 3 4

b 7 R

4 5 6

R 2 b 3

5 6 b 7

2 b 3 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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Augmented Arpeggio Shapes
Here are three arpeggio shapes of a G# Augmented chord. There is only
half a bar where these can be used, as these arpeggios (as you'll hear
when they are played on their own) have an uncomfortable feel to them.
These arpeggios will contrast the natural minor, meaning when used
correctly, the resolution will feel far more satisfying when we are back in
the natural minor (back home) and give your improvisation more overall
shape and harmonic density. Try out notes from these shapes over your
G# Augmented chord in the track, and resolving back to the natural
minor as soon as we leave that chord.

G# Augmented Chord (E String)

R

5
#

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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G# Augmented Chord (A String)

5
#

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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G# Augmented Chord (D String)
R

5
#

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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