Here we will be using all of the knowledge we gained from the Major, Dorian Minor and Mixolydian Videos to play another common and important progression, the 2, 5, 1, 6 or ii V7 I VI7.

The first three chords are related because they are all part of the Major Scale which is in the progression. This means that for this particular track the first three chords have the G Major Key Signature. They are simply built starting on different notes of the G Major Scale. This means that you can use the G Major scale to play through the first three chords if you choose as well as trying to play the individual Scales and Arpeggios (1, 3, 5, 7 of the scale). The last chord will lead us back to the beginning of the progression and it does not share the same key signature. Below I have included the notes of the scales as well as the Arpeggios.

C# Dorian Minor –
Scale – C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B, C#
Arpeggio – C#, E, G#, B

F# Mixolydian –
Scale – F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#
Arpeggio – F, A#, C#, E

B Major –
Scale – B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
Arpeggio – B, D#, F#, A#

Ab Mixolydian (5 Flats) –
Scale – Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab
Arpeggio – Ab, C, Eb, Gb

Enjoy making up melodies as you become more comfortable with improvising. Start simple by playing the scales up and down then moving around. Don’t forget to have fun and take turns playing with your friends.

If you have any questions or suggestions for tracks you can email me at
[email protected]