The Ultimate Transition Chord: Four Minor Resolutions for dim7 By Jimmy Brown published 8 May 19 Learn a few interesting applications of this harmonically unstable yet appealing chord.
More Tasteful Examples of How Dim7 Chords Are Used By Jimmy Brown published 17 April 19 A few examples from the rock and pop catalog of how famous composers have successfully harnessed this enigmatic chord to great effect.
The Attractively Balanced and Highly Musical E Minor Hexatonic Scale By Jimmy Brown published 1 April 19 Some cool things you can do with the minor hexatonic scale.
Eerie Arpeggios: Using Movable Addb2 Shapes to Create Haunting Lead Lines By Jimmy Brown published 25 March 19 Learn how to create eerie, twisted-sounding melodies with this lesson.
How to Use the "Spooky" Dimished Seven Chord By Jimmy Brown published 15 March 19 Look at a few examples of fairly well-known songs from the modern era that utilize the dim7 chord in interesting, effective ways.
A David Gilmour-Style Approach to Beethoven's “Moonlight Sonata” By Jimmy Brown published 6 March 19 The melody of Beethoven's “Moonlight Sonata”, re-imagined in the style of David Gilmour.
Restless Harmony: Meet the Anxious m7b5 Chord By Jimmy Brown published 12 February 19 Look at a few examples of ways in which world-renowned songwriters have harnessed this harmonic beast and put it to good use.
A Guide to Basic Jazz-Blues Changes By Jimmy Brown published 6 February 19 Presenting a more musically sophisticated variation on the standard 12-bar blues.
Jazz-Blues Comping with "Chord Jabs" By Jimmy Brown published 28 January 19 Learn a jazz guitar comping technique that provides interesting chord movement and rhythmic “push.”
The Bleak, Ominous Second-Inversion Minor Chord By Jimmy Brown published 15 January 19 Tell an engaging story and make a powerful statement with second-inversion minor chords.
The Sadly Warm First-Inversion Minor Chord By Jimmy Brown published 6 December 18 Learn more about the first-inversion minor chord, an invaluable resource for the aspiring composer.
Great Applications of a Second-Inversion Chord By Jimmy Brown published 13 November 18 Look at a few brief examples of well-known songs that feature the use of a second-inversion chord.
Watch Daron Malakian Play System of a Down and Scars on Broadway Riffs, Talk Guitars and Songwriting By Richard Bienstock published 2 November 18 The guitarist and singer sits down with Ernie Ball for the newest episode of 'String Theory.'
The Blissful-Sounding Major Add-2 Arpeggio By Jimmy Brown published 30 October 18 An introduction to minor add2’s blissful, optimistic sibling, the major add-2 arpeggio.
More Great Ways in Which Songwriters Have Used First-Inversion Chords By Jimmy Brown published 12 October 18 Learn some compositionally effective ways in which first-inversion chords have been used in popular music.
Using First-Inversion Chords to Create Smooth Bass Motion By Jimmy Brown published 18 September 18 Some musically appealing ways that great songwriters have used first-inversion chords to craft progressions behind their melodies.
The E Minor/D Major-Hexatonic Connection By Jimmy Brown published 31 July 18 Get a primer on this appealing and useful hexatonic scale.
The Conclusion of My Wailing, David Gilmour-Style “Moonlight Sonata” Melody By Jimmy Brown published 12 June 18