Tip: the minor 7 b5
This chord doesn’t get a lot of press, but it’s pretty useful. We’re going to look at the min7b5 chord. First, a pattern for it:
|------| |-6----| |-5----| |-6----| |-5----| |------|
That’s the D min7b5. And here’s an arpeggio pattern for the same chord. Use this to solo:
|-------------4-8-| |-----------6-----| |-------5-7-------| |-----6-----------| |-5-8-------------| |-----------------|
Where can we use the min7b5? Let’s look at three different uses: 1) replacing the dom 7, 2) replacing a tonic minor chord, and 3) in a minor ii V I progression.
Here’s an example of the first usage:
|------|------|------| |--6-6-|-6--6-|-6----| |--8-8-|-7--5-|-5----| |--6-6-|-6--6-|-5----| |--8-8-|-8--5-|-6----| |------|-6----|------|
This progression is as follows: F minor 7 in bar 1, Bb7 and D min7b5 in bar 2, and Eb 6/9 in bar 3. In other words, a ii V I in Eb major.
Look at bar 2. We’re substituting the D min7b5 in place of the Bb7 here. The Bb7 was also included, so you can compare the similarity of sounds. Why do the Bb7 and D min7b5 sound alike? Look at the notes:
D min7b5: D F Ab C
Bb7: Bb D F Ab
Three notes in common definitely make for a similar sound. Next time: usage 2) replacing the tonic minor chord.
Thanks for reading.
Copyright © 2008 Darrin Koltow
This first appeared in the Guitar Noise News - October 1, 2006 newsletter. Reprinted with permission.
