Voice Leading the Minor 2nd Chord Cycle

by Scott Hesse

The process of training your ear for harmony is ongoing. Sometimes in order to hear more, you have to practice an idea from every angle. 

That's the idea with the progression below. It's based on a minor 2nd chord cycle, but a little different than the one we looked at before. This time the cycle doesn't include the V-I relationship and just ascends chromatically. The twist in how this is accomplished, however, is the voice leading. 

The chord voicings actually start very high on the fretboard and descend in range. At the same time, the key centers actually ascend chromatically. This gives a bit of implied counter point to the progression.

Moving the harmonies in this fashion can be difficult because they seem to progress against your ear's expectation. That's a good reason to practice this: it will train you to hear differently, or in a more expanded way.  

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When you improvise or compose, your ability to hear from any direction allows you to be freer with your expression. The exercise above is just one of many ways to break down this or any other chord progression. Experiment as much as possible and find ways that catch your ear. Remember, any of these chord cycles can be used as substitutes for other standard changes. 

If you have questions or comments, please post below.

Happy practicing!!