1 Chord Progression, 5 Levels of Complexity

Today I'm taking the classic "Doo-wop changes" and running them through different levels of complexity, starting with just adding colour tones to the basic chords, and ending up with a super jazzy chord-packed progression.

And, an extra special thanks goes to Douglas Lind, Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇

0:00 Introduction
0:20 Level 1
0:43 Level 2
2:00 Level 3
4:50 Level 4
6:40 Level 5
8:57 Level 6
10:45 Patreon

[Kyubiwan]

The "Anime Canon" chord progression

C - [Bm7b5 - E7] - Am - [Gm7 - C7] - [F - G] - [Em - Am] - Dm7 - [C/G - G7]

[BebroOfficial]

wow, i'm a musician for a years now, and that is the best explanation i've ever seen. Thanks so much for level 5 and 6. They've helped me a lot in understanding.

[irishwristwatch]

I really like how the bonus 6th level is a combination of 2-5-1s and color tones, therefore it itself is a 2-5-1.

[mistaowickkuh]

This tutorial gently caressed my brain curves. It went over a massive curriculum in 10 minutes and provided something that can be practised!

[iimhlil]

Okay, David Bennett is now the Prime Minister of explaining stuff.

[maroualus]

Your video is very beginner-friendly, it's very practical and visual, simplified with no unnecessary vocabulary. Thank you!

[patemblen]

That one was a light bulb moment for me. You explained the chord progressions I see when playing from sax charts. Thank you very much David.

[vyskocity]

This is the lesson on chord progressions I've been searching for. Unlocked everything with the simplicity of the explanation in a way no one has for me before. Thank you David!

[tomturton]

What a valuable insight this is, for those of us who are stuck repeating the same old diatonic chords. Thank you, David.

[WarpRulez]

Funny thing about that "50's chord progression" that I noticed recently.

"Otherside" by Red Hot Chili Peppers uses the famous "Axis chord progression" of Am F C G. However, the melody also fits perfectly the "50's chord progression" of C Am F G, and its quality changes completely, from a slightly moody song to a much more upbeat song. Just try it.

[tylerwastripped]

Melody also dictates your tone colors, and the voiceleading/inversions that you use. I think that was best illustrated in example six, as the moving color-tones acted as a 'psuedo' melody to guide and add context.

Id love to see more on inversions, melody, and tonal gravity.

[originalname]

7:40 I love how you said "pull" there, it was honestly
preaty silly and cute . and thanks for the chords!

[evanandrewlofi]

Bro, I've been playing for almost 20 years, and Charizard definitely doesn't evolve at level 5.

[batya]

David! Thanks to you, I am finally having deeper understanding of things I hear AND getting a vocabulary to describe them! I always wondered why the "color" of certain chord progressions tickled my moods. I'm starting to be able to put my finger on what is going on. Although I've had this info for a while, it never quite gelled. Keep on doing what you're doing. I am grateful.

[rarRoarrar]

In Italy we call it "Giro di do", and it's the base of many 60's italian songs, and has also been used later. One example is "Il cielo in una stanza", from the early 60's, and the chorus of "Centro di Gravità Permanente", another incredibly famous italian song from 1981.

[itstobitan]

Very good video. It opens up a whole new level of understanding for the different chord degrees and how to connect and read them together. Really a very good video. 🙏

[shamielsoeker]

Love this this !! Most simplest way of understanding how spice or adding more color to the most chords you start of learning and you made so to follow and understand

[VladimirCheTV]

3 is like This train don't stop there anymore

[daviddegratie]

This video clears a lot of subjects I didn’t really had a grasp on. Now it makes perfect sense !! Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[oliverkreuzahler]

Brilliant useful lecture. Thank you very much. 👍