Guitar Chord Progression #4

Today’s progression makes use of the tension and resolution between A7 and D minor. This relationship is known as a V – i relationship – the minor i chord being the resolved tonic of the progression. The V chord, or dominant chord, which in this case is A7 (A dominant 7) , provides that tension before the “return home” to its minor tonic.

This relationship is taken straight out of harmonic minor theory, and you can learn more about this relationship in this lesson. It’s worth learning how this relationship works all across the fretboard, in any key, as it’s an effective way to “prepare” your chord progression for a minor resolution.

G minor added 6 (Gmadd6) open chord

B flat major added 6 (Bbadd6) open chord

A dominant 7 (A7) open chord

D minor 9 (Dm9) movable shape (with open high E)

By leaving the high E string open on that standard A shape minor form, we get a nice depth to the resolution and really “brings it home”. Of course, there’s loads of other things you can do with these chords.

I found using a finger picked, samba inspired rhythm really complements this progression. Try and pick out a harmony from your progressions like in the clip below…

…and that’s only a very simple modification. Happy experimenting!