Improv with Minor ii-V’s

Introduction

In this improvisation example, we’ll play over some minor ii-V’s that resolve down by whole-step.

The Chord Progression

Materials to Use

For each line (4 measures), use the minor scale corresponding to the last chord on the line. You can optionally use the harmonic minor for the first two measures and then natural minor for the last two. For instance, for the first two measures you can play D harmonic minor over E^-7♭5 and A⁷, and then D minor over the D^-7 chord.

D Harmonic Minor

• play
• pause

D Minor

Backing Track

When you’re ready, play along with the backing track.

As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.