In this lesson, we’ll be focusing on how the 2-5-1 chord progression can be played using the diminished seventh chord.
The 2-5-1 chord progression is arguably the strongest chord progression in music because it consists of the movement of root notes by a fifth interval.
From the 2nd tone of the scale to the fifth tone is a fifth and so is the movement from the fifth tone to the first tone (more on this later).
Due to the need of passing chords and dynamic chord progressions, the 2-5-1 chord progression has a special place in popular music styles like jazz and gospel music and that’s why we’re dedicating this lesson to learning how to play the 2-5-1 chord progression using diminished seventh chords.
A Quick Review On The 2-5-1 Chord Progression
A chord progression consists of the movement of chords from one tone of the scale to another. The numbers “2-5-1” are used to define the chords used in the chord progression, which are chord 2, chord 5, and chord 1.
The Major 2-5-1 Chord Progression
The major 2-5-1 chord progression is a chord progression in the major key. For example, in the key of C major:
D is 2:
G is 5:
C is 1:
Therefore a 2-5-1 chord progression moves from the D minor seventh chord:
…to the G dominant seventh chord:
…then to the C major seventh chord:
Application Of Diminished Seventh Chords In 2-5-1 Chord Progressions
I’m about to take you by the hand and show you step-by-step, how diminished seventh chords can be used to play 2-5-1 chord progressions.
But before we do that, let’s go ahead and refresh our minds on diminished seventh chords.
A Short Note On Diminished Seventh Chords
A diminished seventh chord consists of a diminished triad and a diminished seventh interval. For example, the only diminished triad in the key of C major:
…is the scale-tone chord of the seventh degree (which is the B diminished triad):
The addition of a note that is a diminished seventh interval above the root of the chord (which is Ab):
…produces the B diminished seventh chord:
“Check Out All The Diminished Seventh Chords In The Key…”
C diminished seventh chord:
C# diminished seventh chord:
D diminished seventh chord:
D# diminished seventh chord:
E diminished seventh chord:
F diminished seventh chord:
F# diminished seventh chord:
G diminished seventh chord:
G# diminished seventh chord:
A diminished seventh chord:
A# diminished seventh chord:
B diminished seventh chord:
Alright! Let’s proceed to learning how 2-5-1 chord progressions can be played using diminished seventh chords.
Diminished Seventh Chords In Major 2-5-1 Chord Progressions
The 2-5-1 chord progression consists of three chords: chord 2, chord 5, and chord 1. Chord 2 and chord 5 have the same chord quality: the dominant seventh flat ninth chord.
Formation of Chord 2. Chord 2 can be formed by playing a diminished seventh chord that is a half-step above the root note of chord 2.
On the second tone (which is D):
…we can form the D dominant seventh [flat ninth] chord by playing a diminished seventh chord that is a half-step above D (which is the D# diminished seventh chord):
So, the D# diminished seventh chord:
…played over D:
…produces the D dominant seventh [flat ninth] chord:
…which is chord 2.
Formation of Chord 5. Chord 5 can be formed by lowering the diminished seventh chord of chord 2 by a half-step.
On the fifth tone (which is G):
…we can form the G dominant seventh [flat ninth] chord by lowering the diminished seventh chord we previously derived (which is the D# diminished seventh chord):
…by a half-step to the D diminished seventh chord:
So, the D diminished seventh chord:
…played over G:
…produces the G dominant seventh [flat ninth] chord:
…which is chord 5.
Formation of Chord 1. Chord 1 can be formed by playing a major seventh chord on the first tone of the scale in the key you’re in.
In the key of C major:
…the first tone is C:
…therefore, chord 1 is the C major seventh chord:
…played over C in the bass.
“Let’s Put This To Work In The Key Of Bb Major…”
Chord 2:
Chord 5:
Chord 1:
“Let’s Put This To Work In The Key Of E Major…”
Chord 2:
Chord 5:
Chord 1:
“Let’s Put This To Work In The Key Of G Major…”
Chord 2:
Chord 5:
Chord 1:
Final Words
2-5-1 chord progressions can’t be easier with diminished seventh chords. Mastering these 2-5-1 progression in all the keys might take some time, however, it’s worth it.
In a subsequent lesson, we’ll go further into the minor 2-5-1 chord progression.
See you then!
