How do we build upon the basic ii V I into the more complex things we see people discussing on the boards?
Substitutions? "Outside" options? Tritone subs? etc.etc.
Well, frankly I have no idea!
I thought if i posted the most basic ii V I with some bass and the most basic lead to go over it then we could discuss how to advance the process from there.
So, to start with here is a ii V I in E.
The chords I use are therefore:
Fmin7 as the ii
B7 as the V
Emaj7 as the root I
I underpin the progression with a basic bassline that tries not to be too clever. Then I use Emajor pent over the top for my lead with some passing tones to keep it slightly more entertaining.
The result is something I think that is immediately recognisable, jolly, and straightforward.
Perhaps those wanting to learn how to make these things more Jazz will start at this point with me first. Have a go using your major pent knowledge over the backing track provided and see what you can come up with.
Then, when we've exhausted that option (shouldn't take too long), we can get some insight from the Jazz guys on what we can do to embellish the progression and our improvisation.
I really don't know what options might be there but I know there is much to discuss and much to learn. So let's go!
I post my version, a backing track, a ptab of the basic major pent shape (duh!) and also another ptab with the passing tones I used in my version...which didn't leave many untouched, but anyway it's a guide for those perhaps doing it first time (like me). I'm sure you'll come up with all sorts of options.
The one thing I ask is that if we do want to progress with ideas on how the whole thing can become mroe complex/interesting then the poster takes time to discuss the theory or make reference to IBM articles that will help and/or post some ptabs with optional improv. scales etc.
I'm looking forward to this, it should be fun and great learning!
As always...Enjoy!