I–vi–ii–V Unlocked:
Hear the Function, Add Color, Make It Groove
In C that’s C–Am–Dm–G. When you feel the degrees (1–6–2–5), shell chords and tiny embellishments turn a simple loop into real music.
What You’ll Learn
- Numbers travel. Think 1–6–2–5 (I–vi–ii–V) so the sound stays the same in any key.
- Start with shell chords (1–7–3 or 1–3–7) for clean voice-leading and instant clarity.
- Connect your ear: hum the bass degrees while you play; name them out loud.
- Embellish tastefully: add hammer-ons, open-string drones, Dm add 9 & 11, and Gsus (F/G) before resolving.
- Choose a top note for melody: e.g., over C use E (3), B (maj7), or add D for Cmaj7(9).
- Make it feel good: loop in time; add a light percussive “slap” on beat 3 for pocket.
Action Steps (Use This Today)
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Map the Function (2 min)
- Play C–Am–Dm–G and say the numbers: “1…6…2…5.”
- Feel each chord’s role (home → lean → preparation → pull).
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Shell Pass (5 min)
- Use 1–7–3 or 1–3–7 shapes for each chord.
- Keep fingers close; listen for smooth motion between grips.
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Groove Builder (5 min)
- Metronome 70–80 bpm. Quarter-note strums.
- Add a light percussive hit on beat 3: 1-2-(slap)-4 to lock the pocket.
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Color Pass (6–8 min)
- C: try C/E (first inversion). Add B (maj7) and D (9) → Cmaj7(9)/E.
- Am: simple hammer-on or open-string drone for sparkle.
- Dm: add 9 (E) and 11 (G) on top → lush Dm(add9,11) flavor.
- G: play Gsus (F/G); optionally add E on top (13) before resolving to G.
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Top-Line Choice (3 min)
- Pick one melodic note to feature over each chord (e.g., E → C → E → D).
- Keep it singable; connect phrases across the bar lines.
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Isolate the Beast (3–5 min)
- Find the toughest switch (e.g., Dm → C/E).
- Loop just that move on a click. Use Rotem’s trick: lift slightly on beat 4 so you land clean on 1.
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Transpose to Prove It (3 min)
- Move the exact plan to F major: F–Dm–Gm–C (still 1–6–2–5).
- Same feelings, new fretboard neighborhood.
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Reflect & Lock (2 min)
- Record 30 seconds. Note one improvement target (tempo, switch, tone).
- Write tomorrow’s micro-goal (e.g., “+2 bpm,” “clean Gsus resolve,” “Dm add11 clarity”).
