You can also approach the 1 hord from a whole step below.

In this lesson, you’ll see that a Bb7 can sub for a G7 to resolve to the Cmaj7. This is a nice sound that rounds out this 2-5-1 section nicely.

In example 1 I’m using a Bb7 to resolve to Cmaj7. Notice the movement from the Dm7 to the Bb7. These chords have two notes in common so the sound is very smooth.

Ex.1

    Dm7      Bb7       Cmaj7
E|-----------------------------|
B|---6--------6----------8-----|
G|---5--------7----------9-----|
D|---7--------6----------9-----|
A|---5-------------------------|
E|------------6----------8-----|

Here’s the same sub in F:

Ex.2

   Gm7      Eb9      Fmaj7
E|---------------------------|
B|--3---------6---------5----|
G|--3---------6---------5----|
D|--3---------5---------7----|
A|------------6---------8----|
E|--3------------------------|

In example 3 I’m placing a 2 chord in front of the Bb7. If you perceive the Bb7 as a 5 chord, then you’ll be in the key of Eb momentarily.

The 2 chord in Eb is Fm7. Now, we’re moving the Dm7 up a minor 3rd for a very
unique sound to setup the Bb7.

Ex.3

   Dm7      Fm7       Bb7    Cmaj7
E|-----------------------------------|
B|--6---------9--------6-------8-----|
G|--5---------8--------7-------9-----|
D|--7---------10-------6-------9-----|
A|--5---------8----------------------|
E|---------------------6-------8-----|

Here’s the same sub in F:

Ex.4

   Gm7       Bbm7      Eb9    Fmaj7
E|------------------------------------|
B|--3----------6--------6-------5-----|
G|--3----------6--------6-------5-----|
D|--3----------6--------5-------7-----|
A|----------------------6-------8-----|
E|--3----------6----------------------|

Want To Learn More …

Lchord-progression-box-2earning guitar chord progressions is one of the most frustrating times for guitarists.

Your fingers are new to the fretboard and the strings, just getting the correct fingers into the correct position can be a chore.

I can assure you all the effort, cursing and determination is worth it because chord progressions are one of the most important aspects of guitar playing.

Almost every piece of music ever written works by organizing chords into groups called chord progressions. Chord progressions are the basis of playing guitar. They set a basic foundation of rhythm.

Sounds quite complex and difficult just to begin with and you haven’t even started learning it yet.

With the right guidance you can make chord progressions fun, easy and improve your playing all at the same time.