This month we continue to look at inner line motion only this time with more chord changes; the common progression II-V-I and its expansion to III-VI-II-V-I.

Note that these progressions follow cycle 5 root motion. If you aren't familiar with the cycle of 4ths (also called the circle of 5ths) then now's the time to get acquainted!

As you work through the examples you may notice that some difficult fingerings are required. There is a reason for this, I promise! It's in the interest of letting as many notes ring out as possible. The notation "let ring" below the staff is only a rough guide as sometimes it's impossible for all of the notes to ring out simultaneously. I suggest following the fingering guidelines closely and listening carefully to the sound files. I've made every effort to create legato phrasing which sometimes means using awkward fingerings! If you experience any left-hand discomfort, stop playing the example and rest your hand for a while; attempt it later or simply skip it and move on.

These examples are easier to play at a slow ballad tempo using straight eighths or even eighth notes. Try swinging the eighth notes when you are comfortable and then increase the tempo.

Examples 7, 8 and 9 use a tritone substitute dominant 7th for the regular dominant 7th chord that occurs in cycle 5 root motion. In these three examples the root motion descends by half steps. This motion not only sounds great but, as shown in examples 7 and 9, the same fingering can be used on beats 1 and 3 each time the chords change. This is discussed further in the description above these examples.

Next month's article will concern the 7-string guitar played fingerstyle.
I sincerely hope you enjoy it!