Lesson 12

Most songs are written and arranged in major keys. However, there is an increasing body of material that is written in minor keys.

Much of American folk music is based on Elizabethan ballads many of which were composed in minor keys.

For the most part, the chord numbering system will remain the same. The only change that will occur will be that the I chord and the IV chord will be played as minor chords, while the V or V -7th chord will remain a major chord form.

Here is a familiar Elizabethan Carol in the key of A minor.

Here is a typical minor Blues type progression in the key of Am. It is a variation of the 12 Bar Blues progression.

Play this song at a slow and mournful tempo. Try adding 7ths to these minor chords to create some blue notes.