withCheryl Davis

1. withCheryl Davis

2. Key of the Month: In this “Key of the Month” mini lesson series, we have been moving up by half steps from C, learning all 12 major keys. There are only 4 left! You will notice that the chords on the Circle of 5ths and the scales in the Scale and Chord Chart in the course book and DVD are not arranged in this way, but follow a pattern of 5th intervals. To better understand this, refer to lesson 5, “The Circle of Fifths.” This lesson explains the key of Ab major. Again, the 3 primary chords of this key have already been used in previous keys learned in this series. I hope you are feeling more confident in your ability to play songs in several different keys and enjoying the process!

3. Key of the Month: Abmajor

4. The Key of Ab Major The root chord ( Ab major) is formed from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones of the Ab major scale: Ab, C, Eb. This is shown below in the root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion, respectively.

5. The Key of AbMajor The 3 primary chords used in the key of Abmajor are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th tones of the Abmajor scale: Ab, Db, Eb. Db and Ebare illustrated below for review. First inversion is formed by placing the root above the 5th tone. Second inversion is formed by placing the 5th tone below the root. Db major: Ebmajor:

6. The Key of AbMajor Remember: While you can add more interesting chords to them, most songs can be played in a simple, easy form by using only the 3 primary chords! Practice playing the root (Ab), 4 chord (Db), and 5 chord (Eb) daily until you are comfortable playing in this key. You can bring out the melody of the song easily at any point by choosing the key inversion where the top note is the melody note. Primary Chords AbMajor Db Major EbMajor

7. The Key of AbMajor Tip: Minor chords based on the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th tones may frequently be used in a major key. In the key of Ab, these would be Bb minor, C minor, and F minor. (A minor chord is formed by lowering the 3rd tone of a major key one half step; the next key to the left, whether black or white.) Try this when you are comfortable with the primary chords of the key of Ab. AbMajor Scale Note: Ab Bb C Db Eb F Ab G Tone: 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5

8. Key of the Month: If you are already familiar with all of the material covered in this Mini Lesson but find certain keys easier to play than others, you will still benefit from focusing on one key each month, particularly the keys that you may be less confident in. You will be surprised to find how much easier it is to play in the “hard keys” with diligent practice. Take the challenge! Thank you for checking out this Mini Lesson series. I hope you have found it helpful. Cheryl Davis