Intro to Drop 2 Voicings

These exercises all use CMaj7 as an example. Use the same procedure to work out drop 2 voicings
in all keys. Use the circle of fifths as a guide. For instance, after working out CMaj7, work out FMaj7,
BbMaj7, EbMaj7, etc.
CMaj7

44

CMaj7/E

4
4

CMaj7/G

2nd Inversion

1st Inversion

CMaj7

Root
Posit ion

CMaj7/B

7t h as melody note

#1) Start with

the block chord.

CMaj7

Root as melody note

#3) Add the Root

in the bass.

Follow the same procedure to derive voicings

for the other seventh chord inversions.

Starting from 3rd Inve rsion

5th as melody note

Apply the same procedure t o work out Drop 2 voicings for

Dominant 7, minor 7, minor 7(b5), and diminished 7 chords.

CMaj7
22

CMaj7
31

or

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

3rd Inversion

Starting from 2nd Inve rsion

16

CMaj7/E

Starting from 1st Inve rsion

#2) Drop the second

note from the top.

3rd as melody note

CMaj7/G

Starti ng from Root Position

10

CMaj7/B

Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in Major)

D-7

44

4
4

CMaj7

D-7

voice from top

Drop the 2nd

Start wit h block voicings

D-7
7

G7

D-7

D-7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

Add the root notes in bass

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

G7

19

CMaj7

G7

13

G7

CMaj7

G7

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

D-7

G7

CMaj7

* lower note is optional depending on reach

Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj,
BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

Drop 2 Voicings (ii-V-I in minor)

D-7(b5)

44

4
4

C-7

G7(b9)

D-7(b5)

13

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

19

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

C-7

C-7

C-7

Drop the 2nd

voice fromtop

C-7

G7(b9)

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

Start wit h block voicings

D-7(b5)
7

G7(b9)

D-7(b5)

G7(b9)

C-7

C-7

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

C-7

notes in bass
Add the root

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

D-7(b5)

G7(b9)

C-7

C-7

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

C-7

D-7(b5) G7(b9)

C-7

* lower note is optional depending on reach

Practice in all keys! Use the Circle of Fifths as a guide. Next work out ii-V-I progressions in FMaj,
BbMaj, EbMaj, etc.

2012 Dustin Adams || http://musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com

The Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths, or Cycle of Fifths is the basis of tonal harmonic progressions, and is
your master key for understanding tonal harmony.

Notice how this diagram looks like a clock with C in the 12 o'clock position.
Here is a mnemonic to help with memorization:
God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions For Being Evil And Disobeying God's
Commands

God Destroyed All Earth By Flood Conditions (G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#)

Up the interval of a 5th (7 half steps)
Down the interval of a 4th (5 half steps)
Clockwise
For Being Evil And Disobeying God's Commands (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb)
Up the interval a 4th (5 half steps)
Down the interval a 5th (7 half steps)
Counter-clockwise

Practice
1.
2.
3.
4.

Memorize the mnemonic. Say it out loud.

Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go clockwise.
Play and Sing the outer circle as long notes. Start at C and go counter-clockwise.
Practice daily and repeat ad infinitum.
2012 || Musicianswoodshed.blogspot.com