Noodle Challenge Day 1
The 4 Primary Chords
“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”
Noodle Info
Don’t roll your eyes and shut the door on this Noodle Challenge because I’m asking you to improvise with the “Heart and Soul” pattern!
During a workshop I attended decades ago, prolific arranger and stunning improviser Mark Hayes shared the secret of fiddling with the “Heart and Soul” chords to develop improvisation skills. It changed my life.
These four chords (not just 3!) are essential to your improvisation toolbox because they sound good together. They are also found in just about every pop song and classical piece, so get to know them well.
C (I) = Blue: the one chord is at home.
Am (vi) = Green: this secondary chord has a little spice.
F (IV) = Yellow: the four wants more.
G (V) = Red: the five is alive.
Credit goes to Bradley Sowash for describing the personalities of the I, IV, and V chords.
Credit for the color coding goes to me—primary chords pair nicely with primary colors.)
Psst…Get your recording app ready!
Your Challenge
Explore at least TEN different ways to play this chord progression.
Examples: Broken, blocked, crossovers, power chords…
Use the Cut and Paste Patterns for inspiration.
Feel free to mix up the order of the chords.
EXTRA: Transpose the progression to new keys.
Always ask yourself: What if I?
Did you stumble upon something amazing today?
Make sure to share it on Facebook or Instagram and tag me @leilaviss.
Use the hashtag #30daynoodlechallenge
Keep noodling!
