question(s) about progressions...

[bhflow07]

when making or playing a progression do u always have to go like using numbers or could you juss put chords together as appose to stuff like 7-3-6 2-5-1..?  or something...?

[chevonee]

I'll let T-block break this down but in my opinion progressions are all about the numbers. I don't think that you can have a progression without numbers. But I'm sure that T-block will break it down even further.

[T-Block]

when making or playing a progression do u always have to go like using numbers or could you juss put chords together as appose to stuff like 7-3-6 2-5-1..?  or something...?

Well, you don't have to use the traditional progressions like 7-3-6 or 2-5-1.  The whole point of the numbers is really so that you can see the pattern of chords you playing and instantly be able to play it in any key.  Also, knowing the usualy number patterns can help you learn other stuff by ear.  I don't follow them all the time, sometimes i mix up the order and create new progressions.

So, you can put whatever chords together that you like.  My guess is it will probably end up being a familiar progression anyway cuz our ears are geared to respond to a certain sound at certain times.  Don't know why that happens, but it does.  You sort of have to train your ears to ignore what it wants you to play and think outside the box, LOL.

[bhflow07]

thanks for the help!...god bless...

[Fenix]

When learning songs, just like T-block said, just go with the numbers. I've come across a few musicians who need the song to be in the original key just cuz they had memorized the chord shapes and not the chord degree. Or even worse "shivers" transpose  .

It's much easier if you can play a song and think of the chords in relation to "I, IV, V" and not always "Ab, Db, Eb". That way you can just play the song in any key.

Plus, just like T said, you don't even have to stick to the "traditional" progressions. Its just that SO many songs use these traditional progressions like I,IV,V. Even gospel music at its most basic level uses basic chords with add-ons and embellishments.

Enjoy experimenting though.

[chevonee]

When learning songs, just like T-block said, just go with the numbers. I've come across a few musicians who need the song to be in the original key just cuz they had memorized the chord shapes and not the chord degree. Or even worse "shivers" transpose  .

It's much easier if you can play a song and think of the chords in relation to "I, IV, V" and not always "Ab, Db, Eb". That way you can just play the song in any key.

Plus, just like T said, you don't even have to stick to the "traditional" progressions. Its just that SO many songs use these traditional progressions like I,IV,V. Even gospel music at its most basic level uses basic chords with add-ons and embellishments.

Enjoy experimenting though.

That was my problem Fenix, I remember the chords and not the numbers which is why I wasn't getting anywhere. I believe that it also depends on your experience level. If you are a beginner, it is best to stick to the numbers. But if you know your stuff then shoot, go for it. 

[T-Block]

I'm telling yall, once you get the theory down, it will make playing in every key soooooo much easier.  Today when I was at school practicing, I just started playing.  Whatever came out, I took it up to other keys.  Then, i started a different song/progressions then took that to other keys.  All the while, I repeating the progression numbers in my head so that when i got to another key, it was easy.

Of course, if you have never practiced in every key, then everything I just said above won't help you, LOL.

[SisterCM]

I'm telling yall, once you get the theory down, it will make playing in every key soooooo much easier.  Today when I was at school practicing, I just started playing.  Whatever came out, I took it up to other keys.  Then, i started a different song/progressions then took that to other keys.  All the while, I repeating the progression numbers in my head so that when i got to another key, it was easy.

Of course, if you have never practiced in every key, then everything I just said above won't help you, LOL.

I am striving to get there.  I am trying to learn theory.