The Power of One

Some times the secret to a good and simple part is hidden. A little knowledge can unlock it.  Take for example this chord progression...


| Gb Abm7 Gb/Bb  /  | Cb Cb/Db Cb/Eb  /  | Abm7  Gb/Bb Cb Cb/Db  | Ebm7  /  D6  /  |


| Db7sus  /  Cm7b5  /  |  Gb7 Abm7 Gb/Bb Cb | etc

Oh, and it's a fast gospel. Like 160bpm. Well I guess one could grab every chord. That's an exhausting approach. And maybe a little busy, since this was obviously written by a keyboard player, that's probably what he'll be doing.

How about just playing one note.  OK, maybe two.  Octave Gb's alla the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". Can it really be that easy? Yes and here's why. Knowledge. Knowledge of harmony to be specific. Let's analyze the progression above, what notes are contained in each chord?

Gb - Gb Bb Db  -  (Gb is the root)
Abm7 - Ab Cb Eb Gb  -  (Gb is the 7th)
Gb/Bb - Gb Bb Db  -  (Gb is the root)
Cb - Cb Eb Gb  -  (Gb is the 5th)
Cb/Db - Cb Eb Gb over Db  -  (Gb is the 5th)
Cb/Eb - Cb Eb Gb  -   (Gb is the 5th)
Ebm7 - Eb Gb Bb Db  -   (Gb is the 3rd)
D6 - D F#(Gb) A B  -   (Gb is the 3rd)
Db7sus - Db Gb Ab Cb  -   (Gb is the 4th)
Cm7b5 - C Eb Gb Bb  -   (Gb is the 5th)
Gb7 - Gb Bb Db Fb  -   (Gb is the root)

Simple. Done. It's perfect part for this chorus as it fits the vibe of the tune, stays out of the way and keeps you from sweating. Or more importantly it keeps you from sounding like you're sweating!  The power of one. It's like a game. Play it!