Vamps & Lines

i-IV Vamp in D

A two-chord vamp of a minor 7th on i and a dominant 7th on IV, both from one Dorian scale.

Tempo 120 BPM

Practice in all 12 keys

Bar 1: Dm7 i7
Bar 2: G7 IV7

Rootless Shells Guide tones Rooted shells Rooted Drop 2

Four-note rootless voicings in their two forms, with the 3rd or the 7th on the bottom, played over the root.

Customize each chord

Meter: 4/4
Bars: 2

Cm7 and F7 share the notes of C Dorian, whose raised 6th (A) is the 3rd of F7, so the vamp is really one mode over a moving bass. It’s a favourite of soul jazz, funk and Latin grooves. Practice C Dorian over both chords, then target Eb on the Cm7 and A on the F7 to bring out the change.

Reharmonize Analyze these changes

None of the usual substitutions apply: there are no dominant 7ths to replace and no whole steps to fill.