How to use Dominant 7#5
For this tutorial let’s look at a type of chord that is often used in R&B. The chord is a Dominant with a sharpened 5th. For example C7#5 would be the keys C, E, G# and A# as per the below diagram
Simply by playing this chord you can instantly hear that is sounds very unresolved with a lot of tension, therefore good for R&B music.
2-5-1 Progression
There are a number of applications for this type of chord, however the easiest one to explain would be the 2-5-1 as discussed before. The 2-5-1 chord progression in the key of C Major would be Dmin, G7 and Cmaj.
This time we are going to change the “No. 5” Dominant chord to a 7#5, simply by sharpening the 5th. Also again, we are going to invert the 7#5 chord, not only to reduce hand movement but also to achieve a deeper sound.
Below is Dmin7, G7#5 and Cmaj7
Even though we have a D# we can still use the C major scale for the melodies. Notice how the above has more tension than the original G7.
2-3-1 Progression
Normaly, the 2-3-1 would be Dmin, Emin and Cmin however this does not have much of a R&B feel to it. So a good thing to do is play a 7#5 of the (3) chord. This gives us with Dmin7th, E7#5, Cmaj7.
The easiest way to play the E7#5 would be from the root position – E, G#, C and D (The C comes from the sharpened B). However an inversion sounds more soulful. Try the chord as per the image below
It has a very soulful sound to it and resolves nicely to C major. Not only does it reduce the hand movement, it also creates a deeper sound. Try playing the below progression Dmin7, E7#5/D and Cmaj7
Love the tutorials mate – keep it up