So, what's up on the blogs?

A comment from blogger Rob is a rare thing.

Often, well just about all the time, there are only two bloggers commenting.

These two young chaps (though Peter [aka The Curmudgeon] is quite a bit older) are keeping the blogs alive.

Well done boys!

I have quite a busy dad today. I need to get two new tyres onto Shelley's car, I need to book that car in for repairs, I'm taking an elderly neighbour* for a Covid injection and I have one of my regular appointments at Hutt Hospital. I'm also taking time to write a blog post AND I commented on Rob's blog.

Oh yes, and there is practice to do.

Today has an easy start because the scales / chords are Dm7, G7 and Cmaj7. You see, I'm working my way through the twelve II V7 I progressions - this way no chord gets overlooked. Yes, yes, I also practise other chords like I7b5, V7b9, V7#9, #11th chords and the rest. 3rd / 7th chords take a bit of practice on the violin because, say you're heading for Dm7, there is no D in the chord to guide you. 

If Rob were reading this, he might ask something like, "How would you play over a D7b9 chord?" Well, a good thing to do is to use the notes from a diminished chord, using the b9 as your starting note. For example, D7b9, the b9 is Eb, so use the notes Eb Gb(F#) A C. Remember that there are only three sets of diminished chord notes - C Eb F# A, C# E G Bb and D F Ab B. Each set works over four chords. Isn't that easy! 

What if your instrument is the bagpipes? Well, good luck there, and don't wake the neighbours!

That's just about it from me for this morning. I hope you enjoyed this post. I know that Peter is very curious about violin practice. That's why I bother to include a few hints on practice. 

I wonder if Rob is dressing regularly as the pope?

Ciao tutti.

* Yes, there are some people who are older than Peter. Just a few.