Chords: When 2 and 6 give you 5

Much of country and rock music use the standard I, IV and V (or 1, 4, and 5) chords throughout a song. In the key of D major, these chords are D major, G major and A major. Basic blues music also uses these chords but typically add the minor 7th and in a prescribed blues chord progression.

Two simple chords, the ii (2) and vi (6), or E minor and B minor, offer some variety when writing a song. They almost sound like the IV-4 and V-5 chords, differing by one note each in their chord makeup. The addition of the minor 7th in each of the ii-2 and vi-6 can also have a nice effect.

In the key of D major, the ii-2 chord, E minor, transitions nicely to the V-5 or A Major chord. The vi-6 or B minor chord moves well to the vi-6, E minor and then to V-5 or A. The iv-6 is common in the D - Bm - G - A - D or I - vi -IV - V - I progression.

So, the next time you're struggling to find that 'different' chord or one that may better match or support your melody, try the ii-2 or vi-6 chord. It might just be the one.

See how adding 2 and 6 give you 5 chords to use in a song?

Note: This works in any key. I chose the key of D major for example only.

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