Chord Voicings Masterclass
The Diatonic Equation
“Systematic and thorough, but done with an easy-going approach that draws you in. Plenty of great demonstrations too.”
About this masterclass
Phil Robson presents a complete system for generating chords, voicings, and modal scale choices from three foundational scales: the major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. He opens with an improvised piece built entirely from the C major scale, then unpacks the thinking behind it — how a single scale already contains tension and release, strong and neutral notes, and the cadences an improviser learns to manipulate.
What's covered
- The sound and character of the major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales, with practice advice for each
- Arpeggio practice patterns over two and three octaves
- Harmonizing the scales in 3rds and 4ths, with many voicing variations and inversions
- Discussions of modal music, comping, and jazz harmony concepts along the way
- The diatonic equation itself — a system for finding modal scale alternatives for familiar chord types (minor 7th, half diminished, and more) by treating each chord as a degree of the scale
- Applying these scale alternatives to both chordal and single-note improvisation
- A closing improvisation over the form of "So What"/"Impressions" using the sounds discussed
Rather than listing every permutation, Phil focuses on the underlying process so you can generate your own voicings, patterns, and sounds — a tool set that opens up a vastly expanded harmonic palette for guitarists and other musicians alike. Running time: 94 minutes. Includes 3 pages of exercises in standard notation and TAB.
Lessons in this masterclass
Lessons
- 1The Diatonic Equation1m 34s
Reviews & Ratings
"Bravo Phil"
Systematic and thorough, but done with an easy-going approach that draws you in. Plenty of great demonstrations too.
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