Robben Ford Discussion

Bobob · New Member Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 4

On Robben's New Morning DVD on the song Chevrolet he plays a dissonant descending chord during a solo.

This chord is taken from Miles Davis' CD "A Tribute To Jack Johnson" (first song, between 8:00 and 9:00 minutes).

Would anyone happen to know what this chord is?

Bobob · New Member Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 4

Anyone at all??

Ron S · Senior Member Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 116 Location: UK

Could you be more specific about where you mean in a 'solo'. Is it Robben's solo or the the keyboard players?

I'll have a stab at it. I think you mean right at the end of the KB solo. The best I can do is:
A set of flat fifth 'power' chords starting at the 14th fret on the A string and moving down in diminished intervals (minor 3rds).
Using the A, D and G strings respectively it would be.
14/15/16 move to 11/12/13 move to 8/9/10 move to 5/6/7 move to 2/3/4

Robben bends the A string on the first chord slightly sharp making identifying the chord a little more tricky.

Anyone disagree?

Ron S

Bobob · New Member Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 4

Yeah, it was during the keyboard solo.

I tried looking at what his hands were doing and matching that with the sound of the chord but it wasn't working for me. I'll try the chords you suggested.
Thanks Ron! Very Happy

bluejack · Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 8:58 am Post subject:

Hi,
You want to check out Robben's instructional book/dvd 'The Blues and Beyond'. Part V is entitled 'Miles' Groove' He lays it all out there as to this comping method he says he learned from Miles' key player at the time.
It's a harmonic concept that involves harmonizing the F pentatonic scale alternately in triads and fourths. You will find that you are holding either a major traid shape. or a suspended shape.
Try it on strings 234 Barre a little Ab triad at the 13th fret, then move it down a fret but use the sus shape( c on 2nd str, g on 3rd, and d on 4th). For a desc thing do this starting at the 13th, then 11th, 9th, 6th, 4th, and 1st fret:always puttting the half step down sus chord in between.
Well,that's the basics. He goes into it a little more in the book with some great musicial examples. It's not too hard but it will turn heads!
J

Bobob · New Member Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 4

Thanks bluejack! I will definitely check out Robben's video.