The Law of Halves! (Adding color)

So, who all is familiar with the numbering system? C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C equal 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 in the key of C, right? So, let’s say we have a chord progression or a bass progression that goes 1, 2, 5 or C, D, G. It’s a pretty little progression and very familiar. Almost too familiar. What if I wanted to add some color to that progression? I would implement the law of halves to add a touch of color.

So, what do I mean by implementing the law of halves? What is the law of halves? I’m so glad you asked!

The law of halves is a concept that says, if you are trying to get from point 1 to point 2. to transition from 1 to 2 play either 1 ½ or 2 ½ to get to 2.

Ok so I know that was a mouth full. So, let me break that down a little more. If you want to implement the law of halves you play a half step above or below the note that you are trying to get to. So if you are going from 1 to 2 you can play 1, 1 ½, 2 or 1, 2 ½ , 2. Does that make sense? If not let’s put actual numbers to it. So remember we are in the key of C? So 1=C, 2= D and 3= G. So to implement the law of halves you can play 1, 1 ½, 2 which is C, C#/Db, D or 1, 2 ½, 2 which is C, D#/Eb, D.

I hope that makes sense and is a little helpful in your playing. Play around with this technique and find your own way to implement this little technique.

HAPPY PLAYING!