Re Descending Minor Cliché
vi – viM7 – vi7 – II progression in Re major
Re Descending Minor Cliché — vi – viM7 – vi7 – II
The D Descending Minor Cliché (Bm – Bm – Bm – E) is a voice-leading movement through the vi chord — from minor to minMaj7 to minor7 — using chromatic inner-voice motion derived from Melodic Minor and Harmonic Minor scales. The Minor #7m Pentatonic and Minor Six Pentatonic scales map directly onto the resulting chord tones. This sophisticated technique is central to jazz standards and classic orchestral pop. With seventh voicings (Bm7 – BmM7 – Bm7 – E7), the chromatic descent is fully realized.
Playing in Re major
D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through B to B (ascending unison), B to B (ascending unison), B to E (ascending perfect fourth). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from E to B by perfect fourth.
Capo Transposition
To play in D using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open C shapes; capo 5 with open A shapes; capo 7 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.