Mbira Chord Progressions
There are seven main song structures used in traditional mbira music.
These are illustrated in your free Mbira Essentials pack - where you’ll also find some handy graphics and playing advice for the seven mbira ‘chords’*.
Click on any page to download your copy:
The seven ‘Master Progressions’ account for around seventy percent of traditional mbira songs. Learning about them will also help you find your way in to the two other most popular structures:
Half-progressions first half only (e.g. 135 136 instead of 135 136 146 246 - click the link for video examples)
Raised Progressions first and last chord raised one step (e.g. 235 136 146 247 instead of 135 136 146 246 - click the link for further information video examples)
A small remainder of songs use other derivative, folk, or less common structures.
Watch the videos below for more information about each of these seven main song structures, or find video examples for each of them using the tags:
Mbira Chord Progression 1, Mbira Chord Progression 2, Mbira Chord Progression 3, Mbira Chord Progression 4, Mbira Chord Progression 5, Mbira Chord Progression 6, and Mbira Chord Progression 7.
*Caution - Some people don’t like using the word ‘chords’ when talking about mbira because its a foreign music term, and because it often refers to groups of notes that are played at the same time. ‘Chords’ can also refer to groups of notes that are possible during a set period of time - that’s how we use the word here.
Each of the videos below contain:
A ‘key’ exercise to help you unlock the structure and get it in your hands.
Traditional examples.
Extra composition/improvisation ideas.
Check out the full series in the Mbira Deep-Dive.
Downloadable resources to accompany these videos are provided in the ‘Mbira Deep-Dive’ pack, available in the Members Area.