Gospel — Cavaquinho

In pop, rock or blues the cavaquinho is an unusual guest; it adds a bright, chopping rhythm layer, but it can't cover the low end a band expects. In gospel music, harmony carries the emotion of collective singing: rich chords that rise and resolve like a congregation breathing as one. Here you'll study the extended ii-V-I — in practice, the classic route home to the main chord, with extra stops along the way — and the IV walk-up, a climbing chord line that builds a feeling of celebration.

Progressions

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Updated July 9, 2026