From basic 7ths to sophisticated altered extensions
Jazz harmony is built on seventh chords and their extensions. While classical and pop music often use three-note triads, jazz uses four or more notes to create its signature sophisticated sound.
Key features include the use of tensions (9ths, 11ths, 13ths),alterations (b9, #9, b5, #5), and voice leading(moving between chords with minimal movement).
C · E · G · B
A bright, stable major seventh chord.
D · F · A · C
A mellow minor seventh chord, the ii in C Major.
G · B · D · F
A dominant seventh chord, full of tension.
A · C · E · G
A smooth minor seventh chord, the vi in C Major.
F · Ab · Cb · Eb
A half-diminished chord, common in minor ii-V-I.
Bb · D · F · Ab · G
A sophisticated dominant thirteenth chord.
Eb · G · Bb · D · A
A Lydian-sounding major seventh chord with a sharp eleventh.
Ab · C · Eb · Gb · B
An altered dominant chord with a sharp ninth.
Db · F · Ab · C · Eb
A lush, extended major ninth chord.
G · Bb · D · F · C
A modern, open minor eleventh chord.
The ii–V–I is the most important progression in jazz. In the key of C Major, it is:
This progression creates a sense of movement and resolution that is fundamental to the jazz sound. Try playing it in all 12 keys!
1. Keep it Close: Move as little as possible between chords. For example, when moving from Dm7 to G7, notice that the F and C in Dm7 move smoothly to the F and B in G7.
2. Use Inversions: Don't play every chord in root position. Using inversions will make your playing sound much more professional and smooth.
3. Shell Voicings: Start by playing just the root, 3rd, and 7th of each chord. These are the "shell" of the chord and define its quality.
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