The Sound of Jazz
Jazz Fact: Master sophisticated jazz harmony - From ii-V-I to complex substitutions
Complex Harmony
Extended Chords
Sophisticated Movement
ii-V-I Patterns
Essential Jazz Guitar Chords
These chords form the foundation of jazz music.
Essential Jazz Progressions
#1: ii-V-I (Major)
The cornerstone of jazz harmony. This progression creates strong forward motion and resolution.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "Autumn Leaves" - Jazz Standard
- "All The Things You Are" - Jerome Kern
- "Fly Me to the Moon" - Frank Sinatra
💡 Tips:
- • Practice all 12 keys
- • Use jazz chord voicings
- • Study voice leading
- • Add extensions and alterations
#2: ii-V-I (Minor)
The minor version of the essential jazz progression. Creates darker, more introspective mood.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "So What" - Miles Davis
- "Summertime" - George Gershwin
- "Round Midnight" - Thelonious Monk
💡 Tips:
- • Notice the half-diminished ii chord
- • Practice with different voicings
- • Study modal interchange
- • Connect to related major keys
#3: I-vi-ii-V (Rhythm Changes)
Foundation of 'Rhythm Changes' - one of the most important jazz progressions based on 'I Got Rhythm'.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "I Got Rhythm" - George Gershwin
- "Oleo" - Sonny Rollins
- "Anthropology" - Charlie Parker
💡 Tips:
- • Practice the A section of rhythm changes
- • Learn common variations and substitutions
- • Study bebop interpretations
- • Focus on voice leading
#4: iii-VI-ii-V (Turnaround)
Common jazz turnaround that creates smooth harmonic motion back to the I chord.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "Take Five" - Dave Brubeck
- "Blue Moon" - Jazz Standard
- "All of Me" - Jazz Standard
💡 Tips:
- • Practice connecting to the I chord
- • Learn different turnaround variations
- • Study chromatic bass movement
- • Use in endings and transitions
#5: I-IV-vii°-iii-vi-ii-V-I (Circle of Fifths)
Extended progression following the circle of fifths. Creates sophisticated harmonic movement.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "Giant Steps" - John Coltrane
- "All The Things You Are" - Jerome Kern
- "Autumn Leaves" - Jazz Standard
💡 Tips:
- • Study the circle of fifths
- • Practice smooth voice leading
- • Learn substitute chords
- • Focus on bass movement
#6: I-bII-I (Tritone Substitution)
Demonstrates tritone substitution - replacing V7 with bII7 for sophisticated harmonic color.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "Satin Doll" - Duke Ellington
- "Girl from Ipanema" - Stan Getz
- "Misty" - Erroll Garner
💡 Tips:
- • Understand tritone substitution theory
- • Practice with different voicings
- • Study chromatic bass movement
- • Use in reharmonization
#7: i-bVI-bVII-i (Minor ii-V-i Variation)
Modal jazz progression using natural minor harmony. Creates darker, more modern sound.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "So What" - Miles Davis
- "Impressions" - John Coltrane
- "Maiden Voyage" - Herbie Hancock
💡 Tips:
- • Study modal jazz concepts
- • Practice with Dorian mode
- • Focus on the darker harmonic color
- • Connect to Miles Davis style
#8: IMaj7-#IVm7b5-bVIIMaj7 (Lydian Progression)
Modal interchange progression using Lydian mode. Creates floating, ethereal sound.
🎸 Standard Tuning:
🎵 Famous Songs:
- "Here's That Rainy Day" - Jazz Standard
- "Naima" - John Coltrane
- "Crystal Silence" - Chick Corea
💡 Tips:
- • Study Lydian mode harmony
- • Practice with altered voicings
- • Focus on the floating quality
- • Use in ballads and slow pieces
Essential Jazz Guitar Techniques
Jazz Chord Voicings
Jazz guitar uses specific chord voicings that create sophisticated harmonic colors and smooth voice leading
Benefits:
- • Creates professional jazz sound
- • Enables smooth progressions
- • Adds harmonic sophistication
Tips:
- • Learn drop-2 and drop-3 voicings
- • Practice chord-melody arrangements
- • Study different chord positions on the neck
- • Focus on the top 4 strings for comping
Chord Substitutions
Jazz harmony relies heavily on chord substitutions to create harmonic interest and smooth progressions
Benefits:
- • Adds harmonic sophistication
- • Creates unique interpretations
- • Enables reharmonization
Tips:
- • Learn tritone substitutions for dominant chords
- • Practice chromatic approach chords
- • Study relative minor and major substitutions
- • Use diminished passing chords
Rhythm and Comping
Jazz guitar comping requires sophisticated rhythmic patterns and chord placement
Benefits:
- • Creates swing feel
- • Provides harmonic support
- • Enables interaction with other players
Tips:
- • Practice playing on beats 2 and 4
- • Learn various comping patterns
- • Study the rhythm section role
- • Practice with jazz standards
Jazz Guitar Practice Plan
📅 Month 1: Foundation
Timeframe: 4 weeks
Focus: Basic jazz chord shapes
Goals:
- 1. Learn major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th shapes
- 2. Practice ii-V-I in major keys
- 3. Study basic jazz standards
Explore More Guitar Styles
Ready to Play Jazz?
Start with the essential chords and progressions above. Every jazz legend began with these same basics.