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.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "Autumn Leaves" - Jazz Standard
- "All The Things You Are" - Jerome Kern
- "Fly Me to the Moon" - Frank Sinatra
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Practice all 12 keys
- β’ Use jazz chord voicings
- β’ Study voice leading
- β’ Add extensions and alterations
#2: ii-V-I (Minor)
The minor version of the essential jazz progression. Creates darker, more introspective mood.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "So What" - Miles Davis
- "Summertime" - George Gershwin
- "Round Midnight" - Thelonious Monk
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Notice the half-diminished ii chord
- β’ Practice with different voicings
- β’ Study modal interchange
- β’ 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'.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "I Got Rhythm" - George Gershwin
- "Oleo" - Sonny Rollins
- "Anthropology" - Charlie Parker
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Practice the A section of rhythm changes
- β’ Learn common variations and substitutions
- β’ Study bebop interpretations
- β’ Focus on voice leading
#4: iii-VI-ii-V (Turnaround)
Common jazz turnaround that creates smooth harmonic motion back to the I chord.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "Take Five" - Dave Brubeck
- "Blue Moon" - Jazz Standard
- "All of Me" - Jazz Standard
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Practice connecting to the I chord
- β’ Learn different turnaround variations
- β’ Study chromatic bass movement
- β’ Use in endings and transitions
#5: I-IV-viiΒ°-iii-vi-ii-V-I (Circle of Fifths)
Extended progression following the circle of fifths. Creates sophisticated harmonic movement.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "Giant Steps" - John Coltrane
- "All The Things You Are" - Jerome Kern
- "Autumn Leaves" - Jazz Standard
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Study the circle of fifths
- β’ Practice smooth voice leading
- β’ Learn substitute chords
- β’ Focus on bass movement
#6: I-bII-I (Tritone Substitution)
Demonstrates tritone substitution - replacing V7 with bII7 for sophisticated harmonic color.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "Satin Doll" - Duke Ellington
- "Girl from Ipanema" - Stan Getz
- "Misty" - Erroll Garner
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Understand tritone substitution theory
- β’ Practice with different voicings
- β’ Study chromatic bass movement
- β’ 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.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "So What" - Miles Davis
- "Impressions" - John Coltrane
- "Maiden Voyage" - Herbie Hancock
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Study modal jazz concepts
- β’ Practice with Dorian mode
- β’ Focus on the darker harmonic color
- β’ Connect to Miles Davis style
#8: IMaj7-#IVm7b5-bVIIMaj7 (Lydian Progression)
Modal interchange progression using Lydian mode. Creates floating, ethereal sound.
πΈ Standard Tuning:
π΅ Famous Songs:
- "Here's That Rainy Day" - Jazz Standard
- "Naima" - John Coltrane
- "Crystal Silence" - Chick Corea
π‘ Tips:
- β’ Study Lydian mode harmony
- β’ Practice with altered voicings
- β’ Focus on the floating quality
- β’ 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:
- β’ Creates professional jazz sound
- β’ Enables smooth progressions
- β’ Adds harmonic sophistication
Tips:
- β’ Learn drop-2 and drop-3 voicings
- β’ Practice chord-melody arrangements
- β’ Study different chord positions on the neck
- β’ 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:
- β’ Adds harmonic sophistication
- β’ Creates unique interpretations
- β’ Enables reharmonization
Tips:
- β’ Learn tritone substitutions for dominant chords
- β’ Practice chromatic approach chords
- β’ Study relative minor and major substitutions
- β’ Use diminished passing chords
Rhythm and Comping
Jazz guitar comping requires sophisticated rhythmic patterns and chord placement
Benefits:
- β’ Creates swing feel
- β’ Provides harmonic support
- β’ Enables interaction with other players
Tips:
- β’ Practice playing on beats 2 and 4
- β’ Learn various comping patterns
- β’ Study the rhythm section role
- β’ Practice with jazz standards
Jazz Guitar Practice Plan
π 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.