Jazz piano, with its rich harmony and those captivating chord structures, can be a mesmerizing as well as intimidating experience for pianists. Unlocking the secrets of playing jazz chords is a dynamic journey that requires understanding, practice, and a deep dive into music theory. So, let's embark on this enticing exploration and learn how to read and play jazz chords on the piano.
Before we delve into the complexities of jazz chords, it's crucial to have a solid foundation in basic piano chords and music theory, particularly understanding the major and minor triads, sevenths, and ninths. With this foundation, you'll find it easier to absorb and apply the intricate concepts of jazz harmony.
Understanding Jazz Harmony Basics
At the core of jazz harmony lies the ii-V-i progression, a fundamental concept that builds upon the basic triads and seventh chords. This progression consists of two minor seventh chords (ii and V) followed by a major or minor tonic chord (i). For instance, in the key of C major, the ii-V-i progression would be Dm7-G7-Cmaj7 or Dm7-G7-Cm7.
Jazz harmony also introduces altered chords, which are chords with added flats or sharps to the basic triad or seventh chord. These alterations create unique colors and tensions that are key to the jazz sound. For example, a Cmaj7 chord with an added flat ninth (Cmaj7♭9) creates a distinct, often haunting, sound.
Diatonic Chords and Their Alterations
In jazz, every major or minor tonic chord has a set of seven diatonic chords that can be built from its scale. Each of these chords can be altered by various notes, creating a total of six altered chords for every tonic chord. For instance, from a Cmaj7 chord, you can create the following altered chords:
- Cmaj7 (normal)
- Cmaj7♯5 (sharped fifth)
- Cmaj7♭5 (flatted fifth)
- Cmaj7♯9 (sharped ninth)
- Cmaj7♭9 (flatted ninth)
- Cmaj7♯11 (sharped eleventh)
- Cmaj7♭11 (flatted eleventh)
Chord-Tone Arpeggios and Tensions
Understanding chord-tone arpeggios and tensions is crucial in jazz. Chord tones refer to the notes that make up the chord, while tensions are notes that are not part of the chord but add color and tension when played over it. In the Cmaj7 chord, the chord tones are C, E, G, and B, while the most common tensions are the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth (C, E, G, B, D, F, A).
Practicing playing and arpeggiating these chords will help you internalize these sounds and create compelling jazz lines. Start with basic triads and seventh chords, then progress to altered chords and chord-tone tensions. Remember, practice should be engaging and fun; consider learning jazz standards as a rewarding way to apply these concepts in a musical context.
Reading Jazz Charts and Lead Sheets
Jazz charts and lead sheets are simplified scores that pianists use to learn and perform jazz tunes. They usually consist of a melody line, chord symbols, and sometimes basic chord voicings. Understanding how to read and interpret these charts is essential for interpreting jazz music.
Chord symbols in jazz charts often indicate the root of the chord (the letter name), followed by a number and an optional extension. The number indicates the quality of the chord (major or minor third, seventh, ninth, etc.), while the extension describes any additional notes in the chord. For example, Cmaj7 indicates a C major chord with a seventh, while Cmaj7♭9 indicates a C major chord with an added flatted ninth.
Chord Voicings and Voicing Techniques
Chord voicings are the specific arrangements of notes in a chord that determine how it sounds. Jazz pianists use various voicings to create different textures, colors, and moods. The most common voicings are block chords, spread voicings, and rootless voicings.
Block chords are played with all the notes of the chord piled together, often used for power chords or to create a dense, rich sound. Spread voicings space out the notes of the chord across the keyboard, creating a lighter, more ethereal sound. Rootless voicings omit the root of the chord, focusing instead on the upper extensions and creating a sense of harmonic ambiguity.
Voicing Techniques for Jazz Chords
To create authentic jazz voicings, pianists can apply several techniques to the basic chord structures. These techniques include:
- Passing notes - notes played between chord tones to connect them smoothly.
- Arpeggios - playing the notes of a chord or tension separately, in a specific rhythm or pattern.
- Pale blue voicings - voicings with an added tension that creates a distinct, often melancholic sound.
Experiment with these techniques and create your unique voicings. The more you practice and explore, the richer your jazz piano playing will become.
Embracing the journey of learning jazz piano chords is a lifelong adventure filled with discovery, growth, and endless musical possibilities. Always be open to learning from others, exploring new styles, and listening to jazz greats to inspire your playing. Happy practicing, and play on!