Jazz is an intimidating form of music that adds honey to the ears of its lovers. Jazz theory is, nevertheless, believed as a complicated piece of music theory. However, is that true? Well, it is not true. Jazz is, no doubt, a complex form of music but not difficult to understand and learn.
You need not have to be highly qualified in the music theory format to understand this unique set of music art. We will talk about a detailed guide to jazz music theory, which should clear most of your doubts and myths related to this music form.
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What is Jazz Music Theory?
Jazz is a type of music that many people believe is associated with the 1920s to 1950s. It is assumed that African-American natives in the USA introduced this music form. So what is Jazz theory all about? Jazz musics based on the fundamentals of chord progression. It refers to a series where the chords are selected to play in a set pattern or sequence. When mixed with the melody, these chord progressions create the standard for jazz as they form a structure for songs.
Therefore, jazz theory talks about the harmonic structures and familiar chord progressions used in different styles and keys to create standards. However, jazz is all about practice rather than getting stuck between the theories. Suppose you have a serious interest in learning jazz. In that case, you can quickly improve and master the skills of your jazz piano theory by regularly practicing the chords and keeping in mind the basic chord progression realm.
Jazz Chords
The jazz theory chords can be described as a highly recognizable set of unique sequences and distinguishing characteristics. The jazz chords are different because most musical genres use three notes chords, commonly called triads. Jazz use four notes to the least with 7th intervals; major and minor seventh, dominant, half-diminished, and fully diminished seventh. It also uses extended harmonies that include 9th, 11th, and 13th scale degrees.
Seventh Chords
The basic three notes chords or triads include a major or minor 3rd and the 5thchord as the root note. Jazz fundamentals, in the majority, consist of four chords, namely;
- Major
- Minor
- Dominant (V7)
- Half-diminished
Along with these four major chords, jazz theory includes 7th intervals. For jazz standard, 90% of jazz music consists of the first three chords; however, you should know the five essential 7th chords types in jazz music theory. These five main chords are:
- Major 7th
- Dominant 7th
- Minor 7th
- Half-diminished or Minor 7b5
- Fully diminished
Chord Progression
The standard jazz repertoire or jazz structure consists of piano intervals or chord progressions. Chord progression explains the sequence of the chord that is to play in a given order. The Roman numeral denotes the corresponding notes in a particular scale.
The most popular and common jazz standard chord progression include ii-V-l. This musical notion explains a pattern or the chord progression, which says we have to start with the second chord, then the dominant fifth chord, and end with tonic or one chord. If you refer to the root key of C major, the progression would then be translated to Dm7-G7-Cmaj7. The other jazz theory harmonies include I-II-III-IV, I-VI-II-V, and III-VI-II-V.
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Scales
The collection of various notes to play a melody is known as scale. Scales are essential to understand because it provides distinguished character to melodies when combined with particular chords. Wide ranges of scales are used in jazz piano theory. The most commonly used scales in jazz harmony include the minor scales, major scales, and the minor and major pentatonic scales used in specific styles to create jazz music harmony. They are often used in various contexts and placements as per the jazz music theory for continuous improvisation.
Modes
Mode refers to the musical scale blended in a way to form a particular characteristic of melody. There are seven modes on each scale. They are:
- Lonian
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
Modes allow you to think differently about each key and melody. Having a thorough understanding of music is essential for improvisation in jazz. Modes also will enable you to think differently about jazz harmony and let you set chords to particular scales.
Extended Harmony
Jazz music theory does not limit to the 7th chord; instead, it uses many extended chords, which are as follows:
- 7th Chords
- 9th Chords
- 11th Chords
- 13th Chords
If you expertise your skills on the 7th chord, improvising on jazz music theory is simple. All that is required is your high interest in jazz and continuous practice to polish your skills. Start with the initial level and then move to the chord progressions. Depending on your skills and prior knowledge, it may take weeks or probably months to become an incredible jazz player. However, once you reach a certain defined level, you can create your jazz harmony.
Are you looking to learn Jazz Theory, you can take online music theory lessons from StyleMind LLC, running by Alex W Stokes, he is the founder of StyleMind Lessons and he is an accomplished vocalist who has been singing all his life, having performed 60+ shows a year. Book your Slot now!