Jazz Chords Explained

If you have ever wanted to better understand jazz chords and how they work, this blog and tutorial are for you! In this Jazz Chords Explained video you will learn how to construct all of the various jazz chords, how to identify and choose extensions and even figure out sus chords.

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Jazzz Chords Are Confusing

If you have ever wanted to play jazz piano but you find the jazz chords super confusing, this tutorial is for you. Maybe you have asked:

What is a 9? What is a 13?

What’s the difference between a major 7 and dominant 7?

What extensions can I use?

Don't worry! In this tutorial I explain everything you need to know!

Start With Triads

Before you get into playing the more complex jazz chords, you need to MASTER your major and minor chords. CLICK HERE for a lesson and free download

Jazz Chords Explained - Seventh Chords

Need to learn chords?

Jazz Chords Explained: What extensions can I use?

Here are the available extensions:

9 - can be flat, sharp or natural

11 - can be natural or sharp

13 - can be natural or flat

Another way to think about the jazz chord extensions:

9 = 2

11 = 4

13 = 6

Extension "Rules"

1. Can’t have anything that obscures the root or 3rd of the chord.

2. No 11s on chords with major 3rds,

3. Only dominant seven chords can have b9

Jazz Chords Explained: BE AWARE

Some fake books will say things like:

C9 or Cm11 or C∆13

WHAT DOES IT MEAN???

C9 = C7 add the 9

Cm11 = Cm7 add the 11

C∆13 = Cma7 add the

Jazz Chords Explained: Sus Chords

Sus means “suspended”

Csus - 4 instead of 3

Time to Practice Your Jazz Chords!

Now that you understand how jazz chords work, you should practice them in all 12 keys. Work your way around the Circle of 5ths, try walking a bass line and use other practice techniques!

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