These 10 essential jazz guitar chords will help you become a better guitarist.
This is true regardless of the style of music you play. As you learn them, you will begin to understand how harmony works and how one chord connects to another seamlessly.
Jazz guitar chords are complex, rich, and colorful chords that can be used in a variety of styles. They are often characterized by their use of extended harmony and can add a touch of sophistication to your music. In order to learn more about chords and many other aspects of your instrument, check out Roadie Coach. This fantastic tool offers personalized feedback that will fast track your learning and help you get better quicker. Without further ado, here are ten essential jazz chords for that every jazz guitarist should know.
Major 7th chord
The major 7th chord is a staple of jazz harmony. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, major third, fifth, and major seventh. For example, a Cmaj7 chord consists of C, E, G, and B. This chord has a bright, sophisticated sound that is perfect for jazz ballads and mid-tempo tunes.
Dominant 7th chord
The dominant 7th chord is another one of the essential jazz guitar chords. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, major third, fifth, and flat seventh. For example, a G7 chord consists of G, B, D, and F. This chord has a strong, bluesy sound that is perfect for uptempo jazz tunes.
Although it is among the most common jazz guitar chords, the Dominant 7th is also ver common in blues. As a matter of fact, your typical 12 bar blues will feature only dominant chords.
Minor 7th chord
The minor 7th chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of jazz styles. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, minor third, fifth, and flat seventh. For example, an Am7 chord consists of A, C, E, and G. This chord has a melancholy, introspective sound that is perfect for jazz ballads and modal tunes.
This is another chord that is common not only in jazz but also in pop music, blues, funk, and more.
Diminished 7th chord
The diminished 7th chord is a chord that is often used as a passing chord in jazz harmony. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and double-flat seventh. For example, a Bdim7 chord consists of B, D, F, and Ab. This chord has a tense, unstable sound that is perfect for creating tension and drama in jazz progressions.
Major 6th chord
The major 6th chord is a chord that is often used in jazz ballads and mid-tempo tunes. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, major third, fifth, and major sixth. For example, a C6 chord consists of C, E, G, and A. This chord has a warm, sweet sound that is perfect for creating a romantic or nostalgic mood in jazz tunes.
Minor 6th chord
The minor 6th chord is a chord that is often used in modal jazz tunes. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, minor third, fifth, and minor sixth. For example, an Am6 chord consists of A, C, E, and F#. This chord has a mysterious, exotic sound that is perfect for creating an otherworldly atmosphere in jazz tunes. This is another one of the most common jazz guitar chords.
Augmented 7th chord
The augmented 7th chord is a chord that is often used in modern jazz harmony. It is a four-note chord consisting of the root, major third, augmented fifth, and flat seventh. For example, a C7#5 chord consists of C, E, G#, and Bb. This chord has a dissonant, unsettling sound that is perfect for creating a sense of tension and unease in jazz progressions.
Half-Diminished 7th (m7♭5) Chord
The Half-Diminished 7th (m7♭5) chord, also known as a minor 7th flat five chord, is a unique chord that is commonly used in jazz music. It is a four-note chord that consists of the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh. For example, a Bm7♭5 chord features a B, D, F and A. This chord has a tense and mysterious sound and is commonly used in jazz tunes with diminished harmony and as a passing chord in chord progressions.
Diminished 7th (dim7) Chord
The Diminished 7th (dim7) chord is a versatile and dissonant chord that is commonly used in jazz music to create tension and drama. It is a four-note chord that consists of the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh. For example, a Cdim7 chord would feature the following notes: C, Eb, Gb, A. This chord can be used in various harmonic contexts, including as a passing chord, a substitution for dominant chords, or in diminished chord progressions.
Major 6th (Maj6) Chord
The Major 6th chord is a lush and melodic chord that is commonly used in jazz music to create a sense of warmth and sweetness. It is a four-note chord that consists of the root, major third, perfect fifth, and major sixth. For example, an Fmaj6 chord would feature the following notes: F, A, C, D. This chord is commonly used in jazz ballads, bossa nova, and Latin jazz.
It is important to understand that jazz guitar chords can be used in various musical contexts outside of jazz music. For example, pop songs, R&B and soul music, funk and fusion music, and film and TV music can all benefit from the use of jazz chords. Jazz chords such as seventh chords, ninth chords, eleventh chords, and altered chords can add sophistication, depth, and richness to these genres. The use of jazz chords can also provide a unique and unexpected harmonic approach to these musical styles. So take the time to learn these. You will become a much stronger musician after learning them. As always, practice well, be kind to yourself, and know that frustration may show up at some point. More importantly, have fun!
