Need a super easy song to play in chord form.

[Lowtonejoe]

I want to learn my first chord jazz song tonight and tomorrow. (played using chords instead of single notes)

I figure if it is an easy one and I do well, I will then tackle another more difficult tune in a progressive manner.

So, I need a chart for a super easy jazz song, chord resource and an mp3 that matches the chart to hear the original tune.

I'm even reasonably willing to post an mp3 of what I came up with.



You're guys assistance in furthering my education will be deeply appreciated.

Thanks.



Joe.

[Jaydin Nathan]

If you're going to be playing jazz, make sure your chords have the root, 3rd and 7th. The 5th isn't important in most jazz chords, there are some that have a b5/#5, and you will need to include that.

Also, if you play around with voicings, you can generally find your own chords patterns.

As for a chordal song, Autumn Leaves is good, and you'll be able to learn about jazz harmony from it.

[Mic Nuggette']

"New World Order" by Major G and the gmen.

[Jim Nazium]

Originally Posted by TheJaydin

As for a chordal song, Autumn Leaves is good, and you'll be able to learn about jazz harmony from it.

Perfect. Blue Bossa would be another good choice.

[Lowtonejoe]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My jazz playing might barely reach intermediate...and I do not read music but can follow a chord chart. Are these really songs that will be easy for me to start with?

Don't get me wrong, I will get to the harder stuff eventually. It's what I want.

I guess I'm thinking baby steps....or maybe not giving myself enough credit. I don't know.

But right now the simpler the better.

Know what I mean?

Thanks again.



Joe.

[Asher S]

"So What" on Miles Davis' classic album "Kind of Blue". 2 chords, modal, classic, everyone knows it. Enjoy

ADDENDUM
Here's the entire form:

Dm7 x16 bars | Ebm7 x 8 bars | Dm7 x8 bars

If you want to play jazz but don't have this album, you should buy it.

[Lowtonejoe]

Thanks again.

Do you guys know what keys the recordings are in?

It would help me find the music/charts a lot easier.

Thanks.



Joe.

[Asher S]

Originally Posted by Lowtonejoe

Thanks again.

Do you guys know what keys the recordings are in?

It would help me find the music/charts a lot easier.

Thanks.



Joe.

See my addendum above for "So What": Dm7 , Ebm7. That's it.

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by Asher S

See my addendum above for "So What": Dm7 , Ebm7. That's it.

Thank you much!



Joe.

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by Asher S

"So What" on Miles Davis' classic album "Kind of Blue". 2 chords, modal, classic, everyone knows it. Enjoy

ADDENDUM
Here's the entire form:

Dm7 x16 bars | Ebm7 x 8 bars | Dm7 x8 bars

If you want to play jazz but don't have this album, you should buy it.

Yup, I have it...it just sounds so much harder.

I'll get it sooner or later!



Joe.

[Asher S]

Originally Posted by Lowtonejoe

Yup, I have it...it just sounds so much harder.

I'll get it sooner or later!



Joe.

I'm sure you will!

That album is deceptive in its apparent simplicity, but it contains a lifetime's worth of musical education. Considering the simple form of "So What", what Davis and Coltrane do with it is mind-blowing.

[EADG mx]

Charts of Autumn Leaves are typically written in E minor, but it's most often played in G minor.

[Jim Nazium]

BTW, if you're interested in playing chords on the bass, check out Todd Johnson, who does it better than anyone IMHO. He posts in the "ask the pros" section here on TB, has a new book / video on this subject, and I'm sure there are vids of him on youtube you can check out.

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

BTW, if you're interested in playing chords on the bass, check out Todd Johnson, who does it better than anyone IMHO. He posts in the "ask the pros" section here on TB, has a new book / video on this subject, and I'm sure there are vids of him on youtube you can check out.

That's a great idea.

Thanks!



Joe.