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Jazz Chords?

Discussion in 'Ask Michael Dimin' started by Ari Schor, Sep 30, 2001.

  1. Sep 30, 2001 #1
    Ari Schor

    Ari Schor

    Mar 3, 2000
    Montreal
    Hey!

    So i've heard a couple guitarists talking about these so-called "Jazz Chords"...i'm guessing these are just existing chords that are used mainly in jazz...any idea on which ones?

    thanks

    Ariel
     
  2. Oct 2, 2001 #2
    Mike Dimin

    Mike Dimin Inactive

    Dec 11, 1999
    It is difficult not knowing in what context that they were talking about jazz chords but to make a guess I would say they were talking about 2 things.

    1. Jazz chords being an extension of regular chords based on the chord scale in which that chord functions. "what did he say!" For example: A "regular" G7 chord is based on the 5th degree of C, we therfore usually play a mixolydian scale on that G7, however if we see a G7b9 we know that the scale that the G7 is based on is usually a G altered based on the harmonic minor scale and is the dominant of Cminor

    2. The other thing that might have been discussed is the jazz chord progressions which include the II-V, substituted and secondary dominants, etc.

    Mike
     
  3. Oct 2, 2001 #3
    Ari Schor

    Ari Schor

    Mar 3, 2000
    Montreal
    thanks!
     
  4. Oct 3, 2001 #4
    JimK

    JimK

    Dec 12, 1999
    Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar book is still the best $1.95 I have ever spent(back in the late '70s)...I think it's still available. ;)
     
  5. Oct 4, 2001 #5
    Bruce Lindfield

    Bruce Lindfield Unprofessional TalkBass Contributor Gold Supporting Member In Memoriam

    Dec 13, 1999
    Brighton, England, UK, Europe
    I've heard a simpler explanation of this from some guitarists who have made the transition from rock/pop to Jazz.

    So they would normally have played chords with as many notes in as possible to fill out the sound - open strings etc. But they see "Jazz Chords" as where you play with just three (or four) notes in higher register with no resonating open strings. This can also mean the chords are rootless and maybe just contain the 3rd and 7th or other extensions.