Summary of "Jazz Piano for Absolute Beginners - Start Here"
Summary of Jazz Piano for Absolute Beginners - Start Here
This video provides a foundational overview of jazz piano theory, focusing on three core topics: chords, chord progressions, and scales. The instructor aims to demystify jazz theory in a single lesson, offering clear explanations and practical insights for beginners.
Main Ideas and Concepts
1. Jazz Chords
Chord Structure in Jazz
- Unlike many other music styles that use simple triads (root, third, fifth), jazz chords often include additional notes stacked in thirds, extending up to the 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th.
- Chords are named based on scale degrees counted from the root (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13).
- The 13th is the highest extension commonly used because going beyond it cycles back to the root.
Types of Seventh Chords
- Major Seventh (Maj7): Root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh (from the major scale).
- Minor Seventh (m7): Root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh (from the minor scale).
- Dominant Seventh (7): Root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh (major triad + minor seventh).
- These three types cover about 90% of jazz chords.
Chord Extensions
- Extensions include the 9th, 11th, and 13th, added above the seventh.
- Extensions are always derived from the major scale of the chord root, regardless of chord type.
- The 9th = 2nd scale degree, 11th = 4th scale degree, 13th = 6th scale degree.
- Extensions can be altered by sharpening (#) or flattening (b), e.g., b9, #9, #11, b13.
- To find an altered extension, find the natural extension first, then modify it accordingly.
Chord Voicings
- Jazz chords can be voiced in many ways, redistributing notes or stacking intervals differently.
- Examples include literal voicings, quartal voicings (stack of fourths), and quintal voicings (stack of fifths).
- Voicings provide variety and texture in jazz harmony.
2. Jazz Chord Progressions
Two-Five-One (ii-V-I) Progression
- The fundamental jazz progression.
- Built on the 2nd, 5th, and 1st degrees of a scale.
- In C major:
- ii = D minor 7
- V = G dominant 7
- I = C major 7
- The bass line often moves by a fourth up (ii to V) and a fifth down (V to I).
Variations of ii-V-I
- Sometimes the ii chord is omitted (V-I only).
- Sometimes the I chord is omitted (ii-V only), often followed by modulation.
- Examples:
- Satin Doll uses ii-V without the I.
- Stompin’ at the Savoy uses V-I without the ii.
Minor ii-V-I
- Less common (~10% of ii-V-Is).
- Built from the harmonic minor scale instead of the major scale.
- Chords include:
- ii = half-diminished chord (minor 7 flat 5)
- V = dominant 7
- I = minor-major 7 chord (minor triad with major seventh)
- Example: Blue Bossa.
- Sometimes the I chord is simplified to a minor 7 for a less intense sound.
3. Scales for Jazz Improvisation
Choosing Scales Over Chords
- Important to select scales that contain the chord tones (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th) to avoid dissonance.
- Non-chord tones (2nd, 4th, 6th) offer flexibility and can be altered for color.
Chordal Tone + Whole-Step Principle
A beginner-friendly method to generate common jazz scales for improvisation:
- Start with chord tones.
- Add a whole step above the root, third, and fifth.
Additional Resources
- The instructor provides a free downloadable chord symbol reference guide, which includes common seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords.
Speakers/Sources Featured
- Main Speaker: The unnamed instructor/presenter of the video (presumably a jazz pianist and teacher).
Summary of Key Methodologies / Instructions
Building Jazz Chords
- Start with root, third, fifth (triad).
- Add the seventh (major or minor depending on chord type).
- Add extensions (9th, 11th, 13th) from the major scale of the root.
- Alter extensions by sharpening or flattening as indicated by chord symbols.
Identifying ii-V-I Progressions
- Locate the 2nd, 5th, and 1st scale degrees of the key.
- Build chords by stacking thirds from the appropriate scale (major for major ii-V-I, harmonic minor for minor ii-V-I).
- Recognize common chord types: minor 7 (ii), dominant 7 (V), major 7 or minor-major 7 (I).
- Understand variations where some chords may be omitted.
Selecting Scales for Improvisation
- Identify chord tones (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th).
- Add whole steps above root, 3rd, and 5th to find the appropriate scale.
- Use Lydian for major 7 chords, Dorian for minor 7 chords, and Lydian Dominant for dominant 7 chords.
This lesson offers a concise but comprehensive introduction to jazz piano theory, emphasizing understanding chord construction, common progressions, and appropriate scales for improvisation.
Category
Educational
