Summary of "Barry Harris Chord Concepts Explained for Jazz Guitarists – Step by Step Lesson"
Summary of "Barry Harris Chord Concepts Explained for Jazz Guitarists – Step by Step Lesson"
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Introduction to Barry Harris Harmony System:
- The lesson contrasts traditional functional harmony with Barry Harris's unique approach.
- Traditional functional harmony builds seventh chords on each degree of a major scale, treating them as related children of one parent scale.
- Barry Harris’s system treats each chord as belonging to its own distinct scale, often related by chord inversions and shared tones, enabling more harmonic variety and creative freedom.
- Key Concept: Viewing Chords as Inversions and Using Diminished Scales
- Barry Harris reinterprets common jazz chords by relating them to major 6th chords and diminished chords/scales.
- This approach allows for movement and color within a chord, rather than static voicings.
- Detailed Examples in the Key of C:
- C Major 7th chord:
- Thought of as a C6 chord plus a borrowed note from the B diminished chord.
- Uses the C major 6 diminish scale (a scale combining C6 and B diminished 7th chords).
- Practicing inversions of C6 and B diminished chords creates fluidity.
- D Minor 7th chord:
- Viewed as an F6 chord (same notes, different inversion).
- Use the F major 6 diminish scale.
- E Minor 7th chord:
- Seen as a G6 chord (same notes, different inversion).
- Use the G major 6 diminish scale.
- F Major 7th chord:
- Treated like the C major 7th: an F6 chord with a borrowed note.
- Use the F major 6 diminish scale.
- G7th chord:
- Use the G7th diminished scale.
- Also applicable is the G7 flat 5 diminished scale.
- Multiple scales available for richer harmonic expression.
- A Minor 7th chord:
- Contains same notes as C6 chord.
- Use the C major 6 diminish scale.
- When functioning as tonic minor, use the A minor 6 diminish scale.
- B Minor 7 flat 5 chord:
- Equivalent to D minor 6 chord.
- Use the D minor 6 diminish scale.
- C Major 7th chord:
- Practice Methodology:
- Play scales in ascending order.
- Transition quickly from exercises to musical applications by playing different inversions of the chords.
- Move up and down between chord inversions (e.g., C6 to B diminished and back).
- This practice helps loosen playing and develop a more fluid, expressive style.
- Philosophical Takeaway:
- Barry Harris’s system offers multiple scales for each chord, unlike traditional functional harmony which derives all chords from a single parent scale.
- This system promotes variety, color, and freedom of expression in jazz guitar playing.
- Closing Remarks:
- The lesson is an introduction ("level one") to Barry Harris harmony concepts.
- Future lessons will explore more advanced levels.
- Encouragement to practice and develop personal style using these concepts.
Methodology / Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Understand the traditional functional harmony approach by harmonizing the major scale with seventh chords.
- Shift perspective to Barry Harris’s approach:
- View major 7th chords as major 6th chords plus a borrowed diminished note.
- Recognize that many chords can be seen as inversions of major 6th chords.
- Learn and practice the major 6 diminish scale for the root chord (e.g., C major 6 diminish scale for C major 7th).
- Apply the same concept to other diatonic chords:
- For Dm7, use F6 diminish scale.
- For Em7, use G6 diminish scale.
- For Fmaj7, use F6 diminish scale.
- For G7, use G7 diminished and G7 flat 5 diminished scales.
- For Am7, use C6 diminish scale or A minor 6 diminish scale if tonic minor.
- For Bm7b5, use D minor 6 diminish scale.
- Practice chord inversions by moving between different inversions of the same chord and its related diminished chord.
- Transform exercises into musical phrases as soon as possible to internalize the sound and feel.
- Use the system to create movement, color, and variety rather than sticking to static chord shapes.
- Explore further levels of Barry Harris harmony in subsequent lessons.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Mike Hayes – Presenter and instructor explaining the Barry Harris chord concepts and demonstrating examples on guitar.
Category
Educational
