Jazz Piano Chords - Rich Sounding Jazz Chords for the Piano from Udemy

This course will teach YOU how to play them on the piano.

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Course characteristics

Since this course is for all levels, beginners to more advanced jazz piano players, this course starts with how basic chords (major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, diminished & augmented) are formed, and continues to advanced chords with added notes and alterations, "So What"-chords, fourth-chords, upper structures and how to create your own chords.

More advanced piano players that already know how basic chords are made, might want to skip the first sections and jump directly in into the more advanced sections: have a look at the curriculum and decide depending on your level where to begin.

As said: beginning jazz piano players can do this course. But be aware that "beginning jazz piano player" doesn't mean a total beginner on the piano: you need at least some ability to play simple songs on the piano and you need to be able to play the major and natural minor scales in as many keys as possible on the piano.

For an even better understanding of how jazz 'works', it would be good to study also some jazz theory, but this is not absolutely needed to follow this course.

This course can very well be done as a course 'on its own', but could also complement any other jazz piano course.

Topics covered in this course

Basic triads (for beginners)

Basic 7th chords (for beginners)

II-V-I chord progressions

Sus-chords

Adding notes to chords

Chord voicings in several positions

So What chords

Fourth chords

Upper structures

Create your own chords

Information about comping (accompanying)

Tritone substitution

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will be able to play all types of chords (major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, altered, diminished, augmented).
For each type of chord, you will know how to play several different chord voicings in all the inversions.
You will know how to add notes and alterations to chords to make them sound jazzy.

You will be able to play slash chords.
You will be able to play "so what"-chord voicings, fourth-chord voicings and upper structures.
You will know how to create your own chord voicings.

You will be able to play all types of chords (major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, altered, diminished, augmented).
For each type of chord, you will know how to play several different chord voicings in all the inversions.
You will know how to add notes and alterations to chords to make them sound jazzy.
You will be able to play slash chords.
You will be able to play "so what"-chord voicings, fourth-chord voicings and upper structures.
You will know how to create your own chord voicings.

Syllabus

Introduction

Adding notes to minor 7th chords

Introduction - How to follow this course?

Basic triads

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers basic triads and seventh chords, which are foundational for understanding more complex jazz harmonies and chord voicings

Explores II-V-I chord progressions, which are essential building blocks in jazz music and improvisation

Teaches altered chords and upper structures, which are used to create more sophisticated and colorful jazz harmonies

Includes a bonus lecture on tritone substitution, a common technique used in jazz improvisation and composition

Requires some prior piano experience, specifically the ability to play simple songs and major/minor scales, which may exclude absolute beginners

Offers information about comping, which is a core skill for jazz pianists who want to accompany other musicians

Reviews summary

Essential jazz piano chord voicings

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in jazz piano chords, suitable for those with some prior piano experience. Students appreciate the clear explanations and practical examples provided by the instructor. The curriculum covers a good range of voicings, from basic 7th chords to more advanced upper structures and 'So What' voicings. While many find the content directly applicable to making their piano sound more jazzy, a few reviews mention that the assumed prerequisites (basic piano/scales) are important and that supplemental jazz theory might be helpful for deeper understanding, although not strictly required to follow the course material.

Deeper theory isn't the main focus.

"While great for voicings, you might want to study jazz theory separately for a fuller picture."

"This course focuses mainly on *how* to play the chords, less on the underlying theory."

"Good for practical application, but consider other resources for theoretical context."

Need prior piano background/scales.

"As mentioned, this course requires basic piano skills. Absolute beginners might struggle."

"You definitely need to be comfortable with scales and basic chords before starting."

"Glad I had some piano background, otherwise the pace might have been too fast in the beginning."

Includes basic and advanced jazz chords.

"The course takes you from basic 7ths all the way to upper structures, covering a lot of ground."

"Liked that it started with the fundamentals before moving onto the more advanced voicings."

"It was helpful to review the basic chords and then dive into the more jazzy ones like 'So What'."

Provides a solid starting point.

"This course gave me a solid foundation for understanding and playing jazz chords."

"It's a great place to start if you want to add jazz harmony to your playing."

"I feel much more confident playing jazz chords after taking this course. It's a strong base."

Teaches voicings applicable to real playing.

"These chords really make my piano playing sound more authentic jazz..."

"I can immediately use the voicings I learned in this course when playing tunes."

"The voicings taught are not just theoretical, they are truly practical and sound great."

Concepts explained clearly and effectively.

"The way the concepts are explained is very clear and easy to follow, even for complex voicings."

"The instructor does a great job breaking down each chord type and inversion."

"I really appreciated how clearly the voicings were demonstrated and explained."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Jazz Piano Chords - Rich Sounding Jazz Chords for the Piano with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, key signatures, and chord construction. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the more advanced jazz chord concepts taught in the course.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review the circle of fifths and key signatures.
Practice identifying intervals and chord qualities.
Complete online quizzes on basic music theory.

Practice II-V-I Progressions

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Reinforce your ability to play II-V-I progressions in all 12 keys. This is a fundamental jazz chord progression and mastering it will greatly improve your improvisational skills and chord vocabulary.

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Practice II-V-I progressions in all 12 keys daily.
Experiment with different voicings and inversions.
Record yourself playing and analyze your performance.

Jazz Piano Voicings

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Explore different jazz piano voicings and comping techniques using Dan Haerle's 'Jazz Piano Voicings'. This book offers a practical approach to understanding and applying jazz harmony.

View Jazz Piano Voicing Skills on Amazon

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Study different voicings for common jazz chords.
Practice comping patterns using the voicings.
Incorporate new voicings into your playing.

Three other activities

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The Jazz Theory Book

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Supplement your understanding of jazz theory with a deep dive into Mark Levine's 'The Jazz Theory Book'. This book provides a comprehensive overview of jazz harmony and improvisation.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Read chapters related to chord voicings and progressions.
Analyze examples from the book on the piano.
Apply concepts from the book to your playing.

Compose a Short Jazz Piece

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Apply your knowledge of jazz chords to create a short original composition. This will help you internalize the concepts learned in the course and develop your own unique musical voice.

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Choose a key and create a chord progression.
Develop a melody that complements the chords.
Arrange the piece for solo piano.
Record and share your composition.

Explore Advanced Chord Voicings

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Refine your understanding of advanced chord voicings through online tutorials. This will help you develop a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to jazz piano playing.

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Search for tutorials on upper structure triads.
Follow tutorials on quartal harmony voicings.
Experiment with different voicing techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Jazz Piano Chords - Rich Sounding Jazz Chords for the Piano will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Jazz Club Performer

A jazz club performer plays live music in jazz clubs, either as a soloist or as part of a band. The role requires a strong understanding of jazz harmony, improvisation skills, and the ability to engage with an audience. This course is great for aspiring jazz club performers, as it may give students a deeper understanding of jazz piano chords. The coverage of chord types, voicings, and progressions may help a jazz club performer create interesting and engaging performances, standing out and connecting with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Club Performer

Jazz Musician

A jazz musician improvises and performs jazz music, often in ensembles or as a soloist. They require a deep understanding of harmony, rhythm, and improvisation techniques, along with proficiency on their chosen instrument. This course is particularly useful for aspiring jazz musicians, as it delves into the intricacies of jazz piano chords. The instruction on II-V-I progressions, sus chords, and tritone substitution may give students a solid base. The course's focus on creating unique chord voicings is also helpful, enabling the jazz musician to develop a personal and innovative sound.

See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Musician

Pianist

A pianist brings music to life through skilled performance. The role involves interpreting musical scores, practicing diligently to perfect technique and expression, and performing in various settings, from solo recitals to ensemble performances. This course on jazz piano chords is incredibly valuable to someone hoping to become a pianist. With its comprehensive coverage of chord types, voicings, and progressions, the course helps build a solid foundation. Specifically, the sections on altered chords, upper structures, and creating custom voicings are directly applicable to expanding a pianist's repertoire and improvisational abilities, enhancing their overall musicality.

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Accompanist

An accompanist provides musical support to vocalists or instrumentalists during rehearsals and performances. A strong understanding of harmony, rhythm, and sight-reading skills are needed. This course is well suited for those wanting to become an accompanist, especially in jazz settings. The course's focus on chord voicings, progressions, and comping helps an accompanist create a supportive and engaging accompaniment. This course can also enhance improvisational skills and harmonic understanding, enabling the accompanist to seamlessly adapt to the soloist's performance and add musical depth to the overall sound.

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Private Music Instructor

A private music instructor provides one-on-one music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. This position requires excellent communication skills, patience, and a deep understanding of music theory and technique. This course may be quite helpful for private music instructors, particularly those who specialize in teaching piano or jazz. The comprehensive coverage of chord types, voicings, and progressions may give private music instructors the information they need to better explain advanced concepts. The course's exploration of triads, seventh chords, and chord progressions may allow instructors to enhance their teaching skills.

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Music Teacher

A music teacher educates students of all ages on musical concepts, techniques, and appreciation. Responsibilities include lesson planning, instruction on musical instruments or voice, and assessment of student progress. This course may be quite helpful for music teachers, particularly those who teach piano or jazz music. The curriculum provided in this course, which covers a range of chords and techniques, may allow instructors to better explain the basic and advanced concepts of chord voicings. The course's coverage of triads, seventh chords, and chord progressions may help music teachers enhance their teaching skills.

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Musical Director

A musical director oversees the musical aspects of a theatrical production, concert, or other performance. Responsibilities include selecting music, conducting rehearsals, and working with performers to achieve a high-quality musical performance. This course may be useful for a musical director, especially those working on productions with jazz elements. The course's focus on chord voicings, progressions, and improvisational techniques may give musical directors a solid understanding of harmony. The coverage of chord voicings, progressions, and comping may enhance their ability to successfully lead and guide musicians.

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Songwriter

A songwriter crafts original songs, including both the music and lyrics. This role requires creativity, a good understanding of music theory, and the ability to write catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics. This course may be helpful for a songwriter, especially those looking to incorporate jazz harmonies into their compositions. The course's focus on advanced chords, upper structures, and custom voicings allows a songwriter to create more complex and interesting chord progressions. These enriched progressions may then add depth and emotion to their songs.

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Composer

A composer creates original musical works for various mediums, including film, television, video games, and concert performances. This role demands a strong understanding of music theory, orchestration, and arrangement. This course may be useful for a composer, especially those interested in incorporating jazz elements into their compositions. The course's exploration of advanced chords, upper structures, and custom voicings is incredibly useful. This course may help composers expand their harmonic palette and create more interesting and sophisticated musical textures.

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Studio Musician

A studio musician plays on recordings for various artists and projects. This role requires versatility, adaptability, and the ability to quickly learn and perform different styles of music. This course may be useful for a studio musician, particularly those aiming to work in jazz or jazz-influenced genres. The coverage of various chord types, voicings, and progressions is useful. This course may also help enhance a studio musician's ability to create unique and interesting sounds, making them a valuable asset in recording sessions.

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Film Score Composer

A film score composer creates original music to accompany films, working closely with directors and producers to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes. The role involves understanding film narrative, composing thematic material, and orchestrating music for various instruments. This course may be useful for a film score composer, especially those who want to integrate jazz harmonies and textures into their scores. The curriculum on advanced chords, upper structures, and the creation of custom voicings may give composers more options. The knowledge gained may then helps them craft unique and expressive scores.

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Arranger

An arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments, ensembles, or performance styles. They are skilled in re-harmonization, voice leading, and orchestration to create engaging and effective arrangements. This course may be useful for an arranger seeking to enhance their understanding of jazz harmony and chord voicings. The coverage of chord progressions, sus chords, and altered chords provided in this course can enhance an arranger's ability to create smooth voice leading and interesting harmonic textures. Exploring upper structures and custom voicings may further contribute to the arranger's creative toolkit, enabling innovative and personalized arrangements.

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Church Musician

A church musician provides music for religious services, often playing piano or organ and leading congregational singing. This position often requires the ability to play a variety of musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary Christian music. This course may be useful for aspiring church musicians, particularly those looking to incorporate more contemporary or gospel-influenced sounds into their playing. The understanding of chord voicings, progressions, and improvisational techniques may help church musicians create richer, more engaging musical arrangements, adding depth and emotion to their performances.

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Music Journalist

A music journalist writes about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Responsibilities include reviewing albums, interviewing artists, and reporting on music-related news and events. While this course may not directly relate to the writing aspects of the role, it may give a music journalist a deeper understanding of jazz harmony, which can inform their writing. By gaining knowledge of chord types, voicings, and progressions, a music journalist can provide more insightful and informed commentary on jazz music and musicians.

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Music Therapist

A music therapist uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This role requires a degree in music therapy and strong clinical skills. While this course focuses on jazz piano chords, it may offer some ideas for a music therapist looking to incorporate jazz music into therapeutic settings. The curriculum is not directly related to music therapy practices, but the mastery of piano chords can provide a wider range of musical options for engaging with clients.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Jazz Piano Chords - Rich Sounding Jazz Chords for the Piano.

Jazz Piano Voicing Skills

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Focuses specifically on chord voicings, which central topic in the course. It provides numerous examples and exercises to help students develop their own unique voicings. It's particularly useful for understanding different inversions and positions of chords, as well as adding color tones.

Jazz Piano Voicing Skills

Spiral-bound

Jazz Piano Voicing Skills

Spiral-bound

$$$

The Jazz Theory Book

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Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, covering topics such as harmony, melody, and rhythm. While the course touches on some jazz theory, this book delves deeper into the subject. It's a valuable resource for students who want a more thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of jazz.

The Jazz Theory Book

Spiral-bound

Jazz Piano Chords - Rich Sounding Jazz Chords for the Piano

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Essential jazz piano chord voicings

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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