Jazz Chord Base: a new Approach for Jazz Chords on Guitar from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

To accompany jazz tunes on the guitar

To have an accurate orientation on the fretboard

To accompany jazz tunes on the guitar
To have an accurate orientation on the fretboard

Syllabus

Get some infos about the course

In this lecture you will learn about the Goal of the Course, what the Requirements are and you may download a description on how to install iRealPro (check the file on the left called "iRealPro_E.pdf"). You can also download a file which contains all the exercises for the Jazz Chord Base in iRealPro format (file called "The Jazz Chord Base Exercises.html")

See how to install the iRealPro-Files.

Explanation of the Basic Principle of the Jazz Chord Base

Learn the Names of the Notes of the Scale

Every once in a while in this course I will tell you a story from my life as a musician or as a teacher. These anecdotes are all real!

Learn to find the notes on the guitar

A note is announced and you have to play it within a second.

A note is announced and you have to play it on both the E- and the A- string. Includes semitones.

Preview of Section 3 and explanation of the three basic chords. Downloadable PDF: "How to read chord symbols.pdf"

Get to know the first shapes. These are the E- and the A-shape of the 7-chord.

Use the 7-chord for the first time.

Play the same Blues in A - but this time start with the A-shape on fret XII.

Let's try the Blues in another key (in D) with the 7 chords.

The same thing, now in the key of B.

...and in Bb.

First steps to become a single accompanist.

Make use of the Tritone Substitute and the Chromatic Approach

Get to know the new shapes and learn something about the terminology of the Minor and Major modes.

Jazz Waltz in 3 with Minor Chords

The Jazz Waltz Blueswith Minor Chords in D.

The Chromatic Approach works in the mode of Minor as well.

The last of the 3 Basic Chords

Practise the Major7 Chord in various positions

Download the PDF and print it out.

Learn how to use the basic chords in songs

Let's swing! Your first song....

Mack the Knife sits in jail under extreme measurements of security...

Try this famous standard. At the end you find an explanation of the next exercise. You find the mentioned download in the next lecture.

Some more walkbass.

Another classic tune. Can you add the walkbass yourself?

The first of the Rare Chords.

Work on the Minor7b5 in the context of a Chord-Progression

The Diminished Chord is one of the coolest chords ever.

Practise this nice chord in the context of a Turnaround Progression.

A chord for building up tension.

Let's swing the #5.

The 6 Chord: A jazz chord without the seventh.

A Latin cliché.

Download the PDF and print it out.

The famous "Hitchcock-Chord"

A quite psychedelic chord-progression

Effective practising saves time. Here are a few tips to optimize your practicing sessions.

What can you do when you get too low on the fretboard?

Learn to switch the shapes of the same chord.

The bossanova - rhythm works great for some finger picking.

Practice the II-V progression in a song

First a slow version of this BeBop - classic, then up tempo - followed by an outlook to the next section.

The Jazz Police

A short preview of the next section - Explanation of the notation of chords with tensions - Basic rule: Which tension suits which chord.

The first few chords with tensions.

Add tensions to your Blues accompanyment.

Add tensions to this Blues in Eb

Add a walkbass to this Blues with tensions and learn the shapes for triads with their 3rd in the bass.

Very brief: Shapes of the Minor7 with tensions.

Add tensions to the Maj7 and to the 6

Let's combine the basic chords with tensions.

NEUES PLAYVIDEO MACHEN!

Discover the chords with tensions which appear mostly in pieces in the mode of minor.

This Exercise focuses on the II-V-I Cadenza in the mode of minor. Let's add tension notes.

Jobims Latin Classic for practising with tension notes.

Another classic with tension notes.

A Ballad with tensions.

Last but not least: A song that includes a lot of differet chords.

Learn different accents while driving

Why playing chords without the root? - Imagine the root on the fretboard - Which fingers to use when playing two-voiced chords.

Your first shapes without root notes.

Probably the easiest exercise of all.

Probably too easy, but do not forget to imagine the root notes.

Another two chords without root.

You will recognize this exercise from section 3. Try it now without root notes.

This exercise is not hard to play. But understanding the relation between the (imaginary) root note and the chord tones is not that simple.

The more rare chords without root.

The same piece as in the previous section - without roots.

Let's focus on the II-V progression - in two voices only and without root.

Let's take it slow first. Then follow the fast version.

The last exercise for the two-voiced chords without root.

I'll do anything for the show!

Why it is great to play chords with tensions without roots - new diagrams explained

The most common 7 chords with tensions and without root.

Tap that bass!

Similar basic chords in this blues feature different tensions.

Two similar shapes.

Play the tritone substitute chords with a #11. How would it sound if you'd play all the chords with a #11?

Add melodic fragments to your accompaniment and use a diminished chord instead of a 7b9.

The shapes of this chord may be used for two different chords.

A short exercise to practise the #5.

Different ideas for tensions

Play little melodies with the tension notes.

Memorize only 2 shapes and you can derive the remaining tensions.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down complicated chord theory into digestible pieces, making the learning experience fun and achievable for guitarists of all levels

Provides exercises demonstrated on video, including lead sheets and files for iRealBook, offering a multi-modal and interactive learning experience

Teaches a system to accompany jazz tunes, enabling learners to quickly and easily understand and play fancy chords on the guitar

Requires the use of iRealPro, an app not included in the course, which may pose a barrier to some students who do not already own it

Includes anecdotes from the instructor's life as a musician and teacher, adding a unique and personal touch to the learning experience

Focuses on a specific system, the Jazz Chord Base, which may not align with other approaches to jazz guitar accompaniment

Reviews summary

Simplified jazz chords for guitar

According to students, this course presents a simplified and easy-to-understand approach to learning jazz chords on the guitar, focusing on a new system that helps learners quickly grasp the structure and application of chords. Reviewers frequently praise the clear explanations and the abundance of practical exercises and play-along files provided (including iRealPro and audio files), making practice effective and fun. The instructor is often described as knowledgeable and engaging, sometimes sharing interesting anecdotes. While some suggest it's best suited for those with some basic guitar knowledge, many with limited jazz background found it highly beneficial for building a solid foundation in jazz accompaniment and navigating the fretboard.

Some basic guitar knowledge is helpful.

"While it's for beginners to jazz chords, some basic guitar familiarity is assumed."

"Knowing your way around the fretboard a little beforehand will help, though it does review notes on the low strings."

"It's perfect if you play guitar but are new to jazz specifically."

Benefits most from consistent practice.

"Like any music course, you really need to put in the practice time with the exercises."

"The system works, but consistent effort is key to mastering the shapes and concepts."

"It provides the tools, but application through practice is essential."

Builds a strong basis for jazz accompaniment.

"This course provided me with a solid foundation for accompanying jazz tunes."

"I now understand how to use basic chords and add tensions effectively."

"It helped me navigate the fretboard in a much more organized way for jazz harmony."

"I feel much more confident playing jazz rhythm guitar now."

Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.

"Stefan is a great teacher, very clear and easy to listen to."

"His stories are entertaining and add a personal touch to the lessons."

"The instructor clearly has a lot of experience playing and teaching jazz guitar."

"He makes the learning process enjoyable."

Many exercises provided for practice.

"The exercises are numerous and really help solidify the concepts learned."

"Having video demonstrations, lead sheets, and play-along files is fantastic for practice."

"The exercises in iRealPro format are a game-changer for practicing with a backing band."

"Practice sessions are more effective and enjoyable with the provided materials."

Concepts are explained clearly and effectively.

"The explanations of chord structures and development are incredibly clear."

"Instructor does a great job explaining the 'why' behind the shapes and progressions."

"The course provides clear explanations of chord symbols and terminology."

"Everything is presented in a very logical and easy-to-follow manner."

Uses a novel, easy-to-understand system.

"The course presents a new approach that simplifies jazz chords, making them quick and easy to understand."

"The 'Jazz Chord Base' system is very logical and makes finding chords on the fretboard much easier."

"I was always intimidated by jazz chords, but this course broke them down in a way that finally clicked for me."

"It simplifies complicated chord theory into digestible pieces with step-by-step exercises."

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 Chord Base: a new Approach for Jazz Chords on Guitar with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, chords, and key signatures, which are essential for grasping the jazz chord concepts taught in the course.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review major and minor scales.
Study basic chord construction.
Practice identifying key signatures.

Explore 'Guitar Chord Bible'

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Expand your chord vocabulary and explore different voicings by consulting a comprehensive guitar chord dictionary.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Guitar Chord Bible'.
Browse the jazz chord section.
Experiment with new chord voicings.

Read 'The Jazz Theory Book'

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Deepen your understanding of jazz harmony and chord voicings by studying a comprehensive jazz theory resource.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Jazz Theory Book'.
Study chapters on chord voicings and progressions.
Apply concepts to course exercises.

Four other activities

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Practice Chord Voicings

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Improve your finger dexterity and chord recognition by practicing common jazz chord voicings on the guitar.

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Select a set of jazz chord voicings.
Practice transitioning between voicings.
Record and review your playing.

Jam with Other Musicians

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Improve your improvisational skills and apply your knowledge of jazz chords in a real-world setting by jamming with other musicians.

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Find other musicians to jam with.
Choose a set of jazz standards to play.
Improvise solos over the chord changes.

Compose a Chord Melody Arrangement

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Solidify your understanding of jazz chords by creating a chord melody arrangement of a simple jazz standard.

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Choose a jazz standard melody.
Harmonize the melody with jazz chords.
Arrange the chords for guitar.
Practice and refine your arrangement.

Transcribe a Jazz Guitar Solo

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Develop your ear and understanding of jazz guitar playing by transcribing a solo from a recording.

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Choose a jazz guitar solo to transcribe.
Listen to the solo repeatedly.
Notate the solo on paper or using software.
Analyze the chords and scales used.

Career center

Learners who complete Jazz Chord Base: a new Approach for Jazz Chords on Guitar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Jazz Guitarist

A jazz guitarist accompanies other musicians or performs solo, often improvising and interpreting jazz standards. This course, with its focus on understanding chords and fretboard orientation, helps you become a well-rounded jazz guitarist. The "Jazz Chord Base" system, as taught by this course, helps simplify chord comprehension. The course even includes exercises to practice accompanying, perfect for anyone looking to perform as a jazz guitarist. The course's practical exercises and explanations prepare you for live performance scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Guitarist

Studio Musician

A studio musician plays in recording sessions, providing instrumental tracks for albums, soundtracks, and other projects. The course's system to accompany jazz tunes makes it easy to understand chords. This course helps studio musicians become proficient in jazz guitar accompaniment and chord construction. The iRealPro exercises and lead sheets prepare you well. Understanding the structure of chords, as taught in this course, primes you for studio success.

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Pit Orchestra Guitarist

A pit orchestra guitarist performs in the orchestra for musical theater productions. This course helps those who wish to be pit orchestra guitarists learn jazz guitar techniques. The section of this course entitled "Beertime! How to play a Broadway Show" will be very useful. The course's focus on jazz chords and fretboard orientation will let you approach this style of music from a confident stance. This course will help prepare you for a wide range of musical genres and styles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pit Orchestra Guitarist

Session Musician

A session musician is a versatile instrumentalist who plays on recordings or in live performances for other artists. If you wish to be a session musician, this course helps you build a comprehensive understanding of jazz guitar accompaniment. The course is particularly relevant because it teaches you how to quickly understand and play jazz chords, a skill in high demand for session work. The "Jazz Chord Base" system simplifies the process and the exercises boost capability. The course's emphasis on playing with a conductor is particularly helpful for this career.

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Arranger

An arranger adapts existing musical works for different instruments or ensembles, often reharmonizing or re-voicing chords. This course helps an arranger gain a deeper understanding of jazz guitar arrangements, due to the chord progressions and voicings presented in this course. The "Jazz Chord Base" system clarifies jazz chord theory. The course's content on chord solos, playing with a conductor, and the tritone substitute are useful for arrangers working in jazz. One who wants to be an arranger should take this course to learn jazz specific techniques.

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Composer

A composer creates original musical works, often writing scores for various instruments and ensembles. This course helps a composer explore jazz harmonies and chord voicings, which they can apply in their compositions. The "Jazz Chord Base" system can simplify the process of understanding and implementing complex jazz chords. The course exercises provide practical examples of how these chords can be used in different musical contexts. Aspiring composers should take this course if they are interested in writing jazz music for guitarists.

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Film Scorer

A film scorer composes original music for movies, and this course prepares you. The "Jazz Chord Base" system will help you learn to understand jazz chords, which can create a fitting mood for a scene. This course also provides you with exercises to play along with to enhance your understanding. The course offers practical examples of how these chords can be used in different musical contexts. If you wish to score a film that involves a jazz band, this course helps.

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Music Director

A music director oversees all musical aspects of a production, such as a musical theater show or a concert series. This course enhances a music director's understanding of jazz guitar. The course's focus on jazz chords and fretboard orientation may assist one to make informed decisions. The course is particularly helpful for directing productions that feature jazz guitar. This course offers an enriched depth of knowledge to music directors.

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Audio Engineer

An audio engineer records, mixes, and masters audio for music, film, and other media. One intending to be an audio engineer would benefit from this course to learn jazz guitar techniques. The course's focus on jazz chords and accompaniment techniques will better prepare one to record jazz guitarists. Understanding jazz guitar is essential when working with jazz musicians in the studio. Audio engineers find the course useful for navigating the nuances of the sounds of jazz guitar.

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Bandleader

A bandleader directs a musical ensemble, choosing repertoire, arranging music, and leading rehearsals. This course may be useful for bandleaders who want to arrange or perform jazz music. The course's instruction on jazz chords, fretboard orientation, and accompaniment techniques provides a foundation for leading a jazz band. The course's inclusion of exercises for playing with a conductor will be particularly helpful for a bandleader. The anecdotes shared by the instructor may provide some useful insights for those leading bands.

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Music Teacher

A music teacher instructs students in music theory, technique, and performance on a specific instrument such as the guitar. This course may be useful for a music teacher who wants to improve their understanding of jazz chords. The course's detailed explanations of chord structure and development provide a solid foundation for teaching jazz guitar to others. The course includes numerous exercises with video demonstrations, lead sheets, and audio files, which a teacher can adapt for their students. The section focused on fretboard orientation is valuable for teachers helping students navigate the guitar.

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Guitar Technician

A guitar technician maintains and repairs guitars, often working for musicians, studios, or instrument retailers. Though seemingly unrelated, understanding jazz guitar techniques helps a guitar technician, especially those specializing in jazz instruments. This course's emphasis on fretboard orientation and chord structures may be useful for diagnosing and addressing issues with jazz guitars. The technician may better understand the needs of a jazz musician after taking this course. Technicians may find the course useful for gaining a deeper understanding of the instrument.

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Music Supervisor

A music supervisor selects and licenses music for films, television shows, and commercials. This course may be useful for music supervisors who want to expand their knowledge of jazz guitar. The course's focus on jazz chords and fretboard orientation may inform their music selection choices. The insights into jazz guitar pedagogy may inform their understanding of jazz guitar performance. Music supervisors may find the course helpful for better understanding artists who play jazz guitar.

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Music Journalist

A music journalist writes about music for publications, websites, or broadcasts, often reviewing albums, interviewing artists, or covering music events. This course helps a music journalist who wants to gain a deeper understanding of jazz guitar. The course's focus on jazz chords, fretboard orientation, and accompaniment techniques may inform their writing. The course's anecdotes from the instructor's life as a musician may provide insights for interviews or articles. Music journalists may find the course useful for understanding the nuances of jazz guitar performance.

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Music Archivist

A music archivist preserves and catalogs musical materials, such as scores, recordings, and instruments, often working in libraries or museums. While not directly related, music archivist professionals who take this course will become familiar with jazz guitar techniques. The course's focus on jazz chords and fretboard orientation may offer some knowledge when cataloging or preserving jazz guitar materials. The course's insights into jazz guitar pedagogy may inform their understanding of historical methods. Archivists may find the course somewhat helpful for cataloging jazz guitar materials.

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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 Chord Base: a new Approach for Jazz Chords on Guitar.

The Jazz Theory Book

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Comprehensive guide to jazz harmony and theory. It covers chord voicings, progressions, substitutions, and improvisation techniques, providing a solid foundation for understanding jazz chord structures. It valuable resource for guitarists looking to deepen their knowledge of jazz theory and apply it to their playing.

The Jazz Theory Book

Spiral-bound

Alter Ego

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Comprehensive resource for guitar chords. It contains a wide variety of chords, including many jazz chords. It can be a useful reference for finding new voicings and variations. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It is commonly used by guitarists of all levels.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Jazz Chord Base

a new Approach for Jazz Chords on Guitar

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Simplified jazz chords for guitar

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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