How to Play Jazz Guitar Chords

Jazz guitar chords can feel like a mysterious world of complex shapes and unexpected sounds. But don't be intimidated! With a little guidance and practice, you'll find that jazz chords can open up a whole new dimension to your playing. Today, we're going to break down some key jazz chord concepts and help you start incorporating them into your music.

Getting Comfortable with Basic Chord Shapes

Before diving into the fancy stuff, let's make sure we're comfortable with the basics. Jazz guitar chords often use extended chord shapes, which might seem daunting at first. But if you can get a handle on basic major, minor, and dominant shapes, you're already halfway there.

• Major 7th Chords: These are your regular major chords with an added 7th degree. For example, a Cmaj7 chord is made up of C, E, G, and B.
• Minor 7th Chords: Think of these as minor chords with a 7th. A Cm7 chord, for example, includes C, Eb, G, and Bb.
• Dominant 7th Chords: These chords have a major triad with a minor 7th. So, a G7 chord is made up of G, B, D, and F.

Spend some time practicing these shapes up and down the neck. Not only will this help you get comfortable with the fretboard, but it'll also make transitioning to more complex chord shapes much easier.

Understanding the Role of Chord Extensions

Jazz chords often sound rich and colorful due to their use of extensions. Extensions are notes added beyond the 7th degree, like the 9th, 11th, or 13th. Let's simplify this with an analogy: think of your basic chord as a plain pizza. Adding extensions is like throwing on extra toppings—each addition brings a new flavor to the mix.

• 9th Chords: Adds the 9th degree to the mix. For instance, a C9 chord includes C, E, G, Bb, and D.
• 11th Chords: Introduces the 11th degree. A G11 chord might consist of G, B, D, F, A, and C.
• 13th Chords: These chords add the 13th. A D13 chord would be D, F#, A, C, E, and B.

When you start incorporating these extensions, you'll notice your playing feels more dynamic and expressive. It's about giving your music that extra touch of sophistication.

Playing with Chord Voicings

In jazz, how you voice a chord can be just as important as the chord itself. Voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. You can think of it like rearranging the furniture in a room—it's still the same room, but it feels different.

Drop 2 and Drop 3 Voicings

These are common techniques in jazz guitar. Drop 2 voicings take the second highest note and drop it an octave. Similarly, drop 3 takes the third highest note and drops it an octave. It sounds fancy, but it's really just about creating more space and clarity in your sound.

Here's a quick example: a Cmaj7 chord in standard voicing might be played as C, E, G, B. In a drop 2 voicing, it could become G, B, C, E. Notice how the spacing and sound change? That's the magic of voicings.

Smooth Progressions with Voice Leading

Voice leading is all about creating smooth transitions between chords. It's like making sure your sentences flow in a conversation—no awkward jumps or breaks. In jazz, this often means moving as few notes as possible when switching from one chord to another.

Let's say you're moving from a Cmaj7 to an Am7. Instead of jumping all over the neck, look for common tones or small steps between the chords. For example, you could keep the E and G in place and just switch C to A and B to A. It's subtle, but it makes a big difference in how smooth your progressions sound.

Exploring the World of Altered Chords

Altered chords might sound like a secret society of jazz, but they're just chords with one or more notes adjusted. These adjustments can add tension and color, perfect for those dramatic moments in a piece.

Altered Dominant Chords

These are dominant chords with altered 5ths or 9ths. For example, a G7#5 might include G, B, D#, and F. Or a G7b9 might be G, B, D, F, and Ab. Experimenting with these altered tones can add unexpected twists to your progressions.

Don't be afraid to play around with these. Sometimes the best way to understand their potential is by hearing them in context.

Incorporating Jazz Chords into Your Playing

So, you've got the shapes and the theory. How do you start using these in your music? The key is integration. Start by replacing basic chords in your favorite songs with jazzier versions. Maybe swap out that plain C chord with a Cmaj7 or a C9.

Another trick is to practice with backing tracks. There are plenty of resources online where you can find jazz standards or blues tracks to jam along with. This not only helps you practice your chord shapes but also gets you used to the feel and flow of jazz music.

If you're looking for guided instruction, Riffhard offers lessons that can help you incorporate these new techniques into your playing, especially if you're coming from a metal background and want to add a jazzy twist to your style.

Developing Your Ear for Jazz

Playing jazz isn't just about knowing the chords—it's also about knowing when and where to use them. This involves developing a good ear for music. Listen to jazz recordings, pay attention to how musicians use chords, and try to replicate those sounds.

Transcribing solos and chord progressions from your favorite jazz guitarists can be a fantastic exercise. It helps you understand their choices and the theory behind them. Plus, it gives you a chance to incorporate their ideas into your own playing.

Practicing with Purpose

Finally, remember that practice makes progress. Set aside regular time to work on your jazz chords. Break your practice sessions into focused blocks: spend time on voicings, work on smooth transitions, and experiment with altered chords.

Using tools like a metronome can help you keep steady time and improve your rhythm, which is crucial in jazz. At Riffhard, we have a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice, which can be a great asset as you work on integrating jazz chords into your playing.

Final Thoughts

Jazz guitar chords offer a world of creativity and expression in your playing. From basic shapes to complex voicings and altered sounds, there's plenty to explore. Remember, it's a journey, so take your time and enjoy the process. If you're looking to expand your skills further, Riffhard is a great resource with lessons from some of the best in the business. Happy playing!