Piano jazz chords are essential for any jazz pianist, as they help create the unique sound and style of jazz music. There are many different types of piano jazz chords that a pianist can use to add color and variety to their playing. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly used piano jazz chords, with pictures to help illustrate their shape on the keyboard.
One of the most common types of piano jazz chords is the seventh chord. This type of chord is made up of four notes, and it is often used to create a sense of tension and release in jazz music. The most common seventh chords are the dominant seventh, major seventh, and minor seventh chords. The dominant seventh chord is made up of the root, third, fifth, and flat seventh notes, and it is often used in blues and rock music. The major seventh chord is made up of the root, third, fifth, and major seventh notes, and it is often used in jazz ballads and bossa nova music. The minor seventh chord is made up of the root, flat third, fifth, and flat seventh notes, and it is often used in jazz and blues music.
Another type of piano jazz chord is the ninth chord. This type of chord is made up of five notes, and it is often used to create a more complex and sophisticated sound in jazz music. The most common ninth chords are the dominant ninth and major ninth chords. The dominant ninth chord is made up of the root, third, fifth, flat seventh, and ninth notes, and it is often used in funk and soul music. The major ninth chord is made up of the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth notes, and it is often used in jazz and fusion music.
A third type of piano jazz chord is the diminished seventh chord. This type of chord is made up of four notes, and it is often used to create a sense of tension and dissonance in jazz music. The diminished seventh chord is made up of the root, flat third, flat fifth, and double flat seventh notes, and it is often used in bebop and modern jazz music.
Finally, the augmented chord is another type of piano jazz chord that is often used in jazz music. This type of chord is made up of three notes, and it is often used to create a sense of tension and instability in jazz music. The augmented chord is made up of the root, major third, and sharp fifth notes, and it is often used in modern jazz and fusion music.
In conclusion, these are just a few examples of the many different types of piano jazz chords that a pianist can use to add color and variety to their playing. By incorporating these chords into their playing, pianists can create a unique and sophisticated sound that is essential to the style of jazz music. For more information on piano jazz chords, consult a reputable jazz theory book or music theory website.
