4 Different Ways To Play Minor Jazz Piano Chords

Posted on by freejazzlessons

In today’s free jazz piano lesson we’re going to take a look at 4 different ways of playing minor chords.

Once you learn these sweet chords you’ll have the ability to play a lot more interesting sounds every time you see minor chords written in a chord chart.

I would recommend you watch the video lesson first.  You can then check out the notation, the tips, and the extra lessons below.

(Click on the notation for a downloadable pdf.  Feel free to share.

The only thing that I ask is that you remember to add a link back to www.freejazzlessons.com)

Music Theory Explanations

Make sure you eventually learn to play these piano chords in all your keys. Taking a look at the chord theory explanations below should help.

- The minor (add9) chord is built with a root, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th.

- The minor (maj. 7th) chord is built with a major 7th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th.

- The minor 7th chord is built with a  minor 7th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th

- The minor 6th chord is built with a 6th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th

More Piano Chords For You To Learn From

If you’re looking for more information on piano chords there are tons of other chord lessons on this site. You’ve come to the right place! 

For starters you can check out this Bill Evans Chord lesson, or theseBud Powell chords.

I would also recommend you check out this lesson on blues chords and this lesson jazz chord progression lesson.

If you’re looking to learn some chords for jazz tunes then check out this lesson on Here’s That Rainy Day chords, Satin Doll chords lesson, and this Misty chords lesson.

Final Tip

I hope you’ve enjoyed the sounds of these minor chords! My challenge to you is to make sure you throw them into some of your favorite songs.

Where do you plan on using these chords? Is there a particular standard you love to play that could use a refresh?  Please leave a comment below and let us know!

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Steve Nixon is the proud owner of Freejazzlessons.com. He is a world touring jazz and blues keyboard player and educator.

Steve is also the author of the new Jazz Masters Method (a study of 9 legendary jazz piano players) and the Learn Blues Piano DVD Course.

His brand new course, Premium Jazz Lessons Elite Membership, was just released. Premium Jazz Membership