How To Play 4 Different Major Jazz Piano Chords

Posted on by freejazzlessons

Are you sick and tired of playinggeneric piano chords?

Do you find yourself playing chords the same old way whenever they come up in a chord chart?

If so, then this jazz piano lesson was designed for you!

In today’s lesson we’re going to take a look at 4 unique ways of playing major chords. (video lesson, notation, and tips below.)

Why You Should Learn These Piano Chords

By adding these chords into your bag of tricks you’ll be able to express yourself much better and bring a whole new layer of interest to your music.

Also, the great news is you’ll be able to use these piano chords for songs in a variety of other music styles as well (not just jazz).

Let’s get starting learning! (Start by watching the video below) 

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If you want to add even more chord choices to your playing you should definitely check out this 4 minor jazz chords lesson as well.

7 Tips To Help You Use These Piano Chords

1. Each of these chords are built by starting with 3 fundamental chord tones (Root, 3rd, and 7th). Then we add one “color note” or “extension”. This would be either the 9th, the #11, or the 13th.

2. Make sure you pay close attention to what the top note is of each chord. Although, these chords will work in most musical situations there are times when they may interfere with the melody of a song.

3. If you enjoy the sounds of these chords then you’ll absolutely love this Bill Evans chord lesson, this lesson on how to play Autumn Leaves chords, and this jazz blues piano chord lesson.

4. The best way to learn any new chord you learn is to immediately apply it to a song or a chord progression you love.  Don’t wait…do it right now. 

5. It’s important that you learn these chords in all your keys. You’ll want access to them in all kinds of different songs. I promise this will help.You’ll thank me later! 

6. Each chord has it’s own unique color and sound to it. So, it’s always best to use your ear as a guide in regards to when is an appropriate time to play them.

7. If you’re more of a beginner and looking for some simpler chords than check out this easy chords lesson.

Update On Why You Play Jazz

I’d like to thank all the readers who took the time to responded to our last article Why do you play jazz?

The answers so far have been simply amazing! We’ve had over 32 people respond and comment so far on this one! Unreal. 

If you haven’t read the article yet I strongly encourage you to. Have a great day! 

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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