Autumn Leaves Tutorial
In this lesson we’re going to look at the jazz standard ‘Autumn Leaves’.
Autumn Leaves is one of the best-known of all jazz standards and is frequently called at jam sessions so it’s a good idea to learn and memorise these important chord changes.
Usually played in the key of G Minor, the tune follows a 32 measure AABC form and contains both major and minor 251 progressions. The same 251s are repeated throughout which makes the form easy to memorise and fun to play over.
We’re going to start off with some simple two handed voicings so that we understand the chord changes and the harmonic movement through the tune.
We will then create both a slow tempo, ballad arrangement incorporating right hand scale runs and other fills.
Related Lessons
We start the lesson by recapping the basic theory behind sus chords and then explore them in context of major and minor 251s
In a minor 251, the 5 chord will be an altered dominant chord. In this lesson we apply altered dominant chords to the major 251 progression.
Upper structure triads are complex sounding altered dominant chords. They will add texture and sophistication to your playing.
