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Reharmonising Jazz Standards
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Beginner Jazz Q&A Session
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Great lesson! A bit beyond my comprehension here and there as a beginner still, but I like to try and grasp the more advanced concepts even if I can’t play them yet. I guess my main question would be, how do you decide which version (or upper structure) to use when you are adding passing chords like on Autumn Leaves? I get that it’s generally a 1/2 step above the following chord (and that it’s often dominant), but I’m unsure as to how you determine which type/alteration/extension you play. Thanks, Hayden!
Hi Ashton.
Great question!
This mainly depends on the melody note, so I will analyse the melody note in terms of the dominant chord, and then the tritone substitute, and often we will get different possibilities by choosing one of the other.
I would recommend checking out the following lessons:
Upper Structure Triads Intro: https://www.pianogroove.com/jazz-piano-lessons/what-are-upper-structure-triads/ Slick Dominant Passing Chords: https://www.pianogroove.com/jazz-piano-lessons/slick-dominant-passing-chords/ Upper Structure Triads Course: https://www.pianogroove.com/jazz-piano-lessons/altered-harmony-upper-structure-triads/
and also learning the formulas in the upper structure cheat sheet: https://www.pianogroove.com/resources/upperstructure-cheat-sheet/
The other aspect is to play lots of tunes and apply the theory. I add these passing chords all of the time in my arrangements and so watching any of the jazz standard lessons will also help you to see how this is applied.
Take a look over the lessons and resources above and that should answer most of your questions.
Here to help if you need any more guidance.
Cheers, Hayden