Jazz harmony

Definition

Jazz harmony refers to the system of chords and progressions used in jazz music, characterized by its use of extended chords, complex chord changes, and rich voicings. It often emphasizes seventh chords and altered tones, creating a distinct sound that differs from traditional Western harmony. This unique approach to harmony is essential in creating the improvisational and expressive qualities that define jazz.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jazz harmony often incorporates tensions and resolutions, using dissonant chords that resolve into consonant ones to create emotional depth.
2. The use of modal interchange is common in jazz, allowing musicians to borrow chords from parallel modes to enrich harmonic progressions.
3. Jazz musicians frequently use ii-V-I progressions as a foundational building block for their harmonies, creating a sense of movement and resolution.
4. In jazz, the rhythmic placement of chords can be flexible, allowing musicians to syncopate harmonies and create unique rhythmic feels.
5. Improvisation is key in jazz harmony; musicians will often reinterpret the underlying chord changes through spontaneous melodic development.

Review Questions

• How does jazz harmony differ from traditional Western harmony in terms of chord usage and progression?
  • Jazz harmony differs significantly from traditional Western harmony by utilizing extended chords such as ninths and thirteenths and employing complex chord progressions that can include frequent modulations. While Western harmony tends to focus on triadic structures with straightforward resolutions, jazz harmony embraces dissonance and tension, allowing for more fluid movement between chords. This creates a richer and more textured sound that is central to the improvisational nature of jazz.
• In what ways do extended chords enhance the emotional expressiveness of jazz music?
  • Extended chords enhance the emotional expressiveness of jazz music by adding layers of complexity and richness that can evoke a wide range of feelings. The inclusion of tensions—such as sharp or flat ninths—creates dissonance that demands resolution, allowing musicians to manipulate emotional dynamics throughout their performance. Additionally, these chords provide improvisers with more options for melodic exploration, enabling them to convey nuanced emotions in their solos.
• Evaluate the role of improvisation in jazz harmony and its impact on the overall musical experience.
  • Improvisation plays a crucial role in jazz harmony by allowing musicians to interpret and transform harmonic structures on the spot, leading to spontaneous creativity and unique performances. As musicians engage with the underlying chord progressions, they often experiment with alternative voicings and rhythmic placements, making each performance distinct. This dynamic interaction not only highlights individual expression but also fosters collaborative communication among players, enhancing the overall musical experience for both performers and audiences alike.

Related terms

Extended chords: Chords that include notes beyond the standard triad, such as seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, adding depth and complexity to the harmony.

Chord progression: A sequence of chords played in a piece of music, which forms the harmonic foundation for melodies and improvisation.

Voicing: The arrangement of the notes in a chord, which can be altered to create different textures and sounds within the harmony.