Jazz harmony

Definition

Jazz harmony refers to the complex chord structures and progressions used in jazz music, characterized by extended chords, altered chords, and rich harmonic textures. It often incorporates elements like seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, which create a sense of tension and resolution unique to the genre. This harmonic vocabulary allows for greater expressiveness and improvisation, setting jazz apart from other musical styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jazz harmony often uses complex chord progressions like ii-V-I, which are essential for creating smooth transitions between different harmonic areas.
2. The use of modal interchange is common in jazz harmony, allowing composers to borrow chords from parallel modes for richer harmonic options.
3. Jazz musicians frequently employ chromaticism in their harmonic structures, which adds color and complexity to the overall sound.
4. Many jazz standards feature standard chord changes that musicians learn to navigate, enabling them to improvise solos within established frameworks.
5. Jazz harmony emphasizes the importance of voice leading, ensuring smooth transitions between chords by moving individual notes efficiently.

Review Questions

• How does jazz harmony differ from classical harmony in terms of chord structure and progression?
  • Jazz harmony differs significantly from classical harmony through its use of extended and altered chords, which introduce a greater level of complexity and richness. While classical harmony often focuses on traditional triads and functional progressions, jazz incorporates seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords that allow for more emotional expressiveness. Additionally, jazz musicians frequently engage in improvisation over established chord progressions, creating a more fluid and dynamic harmonic landscape compared to the more structured approach found in classical music.
• Discuss the role of modal interchange in jazz harmony and how it affects the emotional quality of a piece.
  • Modal interchange plays a significant role in jazz harmony by allowing musicians to borrow chords from parallel modes, thus expanding the harmonic palette available for composition. This technique enriches the emotional quality of a piece by introducing unexpected colors and tensions that can enhance musical storytelling. For instance, switching from a major to a minor mode can evoke contrasting feelings within the same composition, making jazz music particularly expressive and versatile.
• Evaluate how the concepts of voice leading and chromaticism contribute to the improvisational nature of jazz harmony.
  • Voice leading and chromaticism are crucial elements that bolster the improvisational nature of jazz harmony. Voice leading ensures smooth transitions between chords by maintaining melodic continuity among individual voices, allowing improvisers to craft coherent solos that reflect the underlying harmonic movement. Meanwhile, chromaticism introduces unexpected pitches into the harmonic framework, which creates tension that can be resolved through improvisation. This interplay not only enhances the richness of jazz harmony but also encourages musicians to take creative risks during performances, making each rendition unique.

Related terms

Extended Chords: Chords that go beyond the basic triad, adding additional notes such as sevenths, ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths to create a fuller sound.

Altered Chords: Chords that have been modified from their original form by altering one or more of their notes, often used to create tension that resolves in a progression.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic foundation of a piece of music and guiding its emotional trajectory.