Unraveling the Mysteries of Jazz Harmony: Exploring the Four Important Chord Types and Scales

If you’re a fan of jazz music, you know that there’s something special about the way the chords and scales work together to create that signature sound. But have you ever wondered how jazz harmony works, or how you can use it to improve your own playing and improvisation?

Barry Harris’ Harmonic Principles

One approach to understanding jazz harmony is to study the work of legendary jazz pianist and educator Barry Harris. Harris has developed a set of harmonic principles that are based on the four important chord types that form the foundation of much jazz music.

The Four Chord Types

The four chord types that Harris focuses on are dominant 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, and half-diminished 7th. Each of these chord types has a specific sound and function in jazz harmony, and mastering them is key to becoming a skilled jazz musician.

Dominant 7th Chords

Dominate 7th chords are the most common type of chord found in jazz music. These chords have a strong, tense sound and are often used to introduce tension and drama to a piece. They’re made up of the root note, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.

Major 7th Chords

Major 7th chords have a smoother, more relaxed sound than dominant 7th chords. They’re often used to create a sense of resolution after tension has been introduced with dominant 7th chords. Major 7th chords are made up of the root note, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.

Minor 7th Chords

Minor 7th chords have a more melancholy sound than the other chord types. They’re often used to create a somber or introspective mood. Minor 7th chords are made up of the root note, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.

Half-Diminished 7th Chords

Half-diminished 7th chords have a tense, unstable sound that can be used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation. They’re made up of the root note, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.

The Scales That Correspond to Each Chord Type

Each chord type has a corresponding scale that can be used to improvise and create melodies. These scales are based on the notes that make up the chord, with a few additional notes added to create variation and interest.

Dominant 7th Scale

• The dominant 7th scale is also known as the Mixolydian scale.
• It’s made up of the root note, major second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, major sixth, and minor seventh.
• It’s often used in blues and rock music as well as jazz.

Major 7th Scale

• The major 7th scale is also known as the Ionian scale.
• It’s made up of the root note, major second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, major sixth, and major seventh.
• It has a bright, cheerful sound and is often used in upbeat or happy songs.

Minor 7th Scale

• The minor 7th scale is also known as the Dorian scale.
• It’s made up of the root note, major second, minor third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, major sixth, and minor seventh.
• It has a melancholy, introspective sound and is often used in slower or sadder songs.

Half-Diminished 7th Scale

• The half-diminished 7th scale is also known as the Locrian scale.
• It’s made up of the root note, minor second, minor third, perfect fourth, diminished fifth, minor sixth, and minor seventh.
• It has a dissonant, unstable sound that can be used to create tension or suspense.

In Conclusion

Exploring the four important chord types and their corresponding scales is a great way to deepen your understanding of jazz harmony and improve your playing and improvisation skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the principles developed by Barry Harris can help you take your jazz music to the next level.