Exploring Typical Jazz Chord Progressions

Understanding jazz chord progressions is a fundamental skill for musicians of all levels. These progressions form the backbone of numerous jazz pieces, providing a rich harmonic language that is both versatile and emotionally evocative. In this article, we will delve into some of the most common progressions in jazz, including the ii-V-I, I-vi-ii-V, I-ii-V-I with turnarounds, blues progression, and minor ii-V-i. We'll also explore how these progressions can be altered to create more complex and interesting harmonic textures.

Common Jazz Progressions

Jazz chord progressions often feature extended chords, alterations, and a mix of major and minor tonalities. Here are five of the most common jazz progressions:

1. The ii-V-I Progression

This is one of the most ubiquitous progressions in jazz. It's a building block that allows musicians to transition smoothly between keys and add harmonic interest. The ii-V-I progression typically appears in four-bar phrases, and a common example in C major is:

ii → G7 V → Cmaj7 I Converted to C major: Dm7 ii → G7 V → Cmaj7 I

2. The I-vi-ii-V Progression

This progression is compact and versatile, often seen in 12-bar blues structures. It provides a satisfying harmonic resolution and a sense of progression. An example in C major is:

I → Am7 vi → Dm7 ii → G7 V Converted to C major: Cmaj7 I → Am7 vi → Dm7 ii → G7 V

3. The I-ii-V-I with Turnarounds

Adding a turnaround can add complexity and pave the way for improvisation. A sample in C major is:

Cmaj7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 → A7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7

4. The Blues Progression

The 12-bar blues progression is a cornerstone of jazz and blues. It consists of three chords and typically moves in a cycle of dominant seventh chords. A common example in C major is:

12-bar blues in C: C7 → F7 → G7 → C7 Expanded: F7 → C7 → G7 → C7 F7 → G7 → C7 → G7 C7 → G7 → C7 → F7

5. The Minor ii-V-i Progression

Suitable for minor keys, the ii-V-i progression provides a strong harmonic resolution. In C minor, it looks like:

ii → V → i In C minor: D7 ii → G7 V → Cm7 i

These progressions can be further expanded by adding substitutions, tensions like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, and different rhythmic patterns. This complexity is what makes jazz chord progressions such a rich and rewarding area of study.

Common Chord Substitutions and Altered Chords

While the basic progressions are essential, jazz musicians often add variety and depth by using common chord substitutions and altered chords. For instance, a Cmaj7 chord might be substituted with a C7, a Cm7 with a Cm9, or a G7 with an F#7. Adding tensions such as the 9th, 11th, or 13th can also significantly alter the sound and feel of a progression. Similarly, rhythmic alterations can create interesting syncopations and grooves.

In the context of the A1 progression mentioned in the passage, the use of common and diminished chords can help create a sense of harmonic clash, which can be particularly effective in providing tension and release. The example given:

A1: Bb6 G-7 C-7 F7 D-7 G-7 C-7 F7 Bb7 Bb7/D Eb7 Edim7 Bb6/F F7 Bb6 A2: Bb6 G-7 C-7 F7 D-7 G-7 C-7 F7 Bb7 Bb7/D Eb7 Edim7 Bb6/F F7 Bb6 B: D7 G7 C7 F7 A3: Bb6 G-7 C-7 F7 D-7 G-7 C-7 F7 Bb7 Bb7/D Eb7 Edim7 Bb6/F F7 Bb6

shows how these progressions can be seamlessly incorporated into a larger harmonic framework, providing both a foundation and opportunities for improvisation.

The Real Book is a popular reference for jazz musicians, and the chord changes mentioned here, such as the A1 progression, can provide valuable insights into how jazz musicians have structured their compositions. They offer a balance of simplicity and complexity, allowing for both structured compositions and spontaneous improvisation.

Ultimately, mastering jazz chord progressions is an art that requires both theoretical understanding and practical application. Whether you are a seasoned jazz player or just beginning, these progressions serve as a valuable starting point for creating and interpreting the rich harmonic language of jazz.