Understanding Jazz Chords

In this video we will look at what the Latin jazz chords are in a major key. We will also look at how these chords are constructed and give a few examples of common jazz progressions.

For this example, we’ll explore the chords in the key of C major.

We derive the chords in a key by building a triad (plus extensions) from each note of the scale. Let’s begin:

C triad is C E G with and added 7th note B we get C major 7

D triad is D F A and add 7th C = D minor 7

E triad is E G B plus D = E minor 7

F triad is F A C plus E  = F major 7

G triad is G B D F = G 7 (dominant 7)

A triad is A C E G = A min 7

B triad is B D F A = B min7 b5 or B hald diminished

Here are the chords used in the video:

In the member’s section, we’ll explore further chord voicings and chord progressions: