This informative volume provides a chord reference for any pianist wanting to learn to play jazz. Starting with the most basic intervals, the text explains how chords are built and how they are used in different performance settings. After covering the basics, advanced chord types such as 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, drop voicings, and the blues chord are presented and explained. The functions of chords are described, as are substitutions, clusters, and polytonal clusters. Numerous charts are provided which can be helpful for practicing and for quick and easy reference as to which can be used with given bass notes. The Melody Harmonization Charts show chords based on fourths. Learning to use these chords will help the pianist play with more harmonic variety, color, and interest.

Intervals
Inversion, complimentary intervals, consonant intervals, dissonant intervals, series of overtones, compound intervals, enharmonic spelling, diatonic, chromatic.
Chords
Triad, major, minor, augmented, diminished, suspended chords, relative stability, color, dominant group, 6th chord.
Piano Chords

Four Way Close Voicing

Open Voicing

Drop Voicing

Left Hand Voicing

Three and Four Note Voicing

Fourth Voicing

Root and Seventh Voicing

Third and Seventh Voicing

Blues Chord

Right Hand Upper Voicings

Ninth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth

Polychords/Triads as Upper Voicings

Suspended Fourth Voicings

All-Four Voicings

Alteration of the Upper Voicings

Split Ninth Chords

Function of Chords in a Key

Alternative Bass

Substitution
3rd substitution, tritone substitution, substitution by a group of chords, half step off substitution
Clusters

Polytonal Clusters

Block Chords

Chord Function

Chords Library by Key:
Key of C
Key of C#
Key of D
Key of Eb
Key of E
Key of F
Key of F#
Key of G
Key of Ab
Key of A
Key of Bb
Key of B
Chords Library by Melody Note:
Harmonizing C or B#
Harmonizing C# or Db
Harmonizing D
Harmonizing Eb or D#
Harmonizing E or Fb
Harmonizing F or E#
Harmonizing F# or Gb
Harmonizing G
Harmonizing Ab or G#
Harmonizing A
Harmonizing Bb or A#
Harmonizing B or Cb
Quartal Harmonies
Key of C
Key of C#
Key of D
Key of Eb
Key of E
Key of F
Key of F#
Key of G
Key of Ab
Key of A
Key of Bb
Key of B
Spelling Suggestions

About the Author