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Learning chords in Jazz can seem overwhelming as there are so many to learn. A good place to start is by learning tunes, then learn which chords you need for that tune. A lot of Jazz can be played by knowing 5 chord types, so eventually will need to learn these in all keys.
MAJOR
There are two different major Jazz chords, the 6th and the major 7th.
MINOR
The minor chord used most is the minor 7th. Minor chords can also be minor 6th and minor major 7th.
DOMINANT SEVENTH
Dominant 7th is probably the most common chord in Jazz.
DIMINISHED
The diminished chord repeats the same shape every 3 frets.
HALF DIMINISHED (aka MINOR SEVEN FLAT FIVE)
The half diminished chord is used much less than the other 4 groups in older Jazz, much more in 1950s and later Jazz.
Practice and get familiar with these chord voicings. A PDF file with 2 voicings for each of these chord types is below.
MAJOR
There are two different major Jazz chords, the 6th and the major 7th.
MINOR
The minor chord used most is the minor 7th. Minor chords can also be minor 6th and minor major 7th.
DOMINANT SEVENTH
Dominant 7th is probably the most common chord in Jazz.
DIMINISHED
The diminished chord repeats the same shape every 3 frets.
HALF DIMINISHED (aka MINOR SEVEN FLAT FIVE)
The half diminished chord is used much less than the other 4 groups in older Jazz, much more in 1950s and later Jazz.
Practice and get familiar with these chord voicings. A PDF file with 2 voicings for each of these chord types is below.
| 5_chord_types.pdf |
Players interested in mandolin chord study can check out my books
Jazz Chording for Mandolin
and
Chord Melody and Drop 2 Chords for Mandolin