JAZZ PIANO THEORY – Circle of Fifths & Circle Progression

In this jazz piano video tutorial made by Walk That Bass, you are going to learn what the “Circle of
Fifths” is, why it’s called ‘the Circle of Fifths’ and how to use it.

“This Jazz Piano Tutorial is about the Circle of Fifths (AKA The Cycle of Fifths, AKA The Circle of Fourths,
AKA The Cycle of Fourths). . It is is especially useful for key two reasons:

1. It allows you to work out key signatures and see what keys are more closely related.

2. It is a VERY commonly used chord progression

Essentially, the cycle of fifths denotes the following points:

– moving to the right, each key signature adds a sharp: C, G, D, A, E, B, F#

– moving to the left, each key signature adds a flat: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb – all twelve intervals are
outlined and the closer two notes are, the more similar sounding the key will be. .”

JAZZ PIANO – Tonal VS Modal Harmony

In this jazz piano tutorial made by Walk That Bass, you are going to learn the difference between Tonal
Harmony and Modal Harmony.

“Tonality is a system of harmony created & used in the Common-Practice Period (that is, in the Baroque,
Classical and Romantic Eras of classical music), so from about 1700 to 1900. Tonal harmony is the
‘standard’ music theory that you learn through your classical music studies. And, in fact, most of my
other lessons presuppose or function within ‘tonal harmony’.

Tonality has the following features: – It uses Major and minor keys – It uses a Functional Harmony – It
has a Tonal Centre (i.e. root note)
Modality has the following features: – It uses all modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc.) – It does NOT use
a Functional Harmony – It has a Tonal Centre (i.e. root note) Modal harmony creates a more ambiguous
and vague sound and is now considered much more ‘modern’ than traditional tonal harmony and gives
improviser much more freedom and choice in their solo.”

JAZZ PIANO THEORY – Chord Extensions & Alterations

In this jazz piano theory tutorial made by Walk That Bass, you are going to learn what jazz piano chord
extensions and alterations are. The teacher covers how to think about, build and play extended chords.

” Basic chord structures:

– Major7 (1, 3, 5, 7) – can be extended

– minor7 (1, b3, 5, b7) – can be extended

– Dominant7 (1, 3, 5, b7) – can be extended

– Diminished (1, b3, b5, bb7) – CANNOT be extended

– Augments (1, 3, #5, b7 or 7) – CANNOT be extended

Chords can be extended with:

–9

– 11

– 13

And these extensions can be flattened or sharpened.

Other types of chords include

– Major6 (1, 3, 5, 6)

– minor6 (1, b3, 5, b6)

– sus4 (1, 4, 5)
– sus2 (1, 2, 5)

Chords are written with the highest extended note on top. So for example a

– C13 has the notes, C, E, G, B, D, F, A (includes the 9 and 11)

If you want to play just the 13 without the 9 and 11, you would write it as follows: – C7 add13

This denotes a dominant 7 chord with an added 13 (no 9 or 11)”