Theory II: seventh chords and the ii–V–I
Move from triads to the four-note chords jazz is built on, harmonise the major and minor scales in sevenths, master the ii–V–I in major and minor, and learn to read a real chord chart.
- Spell every common seventh chord (maj7, 7, m7, m7b5, dim7, mMaj7, 6, m6) from any root and recognise it by ear
- Play root-position drop-2 and drop-3 shapes for all eight qualities and arpeggiate them in position
- Harmonise the major scale in seventh chords, name each chord by Roman numeral and by function, in all twelve keys
- Play and hear the major ii–V–I and the minor iiø7–V7b9–i, including their guide-tone voice leading
- Read a lead sheet fluently: symbol aliases, slash chords, rhythmic notation, repeats, endings, D.S. al Coda, and the layout of a blues and an AABA chart
Module 2 gave you intervals, scales, triads and Roman numerals. This module adds the fourth note. Almost every chord symbol on a jazz chart is a seventh chord or an extension of one, and almost every progression in the repertoire is a chain of ii–V–I cadences in major or minor. By the end of these five lessons you will be able to look at a chart, understand what every symbol means, hear how the chords pull towards each other, and play each one in at least two four-note shapes. Modules 4 and 8 build the complete voicing vocabulary on top of this; Module 7 builds the improvising vocabulary. Work the lessons in order, and keep the daily arpeggio drills going throughout.