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Ultimate Guide to Jazz Reharmonization: Chord Progressions and Substitutions PDF 01-12

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Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Jazz Reharmonization! Jazz is a genre that thrives on creativity and improvisation. One of the most effective tools for musical expression within this genre is reharmonization. In essence, reharmonization involves altering the chords of a piece of music without changing its melodic aspects. This guide will explore the foundational elements of reharmonization, focusing on chord progressions and substitutions. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to enhance your jazz compositions and performances.

Table of Contents

What is Reharmonization?

Reharmonization is the art of changing the chords of a melody while keeping the original tune intact. It’s a common practice in jazz, where artists reimagine standard tunes to bring new life to familiar materials. Just as a painter can alter the colors of a landscape to evoke different emotions, a musician can change harmonic structures to achieve unique sonic outcomes.

The Importance of Reharmonization in Jazz

In jazz, reharmonization serves multiple purposes. It allows musicians to:

  • Enhance creativity: Musicians can explore different harmonic textures and colors.
  • Showcase skills: Reharmonization is a way to demonstrate sophisticated understanding of music theory.
  • Improvise effectively: Knowing various substitutions enables spontaneous creativity while performing.

Reharmonization keeps the music fresh, allowing both musicians and listeners to experience familiar melodies from a new perspective.

Basic Chord Progressions

Most jazz standards are built on fundamental chord progressions. The following are a few classic progressions that serve as the backbone for hundreds of jazz tunes:

  • I – IV – V – I: A quintessential progression in Western music.
  • ii – V – I: The cornerstone of jazz harmony, providing a smooth resolution.
  • I – vi – ii – V: Known for its strong tonality and versatility.

Understanding these progressions is crucial for any aspiring jazz musician. They form the basis for much of the reharmonization techniques discussed later in this guide.

Common Chord Substitutions

Substituting chords allows musicians to alter the feel and direction of a piece. Here are some of the most popular substitutions used in reharmonization:

1. Tritone Substitution

This involves replacing a dominant chord with another dominant chord located a tritone away. For instance, substituting C7 with F#7, which can create tension and resolution in a progression.

2. Diatonic Substitutions

Diatonic chords are constructed from the notes of a given scale. For example, in the key of C major, Am7 can substitute Fmaj7. This is a common way to create smooth transitions without veering off the harmonic structure.

3. Modal Substitutions

Incorporating chords from related modes can add depth to your reharmonization. For instance, using chords from the Dorian mode can color a minor progression with more complexity.

Modal interchange, or borrowing chords from parallel modes, is a powerful technique in jazz. By incorporating chords from a related mode, musicians can introduce fresh emotion into their progressions.

Take, for instance, borrowing a bVI chord from the parallel minor key to use in a major context. In the key of C major, this could be adding an Ab major chord. This brightens the harmonic palette while creating unexpected paths of resolution.

Using Chromaticism in Jazz

Incorporating chromatic chords can provide tension and release in your music. Chromaticism refers to the use of notes outside the traditional scale or key signature, offering rich hues to your compositions.

An example might be approaching a G7 chord by leading into it with a chromatic line such as F#7, which smoothly descends to F7 and resolves to G7. This method is particularly effective in the context of a jazz solo, creating an engaging narrative within your improvisation.

Examples of Reharmonization

To truly grasp the concept of reharmonization, let’s look at practical examples. Consider the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves.” The original progression employs the following chords:

  Gm7 - % - % - %

  C7 - % - % - %

  Fmaj7 - % - % - %

  D7 - % - Gm7 - D7

You can reharmonize this progression by applying some tritone substitutions and modal interchange. The reharmonized version could look something like:

  Gm7 - % - F#7 - %

  C7 - % - Fm7 - %

  B7 - % - E7 - %

  D7 - % - Gm7 - D7

This alteration introduces unexpected harmonic flavors while maintaining the integrity of the original melody.

Chord Progressions and Substitutions PDF 01-12

For those wanting to dive deeper into chord progressions, we have compiled a comprehensive PDF containing 12 sets of chord progressions and substitutions commonly used in jazz reharmonization.

The PDF covers:

  • Common II-V-I progressions
  • Modal interchange examples
  • Tritone substitutions
  • Usage in various jazz styles

This free PDF is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to expand their harmonic vocabulary. You can download it directly from our website.

For further reading, check out resources from Jazz Advice and Jazz Guitar.

Conclusion

Reharmonization is a potent tool in the arsenal of a jazz musician. By understanding basic chord progressions, knowing various substitutions, and leveraging modal interchange and chromaticism, you can enrich your compositions and performances. Armed with this knowledge, take the time to experiment with reharmonizing your favorite jazz standards. The musical landscape is ever expanding, and with your creative application of reharmonization techniques, the possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. What is the primary goal of reharmonization?

The main goal of reharmonization is to enhance a melody with new harmonic colors, making it fresh and interesting while maintaining the original tune.

2. Can reharmonization be used in other music genres?

Absolutely! While reharmonization is a hallmark of jazz, it can be effectively applied in various genres, including pop, classical, and rock music.

3. How do I start reharmonizing a piece of music?

Begin by understanding the original chord progression and melody. Then, experiment with various substitutions, modal interchange, and chromatic notes to find new harmonies.

4. Is reharmonization suitable for beginners?

While it may seem advanced, many reharmonization techniques can be learned and practiced at any skill level. Focus on simple substitutions and build complexity over time.

5. Are there common pitfalls to avoid in reharmonization?

One common pitfall is losing the essence of the original melody. Always ensure that any reharmonization enhances rather than obscures the original tune.