Playing Jazz Charts

Unlike classical compositions, most jazz compositions are written in a kind of shorthand - the melody is written out, but the harmony is represented by chord symbols, and the rhythmic feel is called out in a word or two at the top of the page. If it's a swing feel, the melody may be written in 4/4 or 3/4, but there is an implied triplet feel which if written out, would look more like a 12/8 than a 4/4 time.

The players are left to interpret the harmony as they choose - voice leading, chord extensions and sometimes alterations are part of the improvisation. In order to make this work, the pieces are generally short structures (32 bars used to be typical for show tunes, for example; blues is usually 12 bars). These structures repeat so the piece becomes variations on a set harmony as well as variations on the melodic theme.

For a student learning to improvise, the task of playing melodies on a set chord structure is the main skill to learn, one can play their scales and chords and can play the thematic melodies of the tunes. In order to become fluent at this, you have to learn chord connection and voice leading. Here are two exercises that will help:

1. Take the chord progression and start on the third or seventh step of the first chord. Create a stepwise (whole and half-steps) descending line just using the thirds and sevenths. Notice that when the roots change in fifths (Am7 to D7 to GM7, for example), the thirds turn into sevenths and the sevenths into thirds. For example, in the above progression, you can play the notes:

C (third of Am) to C (seventh of D7) to B (third of GM7).

Or, you can play:

G (seventh of Am7) to F# (third of D7) to E (seventh of GM7).

2. Start at your lowest note that fits in the first chord and ascend, with the next note fitting the second chord, etc. When you get to your highest note, turn around and descend the same way. Vary this by using two notes per chord, or three, or four notes per chord. this teaches stepwise chord connection.

You can also do this exercise with arpeggios - i.e. limiting yourself to chord tones (1,3,5,7).

Try these first with very simple progressions - just two chords, and build up to more complex changes. Then try it with larger intervals.

David Widelock is a jazz guitarist who would love it if you visit his web site at
http://beegumrecords.com/

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Your Guitalele Questions on Chord Charts and Tuning Answered

The Guitalele (sometimes incorrectly spelled "Guitarlele") may be new to you now but you're sure to hear much more about this unique instrument in the months to come. The Guitalele (GL-1) was originally introduced by the Yamaha Corporation in 1997. But only now, in 2011 given the huge popularity of the Ukulele around the world has it been made available in the US. Many musicians refer to the Guitalele as half guitar and half ukulele. In truth it's much more than that. This unique mini six string instrument is the size of a baritone ukulele (17" inch scale) or you could say like the size of a small guitar. It has nylon strings similar to the classical guitar but it's tuned more like a Ukulele. The Guitalele's tuning is pitched up to (A - or up a 4th) at (ADGCEA). Think of a guitar with a capo on the 5th fret. The Guitalele's top four strings (GCEA) are the same as the Ukulele. The bottom two strings (AD) add a bit of bass.

Though the Guitalele can be tuned by ear you may find it easier to tune the Guitalele with a clip on chromatic tuner. Popular stringed instrument tuner brands include the Snark SN-2 and the Korg CA-1 or CA-30. Many of the chord shapes that are played on the Guitalele are the same shapes that are played on the guitar. However a D-chord played on the guitar becomes a G-chord when the same shape is played on the Guitalele. An E-chord shape played on the guitar becomes an A-chord when the same shape is played on the Guitalele, and so forth. For those of you that would prefer not to transpose chords up or down in your head as you play your Guitalele you might find it easier to have a chord chart specifically for the Guitalele.

One thing for sure about Yamaha's Guitalele (GL-1) is that it's both fun and easy to play for all ages. You also appreciate the small travel size of the Guitalele that makes it easy to take anywhere; when hiking, to the beach, mountains, to school, or just jamming with friends, you name it. But don't be fooled by its small size. The tone is rich and mellow and it's amazingly loud too.

The GL-1 Guitalele from Yamaha isn't a toy but instead a fine musical instrument that's built with the same top quality that Yamaha builds into its acoustic guitars. For those of you that are experienced players you'll love the unique tone that the Guitalele will add to your music.

To get your free Guitalele chord chart you can do so by visiting our website at ParadiseUkes.com. Not only will you find our Guitalele chord chart you'll also see that we've included a way for you to tune the Guitalele by ear if you don't have an electronic tuner.

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