Jazz Foundations

Following the video on major 3rds, this video goes into more depth, with minor 3rds and circles of stacked intervals - as well as the diminished 7th chord.

Table source: Strung Out? Fret Not!

We've seen how stacked Major 3rds and minor 3rds make up the seventh chords. Here is a quick way to memorize what Major 3rds look like on your keyboard. In the next video, you will also learn how to visualize minor 3rds, enabling you to effortlessly compose your seventh chords on the fly.

Transferring existing skills from classical music to jazz, to play your first piece by ear. Erratum: This episode has been updated to incorporate a correction at the 16:30 minutes mark.

An overview/recap of all we've seen - putting the pieces together to see the big picture. Broad introduction to tonal theory and modes (will be seen more in-depth in upcoming videos).

What would happen if you played the I7, ii7 and V7 chords side-by-side, from a same base note? They sure look similar - but would they sound similar, too? How does one transpose chord qualities?

Erratum: I have updated the video to correct a small mistake around the 2:38 min mark → F major key signature.

Have you ever wondered "why"? Why is the ii7 chord minor? Why does a key "work" with a certain chord? Why do we talk about function? Or how - how are those chords made? Where do they come from? This video walks beginners in considerable detail through diatonic chords. Links back to the stacked thirds video (tree) from earlier on this podcast.

Why do we have the naming conventions that we do? Why are the chords named in such a complicated manner, from a beginner's perspective? What if it turned out to be an exciting gateway?

What are diatonic chords? How do they relate to the scale you are playing? Does a chord belong to the key you're in? (Hint: if it does, it makes it all the better to improvise on)

Link to Podcast Episode on Stacked Thirds (Tree) : https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mvaxwz29VxPworAYscCZq?si=LAbPHIORSC6kfioJajxKog

We look at three targeted strategies to sight-read notes, based on the area of placement on the staff.

We look at two strategies to sight-read melodic lines in lead sheets. These are meant as "emergency skills" when you do not have enough time to ramp up on a full scale. Alternatively, it can be used as a first step before diving into more depth (videos to come).