Basic Jazz Chords

The most basic chord formation is a triad, consisting of the root, 3rd and 5th.

Jazz rarely uses triads: chords usually have at least four notes so the diatonic 7th is added (ex 1b). Added notes beyond the 7th are called upper extensions We shall be looking at chord types in two ways:

A. As chords functioning diatonically within a key
B. As different types of chords based on one root, which can function in various keys

Here, you will find the overview about basic chord relations and uses within a specified context.