The Ultimate Jazz Chord Guide - 12 Most Important Voicing Types

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  • Опубліковано 31 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 145

  • @JensLarsen
    @JensLarsen  Рік тому +11

    Which is your favorite jazz chord or voicing? 😎
    3 Basic Jazz Chord Exercises That Will Change Your Playing in 2024
    ua-cam.com/video/w1rW9WuqaLY/v-deo.html

    • @bluesvalentin
      @bluesvalentin Рік тому

      Love your videos, Jens. This is just for fun...
      ua-cam.com/video/gUeGvOV140w/v-deo.html&lc=Ugx3S-6ifg7R8P37W4R4AaABAg.A-IVvzcl58ZA-Idnr7g3D_
      1:48 - Jens Larsen steps in to the room (right up) "hey... are these guys playing jazz?"
      2:02 - Jans Larsen leaves the rooom "nop... they are not"

    • @sibusisogumede
      @sibusisogumede 11 днів тому

      What's the difference between shell voicing and drop voicing

  • @waynemiller6070
    @waynemiller6070 Рік тому +8

    I got invited to play guitar in our choir. One of the songs were doing is "a house is not a home". A lot of these voicings sound like things that I need to be doing in that song. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this comprehensive lesson.

  • @rickjensen2717
    @rickjensen2717 Рік тому +11

    At least six months study material here 👏!

  • @chrisegonmusic
    @chrisegonmusic Рік тому +40

    This has to be one of the most comprehensive and useful videos on this channel so far.
    Thanks a lot Jens.

  • @titosmith7942
    @titosmith7942 Рік тому +11

    Wow, this is a masterclass in chords in 16 minutes. There's so much good info here. Well done!

  • @teun958
    @teun958 Рік тому +6

    This is amazing. I have recently bought acces to the jazz guitar roadmap, which focusses mostly on the pharsing and improvisation side. This is probably the most comprehensive video about jazz chords I have ever seen, a must for someone who wants to develop their chords and soloing simultaniously. Thank you for all your effort!

  • @henryanderson2664
    @henryanderson2664 9 місяців тому +4

    This is the best vid I’ve found discussing drop voicings and inversions

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  9 місяців тому

      Thank you! Glad it was helpful

  • @KenPullen-l5o
    @KenPullen-l5o Місяць тому +1

    Thank you, Jens, this is incredible. So helpful. This will save me about a year of time, or more, and being almost 72 I want to become the best jazz guitarist I can. Don't have time to waste. I subscribe to your Patreon page and have learned so much from you. Thank you! I come back every day to hear and learn more.

  • @carloganz9628
    @carloganz9628 Рік тому +4

    Hey Jens,
    I would like to thank you for putting so much effort into the videos, I really appreciate that. Making the PDF available to us for free, is not a given.
    Thank you very much for that.

  • @LuizFelipeLima
    @LuizFelipeLima Рік тому +3

    The thing that amazes me the most is how you approach the same exercises/licks/arpeggios in sooooo many different ways throughout your videos. For me, it has been a super effective way to teach the most difficult thing in Music - not the lick itself, but the CONCEPT behind it.
    I don't feel like I'm learning jazz licks, I feel like I'm learning JAZZ. Thanks a lot, Jens!!!

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      I am really happy to hear that, Luiz!

  • @victorparra7780
    @victorparra7780 Місяць тому

    This is such a good video I have probably watched it 10 times by now and every time i remember something i have forgotten. I love your channel!

  • @CotBySloths
    @CotBySloths 8 місяців тому +1

    Back in the late 70's I took lessons from Bill Thrasher in Santa Barbara. Bill wasn't much on teaching theory or I just couldn't absorb it at the time. Bill once said that he auditioned for George Shearing and Shearing asked him if he could read music. Bill said that he replied "Not enough to hurt my playing".
    I have not picked up a guitar in about 50 years. Now that I believe I have the mental resources to study, I think I've got a chance to understand what I'm doing although the music well seems infinitely deep. Thanks for the incredibly helpful insights into guitar. For every 30 seconds of your videos I accumulate about two hours of practice and study. I'm about 6 months behind so far.

  • @billa6348
    @billa6348 Рік тому +7

    A phenomenal compendious reference for all guitarists, regardless of skill level. This is a keeper for daily practice routines. (Okay, all of your lessons are “keepers,” Jens, but this is a keeper on steroids). 😎 Thank you!!!

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      Haha! Thank you! 🙂

    • @chrisegonmusic
      @chrisegonmusic Рік тому +2

      Strongly agree.
      Going to keep coming back to this one.

  • @Aaaron333
    @Aaaron333 4 місяці тому +1

    Can't believe this lesson is free.
    Thank you.

  • @keeroe2020
    @keeroe2020 5 місяців тому +1

    Your videos are very dense (for a beginner/int) but I ❤️ your teaching style. I can always (and usually) rewind. Covered a lot of ground here.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  5 місяців тому

      You are so welcome! This video is indeed a bit of an encyclopedia 🙂

  • @1racepace
    @1racepace Рік тому +1

    GREAT lesson! You've packed so much useful info here. I believe investing time to build all these concepts into my musical muscle memory will take me far! Your ability to share your love and knowledge of music is much appreciated. Thank you Jens. 🧡

  • @steellemonstudios
    @steellemonstudios Рік тому +5

    New Jens Larsen video with an Yngwie reference? My day is made! Ha! Nice one, Jens. This is a handy one for us teachers, too.

  • @Jazzman-t9j
    @Jazzman-t9j 7 місяців тому

    My Fav voicing :- Drop 2 & 4, Shell voicing with the 3rd and also with the 5.
    Well explained and demonstrated with a lot of guidance ! Thank You 🙏♥🙏 Much Love & Respects !

  • @weets69
    @weets69 4 місяці тому

    What an incredible lesson vid. Can’t believe this is free. You da man Jens🤘

  • @bohnulus
    @bohnulus 7 місяців тому

    Hey Jens, really enjoyed all the examples you covered in this ( my favourite vid of yours so far ) as a bass player I make it a point of understanding SHELL CHORDS ( I use them all the time ) I love going through your 'Shorts Vids' and plucking your exotic ii-V7-I presentations to see what voicing you present ( that's the best part ) and applying them to my repertoire ( of SHELL CHORDS ) when my guitar player gets lost ( from time to time ) I can nudge him back with a subtle ( shell chord ) that sounds minimal and yet clearly what they appreciate to get back on track. I use them all the time to present a song I like, or have written. the looks get are always amazing. They really spell out the strength of the chord selection. see below a quick screen snap of my charting of intended Shell Chords -' totally cool. love what you do Jens.

  • @BinaryBard64
    @BinaryBard64 Рік тому +26

    Malmsteen's doing what he loves, lol. And I can't argue with him bc he's forgotten more about music than I'll ever know 😆

  • @gabrielwick2239
    @gabrielwick2239 Рік тому

    Jens you are the best to ever do it :D your teachings have made my rekindled passion for jazz guitar at age 19 easier than I could have ever hoped, excited to start the jazz roadmap course very soon here as well. Huge props from Wisconsin

  • @SeanMcQuilter_Music
    @SeanMcQuilter_Music Рік тому +1

    Best explanation of Drop voicings I’ve seen. Thanks!

  • @ericm7572
    @ericm7572 8 місяців тому +1

    You are such a good teacher. Great materials. Thanks much.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  8 місяців тому

      You're very welcome!

  • @milocero
    @milocero 9 місяців тому +1

    This video is gold, thanks a lot

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  9 місяців тому

      Glad you like it 🙂

  • @jamescopeland5358
    @jamescopeland5358 Рік тому +1

    Great lesson Jens I use drop 2 and 3 most of the time

  • @Reg523
    @Reg523 11 місяців тому +1

    Hey Jens... always great material. Thanks. Have you started to show how to musically organize use of extensions and expanding the learning of basic voicings or chords ... into chord patterns . It seems that the transition of learning how to organize voicings or chords into actually comping ... just doesn't happen for most. There must be an approach that helps.
    Thanks Reg

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  11 місяців тому

      Hi Reg! Glad you like it!
      This video is indeed more of an overview of voicings and a little bit about how they fit together, but not really about comping. The only thing that I feel it brings to the table is highlighting chords fit together across categories.
      The approach I have had the most luck teaching is what I discuss in this video: ua-cam.com/video/P-P-gM7VJx4/v-deo.htmlsi=ifCDGfEuWO0Z7iOT

  • @andyl3933
    @andyl3933 4 місяці тому

    Great lesson man. Very helpful.thanks for doing this!!

  • @stefanobonoli8783
    @stefanobonoli8783 Рік тому +2

    Ciao Jens, regarding names I suggest Almanac of Guitar Voice Leading by Mick Goodrick. In those 3 volumes he gave names to all possible three and four chords coming from Major, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor and Harmonic Major scales. I do not know anything more clear and comprehensive. Or maybe I am just influenced by all the hours I spent playing with him. ❤

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      Which names did he give those then?

    • @stefanobonoli8783
      @stefanobonoli8783 Рік тому

      Your number 3 are called Spread Clusters and the voicing CEBD is a Drop 2.

  • @WhiteBoar1483
    @WhiteBoar1483 11 місяців тому +1

    Another master class from JL. Thank you Jens, now I need to go get my head around it all 😮

  • @trombonemunroe
    @trombonemunroe 10 місяців тому +2

    Your #3 "shell-derived" is commonly called a 4-note spread voicing (you can do this with 5 voices as well). Bass is usually (but doesn't have to be) on the bottom, guide tones in the middle, melodic note or chord tone/available tension on top. You can optionally swap the bottom note out for a chord tone or available tension where appropriate.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  10 місяців тому +1

      Around here "4-note spread voicings" cover a lot of things, including drop2, drop3 and those families, but maybe it is different where you come from. The group I describe in the video is a closed shell-voicing with an added note a 3rd above the 7th which is quite specific.

    • @trombonemunroe
      @trombonemunroe 10 місяців тому

      @@JensLarsen Interesting! And to be fair, this information of mine dates from around 1978.

  • @tooselfish
    @tooselfish Рік тому +1

    Moin Jens Larsen,
    a very interesting and helpfull video with great lessons, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us
    greetings harry

  • @MikeBouchard
    @MikeBouchard Рік тому

    Is this going to be on the exam?
    This is such a great demonstration of voicings. You LITERALLY filled in alot of gaps in 16 minutes. cheers and bravo.

  • @turbo1234ist
    @turbo1234ist Рік тому +1

    Thanks Jen for great teaching!

  • @RodMitchell-x5v
    @RodMitchell-x5v Рік тому +1

    Awesome video Lars........Thanks so much........for all your hard work

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  11 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @BeachBrooks-s3o
    @BeachBrooks-s3o 3 місяці тому

    I love this way of approaching chords - I think some guitar players, including myself when I first started learning 7th chords and extensions, get stuck on complex, fascinating grips and forget to break down those whole shapes into simpler parts. Learn about the bricks before going straight to a three story house. Plus in jazz, the bass player will probably have that bottom note covered!

  • @bozakarlin9034
    @bozakarlin9034 Рік тому +2

    Great lesson, thanks.

  • @ricklaino6385
    @ricklaino6385 Рік тому +2

    Great lesson as usual Jens......!!!

  • @kennedycovers1465
    @kennedycovers1465 Рік тому +2

    Do you find yourself using inversions of drop 2 voicings on the inner four strings very often? Or more commonly on the high four strings? Great video! So nice to see voicings categorized like this

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      Thank you! Yes, the middle string-set Drop2 inversions are quite common and useful

  • @jeremykelker8908
    @jeremykelker8908 Рік тому

    Jens, the frets on that Ibanez always look great, like really nice to play.

  • @timwalsh9299
    @timwalsh9299 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you Jens, that was great!

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  7 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @1199ccttv
    @1199ccttv Рік тому

    amazing, this is another super useful lession. thanks a lot Jens

  • @СергейПротасов-к4ъ
    @СергейПротасов-к4ъ 10 місяців тому

    It is just content, just popular content for us the jazz geeks and composers I guess... And if you want and can you can also very learn something. What a nice job your doing mister Larsen!

  • @Thatdudeoverthere69420
    @Thatdudeoverthere69420 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you.

  • @Dang...
    @Dang... Рік тому +1

    Excellent, thank you.

  • @triguna7692
    @triguna7692 Рік тому +1

    Guy's if want to learn to play guitar,follow Jens were you learn play from inside express outside.thanks Jens 🙏

  • @davidbertus8629
    @davidbertus8629 Рік тому +1

    Great lesson as always Jens.
    Can you touch on the A7 in the CMaj chord progression you used in several examples?

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому +1

      It is a secondary dominant: ua-cam.com/video/8dp1upexGCQ/v-deo.html

    • @davidbertus8629
      @davidbertus8629 Рік тому +1

      It dawned on me about 5 minutes after I typed the comment that the A7 is the 5 of D min. Thanks for all your hard work in putting together the lessons.@@JensLarsen

  • @roro_fosho
    @roro_fosho Рік тому +1

    Hi Jens - love your channel and this video is stellar like all I've seen. I can't help but hear Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew" in this... I still have no idea why it is what it is, but it's some kind of Major 7th loop you can just keep going on forever if you play it. Am I far off or is there a connection here? This is that sample in ATCQ's 'Electric Relaxation'... reminds me of a ii-V-I progression where you can work your way around the circle chromatically and all 12 notes feel like they're in the same key. Then you have the bass play the root and it's like where are we, how are we?? The melody/voice leading or whatever going on b/w the chord changes seems to be the crux to my ear, but why is this so compelling?

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      Thanks! I don't know that song so I can't really speak to whether it sounds like a looping II V I

  • @c4tubo
    @c4tubo Місяць тому +1

    2:50 how does adding a high 5th (12th) turn the shell voicing, 1 7 3(10)), into a Drop 3? The 3(10) isn't dropped anywhere and the root note is still a 1 or 7 if you do not count the bass note. I'm so confused? Thanks in advance.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Місяць тому +1

      I can give you a video on how drop voicings work, but is it not easier just to recognize the shapes? That seems pretty obvious to me

    • @c4tubo
      @c4tubo Місяць тому

      @@JensLarsen Well, I like that you show us the voicings that work well for playing and sound great. It's just that calling a voicing a "Drop" voicing according to some formula but then call a chord that which doesn't follow the formula is confusing to me. But to your point, in the end the label "Drop X" is irrelevant to the actual melodic and harmonic possibilities allowed by particular voicings. My comment was really a question, not a critique, as I am still learning these things and am deeply grateful for all of your instruction that you provide gratis to the world.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Місяць тому +1

      @@c4tubo I was not thinking that it was a critique, no worries.
      Is this only confusing because you don't know what a drop3 voicing is?
      Keep in mind that if you do know them then this is linking two types of voicings in a way that makes you use both when playing, which to me is the bigger goal and something that is not taught very often.

    • @c4tubo
      @c4tubo Місяць тому +1

      @@JensLarsen I hadn't heard about Drop voicings until I watched your videos, which so far seem to be the best explanations that I have found. I guess there's a lot more to it than I understand. Before this I have only used "inversions", but by putting them together myself without knowing that there is a difference between an "inversion" (strict ordering?) and "drop" or other voicings. Mathematically with numeric combinations of 4, 5, or 6 distinct notes, a LOT of patterns are possible, especially with skipped strings. Note that I am using a P4 tuning which makes patterns across string groups consistent, but some traditional patterns impossible--though other ones become possible. Again, I greatly appreciated any enlightenment that you provide.

  • @cindercyan
    @cindercyan Рік тому +1

    very cool mr larsen!

  • @zaphodrahja
    @zaphodrahja Рік тому +1

    Sorry Jens, silly question, a bit OCD, did you lose your truss rod cover or do you just like to make frequent adjustments? Love your channel, cheers.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      I bought the guitar 2nd hand and I never had it

    • @zaphodrahja
      @zaphodrahja Рік тому +1

      @@JensLarsen Oh ok thanks, that's a great guitar, beautiful build quality, sounds so sweet.

  • @cbolt4492
    @cbolt4492 5 місяців тому +3

    1:31 Learning strategy

  • @lipanmesh
    @lipanmesh 3 місяці тому +1

    Ray Brown playing bass👍

  • @Attia29
    @Attia29 Рік тому +1

    Jens per cortesia potresti indicarmi ,dopo aver preso un meraviglioso Epiphone valvolare, compressore,riverbero e corde tomastik Vienna,che pick up montare sulla mia Sheraton Grazie Buona Musica🙏🤟🎸

  • @universemir
    @universemir Рік тому +1

    1:36 why is the fourth degree as maj7 instead of 7?

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому

      Try to stack 3rds in the scale and listen to the chord 🙂

  • @elrondhubbard9127
    @elrondhubbard9127 11 місяців тому +1

    The 2 note "shell voicing" aka the power chord 😁😁

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  11 місяців тому +1

      Yes, but also no... 😂

  • @Bladavia
    @Bladavia Рік тому +1

    Oh wow, I didn't know so many of these

  • @brandonbaker3063
    @brandonbaker3063 5 місяців тому

    Was that Ray Brown?

  • @cbolt4492
    @cbolt4492 Рік тому +1

    Catch this one later Jens 😎

  • @diegomaugeri4038
    @diegomaugeri4038 Рік тому

    Where the heck have you been all my life?!

  • @steellemonstudios
    @steellemonstudios 10 місяців тому

    ✅ Stella by Starlight
    ✅ Giant Steps
    ✅ Wonderwall
    What’s the view from the top look like, Jens?

  • @cbolt4492
    @cbolt4492 7 місяців тому

    5:31 good exercise

  • @Richglad
    @Richglad 9 місяців тому +1

    Can you show video about how many jazz chords are alike as C6 is Am7 & FM9 no Root 😂

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  9 місяців тому

      It's pretty old, but I talk about that here: jenslarsen.nl/play-standard-2-types-drop2-chords/

  • @liontone
    @liontone Рік тому +1

    I’ve waited for Yngwie to make a cameo for years! And boom!

  • @johnjacquard863
    @johnjacquard863 Рік тому +1

    sweet!

  • @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643
    @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643 Рік тому +1

    I'd like to see different ways and inversions to play maj9, min9 and add9 to spice up a chord progression.
    Michael Landau'ish

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому +1

      Use the chord from the 3rd, that is by far the easiest and will give you those colors

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  Рік тому +1

      So use an Fmaj7 over a Dm7 chord to get a Dm7(9) sound (not sure if you needed an example, but then you have one 🙂)

    • @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643
      @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643 Рік тому

      @@JensLarsen
      Yes.
      I've noticed how clever Landau is using the 3rd instead of the root.
      2 inversion?
      Sounds stellar

    • @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643
      @kjetilalexandersaltnes8643 Рік тому +1

      @@JensLarsen
      I've also noticed by Landau and Lukather, they like to use some open strings as well.. To spice things up.
      Ex. 0 10 9 8 7 0 0
      Could you make a video about how to spice things up adding some open strings as well?
      I love your channel, Jens!
      And I'm coming from a more blues-rock influence..
      But I like to add some jazz to my approach.
      This channel is great for that.
      So much wisdom and possibilities shown here on your channel. 👍👍
      Hi 5's! 🙏

  • @BL55
    @BL55 Рік тому +1

    Ray Brown?

  • @rustydomino
    @rustydomino Рік тому +1

    LMAO at the Yngwie cameo!

  • @daynemin
    @daynemin Рік тому +1

    Until i started putting all these lovely chords into progressions and functional harmony they didnt make sense. Love spread triads, very piano like.

  • @cbolt4492
    @cbolt4492 7 місяців тому

    2:31 more is more...

  • @vladledesma3765
    @vladledesma3765 11 місяців тому

    No double flat 7 on b chord , ok SUB minor : Smashing.

  • @JustinTrudeau1971
    @JustinTrudeau1971 Рік тому

    I move we name the chords “Barry Harris voicings.” And that bass player was American jazz legend Orenthal James Simpson.

  • @davidcarden3499
    @davidcarden3499 8 місяців тому +1

    Where do you start, how much$, how do you pay? What does it get you? Any books or printable material? I dont have or use a computer or printer but i can go to the library if needed. I need a book. You move too fast for me. Im kind of slow.

    • @JensLarsen
      @JensLarsen  8 місяців тому

      Maybe follow the link in the video description to my website?

    • @alanwindsor6383
      @alanwindsor6383 7 місяців тому

      A book by Dave Ness called Guitar in aJazz Ensemble is really useful. It certainly helped me go step by step into jazz chords with very little pain andych joy.

  • @mer1red
    @mer1red Рік тому

    The jazz concept of drop chords is an incomplete attempt with limited possibilities to describe the stacking order (voicing) of the chord. It is not present in general music theory, which offers other and better ways to render this with a symbolic notation. Inversion is a clear and useful term, which of course needs additional details if you want to specify a very specific voicing. I use the latter approach because I don't see the need for an additional concept. Music is music.

  • @jambertin54
    @jambertin54 11 місяців тому

    When it comes to Metal players, we know nothing of Jazz! Lol also there are a lot of weird things in metal music. Sometimes it doesn't really follow a key.

  • @Master-AGN
    @Master-AGN 4 дні тому

    I tried to use Facebook, but I don’t use Meta because it’s the incarnation of evil. I’ll have to look for another teacher.

  • @HelmutLosert
    @HelmutLosert 10 місяців тому

    For me is the question,what is the right jazz sound?
    In Mainstream Jazz.but who is with other thinking?
    I think,and the great Larry Coryell says,take and play all,what is liked for you,NO LIMIT.LIMITS are a thing from religious fanatic man,but in Music? RULES are liked,that she can broked.sorry,its my line to play music.
    Greetings Paco

  • @Ana_crusis
    @Ana_crusis Рік тому

    This ad is everywhere and it's extremely irritating. Also WTF is _worship_ guitar?

  • @cliberg
    @cliberg Рік тому +1

    THANKS for an amazing lesson! So much there…

  • @BeachBrooks-s3o
    @BeachBrooks-s3o 3 місяці тому

    I love this way of approaching chords - I think some guitar players, including myself when I first started learning 7th chords and extensions, get stuck on complex, fascinating grips and forget to break down those whole shapes into simpler parts. Learn about the bricks before going straight to a three story house. Plus in jazz, the bass player will probably have that bottom note covered!