Jazz Head Arrangement Tutorial: Exploring Jazz Harmony and Voicing307

Jazz head arrangements are a fundamental aspect of jazz music, providing a structured harmonic foundation for improvisation. They involve creating a harmonic framework based on the original melody, allowing musicians to explore jazz harmony, voice leading, and chord embellishments.

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating a jazz head arrangement, focusing on the harmonic principles and voicing techniques commonly used in jazz. We will use the popular jazz standard "Autumn Leaves" as an example to demonstrate the concepts.

Step 1: Harmonic Analysis

Begin by analyzing the original melody of "Autumn Leaves." Identify the chord progression and the key center. For "Autumn Leaves," the chord progression is:

Dm7 | G7 | Cm6 | Fmaj7 | Bbmaj7 | Ebmaj7 | Abmaj7 | Dm7 | G7 | Cm6

The key center is D minor.

Step 2: Creating Extensions and Alterations

Once you have analyzed the chord progression, start creating extensions and alterations to enrich the harmony. Jazz musicians commonly use extended chords, such as 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, to add color and complexity to their arrangements. Additionally, altering chords by adding tensions, such as flat 9ths or sharp 11ths, can create unique and dissonant sounds.

For example, the following extensions and alterations can be added to the Dm7 chord:
Dm9 (add 9th)
Dm11 (add 11th)
Dm13 (add 13th)
Dm7b5 (flat 5th)
Dm7#9 (sharp 9th)

Step 3: Voicing the Chords

Voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. In jazz, chords are often voiced in a way that highlights their harmonic qualities and provides a foundation for improvisation. There are various voicing techniques used in jazz, such as:
Shell voicings: Using only the root, 3rd, and 5th of a chord.
Drop voicings: Omitting one or more of the middle notes of a chord, such as dropping the 5th or 7th.
Slash chords: Indicating a chord with a bass note different from the root, such as G/B (G major with a B bass).

For "Autumn Leaves," you can try the following voicings for the Dm7 chord:
Dm7 shell voicing: D - F - A
Dm7 drop 2 voicing: A - D - F
Dm7/C slash voicing: C - D - F - A

Step 4: Developing the Head

With the chords extended, altered, and voiced, you can now develop the head arrangement. This involves creating a melodic and rhythmic interpretation of the original melody, while incorporating the harmonic changes you have made. The head should provide a clear harmonic framework for improvisation.

Step 5: Improvising Over the Arrangement

Once you have created the head arrangement, you can start improvising over it. The extended chords and altered voicings provide a rich harmonic canvas for exploration. Jazz musicians often use techniques such as chord scales, arpeggios, and chromaticism to develop their improvisations.

Conclusion

Creating jazz head arrangements is an essential skill for jazz musicians. By understanding the harmonic principles and voicing techniques used in jazz, you can create unique and sophisticated arrangements that provide a solid foundation for improvisation. This tutorial has provided a step-by-step guide to help you develop your own jazz head arrangements, using "Autumn Leaves" as an example. Happy practicing!

2025-01-27

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