LearnJazzPiano.com archives: question about piano chords

brother41 -- 12/24/2006, 09:50:15 -- #31946

this is my first time using this site and im looking at the The Basics for jazz piano and it tells me for example, that a C major 7 is E, G, B, D which im sure is right because it sounds good, but then when i go to this chord page on pianoworld.com: http://www.pianoworld.com/fun/vpc/piano_chords.htm    it says a c major 7 is C, E, G, B. This is the same for a lot of the chords. Could someone PLEASE clarify or explain to me whats right? Thanks so much.

wdennissorrell -- 12/24/2006, 10:27:08 -- #31946

The actual C major chord is C, E, G, & B. Often when playing, the bass will play the root of the chord which is the C. It then becomes over emphasized and basically not as interesting musically. Usually there is no need to reinforce the root. If it is played by the pianist at all, it is not played in the right hand. If you are playing alone you can play the root in the left hand and the rest of the notes in the right, this is for simplicity's sake as you can play several note with the left and none of them are necessarily the root. Scot has a saying "No roots in the right hand". That is a good fundamental precept. The D is listed because it is the ninth of the C major chord. There are several other permutations that are available also. I recommend that you visit Albetan's area and 7's for more instruction (also see 7's site www.jeff-brent.com for more insight. Don't get frustrated at first. Read and re-read the instructions and try to apply what you have read. Remember, IMHO there are no rights and wrongs, if it sounds good then it is good. Welcome aboard. Peace out.

Scot -- 12/27/2006, 08:03:54 -- #31946

Brother41 - you didn't read the entire lesson!  It explains in big black letters why the CM7 chord is spelled EGBD instead of CEGB.

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