1. We’ll begin by looking at a simple 2-5-1 chord progression, and I’ll suggest one particular chord voicing. The 2 5 1 progression is one of the most ubiquitous jazz harmonic tools and you can use the ideas put forth to add sophisticated jazzy sound to any composition.
2. I’ll then have you begin transposing it. You’ll note how, by transposing the exact same voicing to different keys, you can create really rich jazz piano harmony progressions. There are countless jazz piano standards and even pop and soul songs that are built around the 2-5-1 progression, so learning it inside out and discovering interesting voicings for it is particularly valuable as you grow as a pianist.
3. I will conclude by showing you the exact same chord voicing and progression can sound completely different in a pop piano setting.
I hope you have fun! If you enjoy, don’t forget to share, like, subscribe and recommend this to others.
Related Jazz Piano Harmony Lessons:
Learn how to modulate between different keys using the 2-5-1 Progression:
My 4-part series on the 2-5-1 progression, the power-house of jazz harmony, which builds up concepts from scratch (you should really watch this if you want to build up your understanding of jazz piano) :
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDHKeUSERuI
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCmVhm8P02k
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tpUHANMacE
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqvCftV22I
Other Youtube Videos about Jazz Piano Harmony:
John Ferrara is a great pianist and teacher. You should check out his stuff!
Interesting chord voicings using block chords:
Wikipedia is another interesting resource concerning jazz piano, harmony and the 2-5-1 progression. To quote:
” … The authentic cadence (V-I) is the most important in both classical and jazz harmony, though in jazz it more often follows a ii/II chord serving as subdominant. Rawlins and Bahha: “The ii-V-I [progression] provides the cornerstone of jazz harmony” ”
Direct link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_harmony