Walk between chords - up a 4th

What is a "jazz chord"?

What is a jazz chord anyway?Is it different than other chords? Some people think the jazz chords are unique animals, but in actuality they are the same as any chords. Jazz chords indeed do have their own flavor, but that flavor is usually created through the skillful use of color tones and unique chord progressions. It is not unusual for a chord used in jazz to have 4 to 7 unique color tones added to the basic triad, and the subtlely with which the chords progress give them a one-of-a-kind feeling that is often associated with jazz. You will find that many fusion musicians also use similar chords. In fact if you look back in the works of Shostakovich  & Stravinsky & Milhaud and Debussy and others (and even Bach), you will find prophetic hints of complex chords that are now thought of as "jazz chords." 
But the easy answer is that jazz chords are just chords, however complex.

Learn to scout a song before you play it

It's always a good idea to scout a song before you play the song. In other words, take a look at the key signature and the time signature and see if there's any repeats in the song. In the key signature note which sharps or flats or being used. If there is one flat in the key signature then the song is in the key of F. if there are two flats in the key signature then the songs in the key of B. flat. If there are three flats in the key signature then the song is in the key of E. flat. If there are four flats in the key signature then the song is in the key of a flat. If there are five flats in the key signature, the key is D. flat. If there is six flats in the key signature, the song is in the key of G. flat.
 If there is one sharp in the key signature the song is in the key of G. If they are to sharps in the key signature the songs in the key of D. If there are three sharps in the key signature than the song is in the key of A.If there are four sharps in the key signature the song is in the key of E.  If there are five sharps in the key signature the song is in the key of B. if their sex sharps in the key signature of the song is in the key of F. sharp.
As far as time signatures are concerned, be sure to notice the top number of the time signature. That tells you how many counts are in each measure. The bottom number of the time signature tells you what kind of note gets one count.

Changing Keys

Modulation is a fancy word for key change -- switching from one key to another in a single piece of music. It is a common practice in composition (both classical and rock or pop) and can be used to a variety of effects. Modulation can be subtle and smooth or abrupt and startling. It can cast an eerie glow on a piece of music or completely change the mood and direction. The effect achieved, however subtle or abrupt, is largely dependent on the type of modulation used.


The most common type of modulation is called pivot chord modulation. In this type of modulation, the key changes based on a chord shared by both keys; the destination chord often has the same root note or quality as the original chord. This allows for a smooth, almost foreshadowed modulation. A good example of this is found in the last chorus of rock songs; this type of modulation is used there to an almost triumphant effect.

Another common type of modulation is pivot tone modulation. Similar to pivot chord, pivot tone modulation uses a common pitch to move from key to key. This type of modulation is also subtle, depending on the piece of music in which it is used. It can, however, be used to a startling effect if the two keys have few notes in common. In songs using pivot tone modulation, the common pitch is often sustained or repeated and used a bridge between the two keys.

The most abrupt kind of modulation is direct modulation. The name is exactly what is says it is: a direct modulation using no common note or chord to bridge the two keys. When used correctly, direct modulation is shocking and can easily change the song's mood. This type of modulation switches keys either at a phrase's end (phrase modulation) or at a point in the middle of the song (static modulation).