Crazy Turnarounds And Wrong Blues Scales🎹 Jazz Piano College

Hey there, fellow explorers of the sonic cosmos! Today, I'm going to take you on a musical journey where we delve into the enigmatic world of jazz, that genre where dissonance is embraced, and creativity knows no bounds. Picture yourself at the Savoy, and let's begin this fascinating voyage!

The Crazy Chords: A Playground for the Audacious

What's jazz without a few jaw-dropping chords? We're kicking things off with a chord that not only defies convention but thrives on it. This audacious creation comes straight from the hallowed halls of the Berkeley College of Music, and it's a mind-bending twist on a dominant seventh chord. Imagine a flat nine, a sharp nine, a sharp 11, and a 13, all mingling harmoniously in a single chord. It's like a musical paradox, a testament to the boundless imagination of jazz.

In this chord, the root nestles next to the flat nine, the third shares space with the 13th, and the sharp nine cozies up to the sharp 11. It's a concoction of musical brilliance that challenges our ears and leaves us wanting more. But jazz doesn't stop at just one daring chord.

The Art of Turnarounds: A Bottomless Well of Possibilities

Turnarounds in jazz are the secret spice that adds that extra kick to a musical stew. Think of them as musical diversions that keep your ears guessing. The possibilities are as endless as the universe itself.

Consider a simple 1-6-2-5 progression. Now, imagine the countless ways you can switch things up. Substitute the 6 with its tritone sibling, explore a multitude of bass note choices, and introduce a kaleidoscope of chord variations. Each combination opens doors to a new musical realm.

The beauty of jazz lies in its infinite diversity. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about bending them, twisting them, and breaking them in the most exquisite ways. Jazz offers us a vast, uncharted territory where creativity knows no limits.

The Bridge: Conquering the 'Bad' Keys with Blues Magic

Jazz isn't always a walk in the musical park. When you're navigating the treacherous terrain of 'bad' keys, like F sharp, B, and E, it's like traversing through a jungle of sharps and flats. Why are these keys 'bad'? Well, it's mainly because of the preferences of the horn players who dominate the jazz landscape. They have their sweet spots, and jazz composers have to figure out how to work with them.

So, what's the solution? It's all about embracing the blues. And I don't mean just any blues scale, but the one that's built from the E flat blues scale. Jazz aficionados affectionately refer to this as the "major blues scale" or the "happy blues scale." It's got a unique flavor that fits perfectly in the world of jazz.

Even when you're exploring other blues scales, like the more conventional one, you find that certain notes keep making appearances. These scales are like the artist's palette, and jazz musicians are the painters, creating masterpieces with each brushstroke.

So, in the key of F sharp, this blues scale transforms into a pentatonic wonderland, offering a fresh perspective. And for B, we take a detour to the flat blues scale, while E leads us to the D flat blues scale. Each scale unveils its own set of emotions, and jazz is all about weaving them into a tapestry of sound.

Arpeggios and Augmented Chords: The Final Flourish

As we wrap up our jazz expedition, let's touch on the delightful world of arpeggios. Picture an augmented chord that dances with elegance, adding a final flourish to our musical journey. It's a reminder that jazz is not just about chords and scales but about intricate, soul-stirring patterns and melodies.

And as our musical adventure nears its end, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, subscribing, and embracing the magic of jazz. Remember, jazz is not just a genre; it's a universe waiting to be explored, a canvas for your imagination, and a playground for the audacious.

In the end, it's the crazy chords, the daring turnarounds, the bluesy scales, and the mesmerizing arpeggios that make jazz what it is—a symphony of creativity and a testament to the boundless possibilities of human expression through music. So, keep exploring, keep pushing boundaries, and keep jazz alive.