T Lesson 4A: 9th Chords Chords that include %hs, I!ths or 13ths are usually referred to as extended chords. Extended chords are generally used to enhance smaller chords, such as triads and 7th chords. This kind of thinking can make a chord progression more interesting and sound more musically sophisticated—it simply gives you more to listen to. One very important feature of jazz harmony is that chords can be freely substituted for other chords within their “family.” We can think of there being three basic “families:” major, minor and dominant. In other words, if the written chord progression contains a CMaj7 chord, you may replace it with a C6, CMaj9, CMajl3, or any other chord in the CC Major family. A Cmin7 could be replaced with a Cming, Cmin| |, Cmin!3 or any other CC minor chord. With dominant chords the same idea holds true. A C7 could be replaced with C9,CI1 or C13, Many students are surprised that this is possible. Yes, it will change the sound of the tune; and yes, that is perfectly alright. The chords you choose when playing a song help to define your own individual sound and style. ‘After some of these voicings become easy for you, try using them in songs you already know. Experiment freely, but let good taste dictate your choices. Velen eee The formula for a major 9th chord (Maj9) is: Root-3-5-7-9. In the key of C, that’s C-E-G- B.D. In F it’s F-A-C-E-G. QOo®+ ©» Oc O- Maio R379 3578 5937 sear ‘Chapter 3—Lesson 4A: 9th Chords 41