The Jazz Theory Book

Synopsis

Written in the language of the working jazz musician, this book is easy to read and user-friendly. At the same time, it is the most comprehensive study of jazz harmony and theory ever published. Via 500+ pages of text and more than 750 musical examples, it takes the student from the most basic techniques such as chord construction and the II-V-I progression through scale theory, the blues, "I've Got Rhythm" changes, slash chords, the bebop and pentatonic scales, how to read a lead sheet and memorize tunes and a study of reharmonization that is almost a book in itself. The author, Mark Levine, has worked with Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, and many other jazz greats.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Jazz Theory

* Introduces the basic concepts of jazz theory, including scales, chords, and rhythms.
* Example: The major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) is a common scale used in jazz.

Chapter 2: Major Scales and Chord Progressions

* Explores the seven major scales and their corresponding chord progressions.
* Example: The C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) corresponds to the C major 7 chord (C, E, G, B), the Dm7 chord (D, F, A, C), and the G7 chord (G, B, D, F).

Chapter 3: Minor Scales and Chord Progressions

* Introduces the five minor scales and their corresponding chord progressions.
* Example: The A minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A) corresponds to the Am7 chord (A, C, E, G), the Dm7 chord (D, F, A, C), and the G7 chord (G, B, D, F).

Chapter 4: Dominant Chords and Seventh Chords

* Examines dominant chords and seventh chords, including their construction and function.
* Example: The V7 chord (dominant seventh chord) in the key of C major is G7 (G, B, D, F), which creates tension and resolves to the I chord (C major).

Chapter 5: Extended Chords

* Discusses extended chords, such as 9th, 11th, and 13th chords, and their use in jazz harmony.
* Example: The Cmaj9 chord (C, E, G, B, D) adds a 9th (D) to the C major 7 chord, creating a more complex and rich sound.

Chapter 6: Rhythm and Time in Jazz

* Explores the rhythmic patterns and syncopations that define jazz music.
* Example: Swing time is a common jazz rhythm characterized by its alternating eighth and quarter notes, which create a "swinging" feel.

Chapter 7: Jazz Improvisation

* Provides techniques for improvising over jazz chord changes, including scale choices, melodic development, and rhythmic variation.
* Example: Improvising over the ii-V-I chord progression (Dm7-G7-Cmaj7) in the key of C major could involve using the D dorian scale, playing melodic lines that outline the chords, and varying the rhythm to create interest.

Chapter 8: Jazz Standards

* Analyzes popular jazz standards, such as "All the Things You Are" and "Autumn Leaves," and discusses their harmonic structure, melodic development, and rhythmic complexities.
* Example: The bridge of "All the Things You Are" features a chromatic progression (F#, G7b9, B7b9) that adds tension and interest to the song.