12 Essential Jazz Guitar Chords - Beginner Jazz Guitar Lesson | Toolbox 2.1

In this lesson, we'll cover six fundamental chord types essential for jazz guitarists. Mastering these chord shapes will give you a solid foundation and open up your jazz comping, improvisation, and arranging.

Six Core Chord Types

1. Major Seventh (Maj7)
2. Dominant Seventh (7)
3. Sixth (6)
4. Minor Seventh (m7)
5. Minor Seven Flat Five (m7♭5)
6. Diminished Seventh (dim7)

Each of these chords will be explored with roots on both the sixth (low E) and fifth (A) strings, providing twelve essential shapes. By the end of this guide, you'll have the tools to start incorporating these chords into your playing.

Sixth-String Root Chords

Let’s begin with C-rooted chords on the sixth string (low E). These will serve as solid starting points for chord voicings.

1. C Major Seventh (Cmaj7)

   • Sound: Rich and full, with a slightly melancholic quality.
   • Shape: Try a small A minor shape.
     

2. C Dominant Seventh (C7)

   • Sound: Adds tension, ideal for leading into other chords.
   • Tip: Mute the fifth string if you’re picking, or skip it altogether if playing fingerstyle.
     

3. C Sixth (C6)

   • Sound: A softer major sound that’s lush but less intense than Cmaj7.
   • Shape: Root with your second finger to ensure reach.
     

4. C Minor Seventh (Cm7)

   • Sound: Warm, grounding, with a strong, stable feel.
   • Tip: Avoid the fifth string to keep the sound tight and clean.
     

5. C Minor Seven Flat Five (Cm7♭5)

   • Sound: Darker, mysterious, and often used in minor key contexts.
   • Tip: Start with the Cm7 shape and lower the top note.
     

6. C Diminished Seventh (Cdim7)

   • Sound: Unsettling, often used for tension or transition.
   • Tip: Use a partial barre with your index finger, and ensure precise string contact.
     
     
     

Fifth-String Root Chords

Now, let’s explore C-rooted chords on the fifth string (A string). These variations bring a fresh tonal palette and expand your ability to navigate the fretboard.

1. C Major Seventh (Cmaj7)

   • Sound: Smooth, sophisticated.
   • Shape: A familiar bar shape featuring a “triangle” on the fretboard.
     

2. C Dominant Seventh (C7)

   • Sound: Provides drive and is essential in jazz for resolving to tonic chords.
   • Tip: Remove one finger from the Cmaj7 shape for an easy transition.
     
     
     

3. C Sixth (C6)

   • Sound: Adds a soft, jazzy touch to major chords.
   • Tip: Use your second finger on the root for a comfortable reach.
     
     
     

4. C Minor Seventh (Cm7)

   • Sound: Classic minor sound with rich harmonic texture.
   • Tip: This shape closely resembles the C7 but with a minor third.
     

5. C Minor Seven Flat Five (Cm7♭5)

   • Sound: Essential in minor ii-V progressions.
   • Tip: All fingers are in play—consider a partial barre if it feels more natural.
     

6. C Diminished Seventh (Cdim7)

   • Sound: Creates a sense of suspense.
   • Tip: Mirror the sixth-string version with your second finger on the root for consistency.
     
     
     

Practice Tips for Integrating These Chords

Apply Chords to Jazz Standards

Start by applying these shapes to popular standards. Check our site for chord charts to tunes like "Autumn Leaves," "Summertime," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "All the Things You Are." These songs often contain the chords discussed here, making them ideal practice material.

Using the PDF Guide

If you’re not ready for a fake book yet, don’t worry! We’ve got a downloadable PDF guide that includes smooth chord transitions in common jazz keys (like F, Bb, and Eb) for an easy start.

Listen and Associate

Lastly, rely on your ear. When you play each chord, take a moment to listen to its unique sound and feel. Build an association between each chord’s sound and its visual shape on the fretboard. This habit strengthens muscle memory and accelerates learning.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap on these six essential jazz guitar chords! With regular practice, these shapes will become the foundation for your jazz comping and improvisation. Questions? Drop them in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications on our next lesson.

Happy practicing, and see you on JazzGuitarLessons.net!