Mel Bay Jazz Piano Chords (Paperback)

by Misha V. Stefanuk (Author)
Key Phrases: upper voicings, temporary tonic, suspended chords, Dominant Structures, Minor Structures, Major Chords Chords-Harmonizing (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This informative volume provides a chord reference for any pianist wanting to learn to play jazz. Starting with the most basic intervals, the text explains how chords are built and how they are used in different performance settings. After covering the basics, advanced chord types such as 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, drop voicings, and the blues chord are presented and explained. The functions of chords are described, as are substitutions, clusters, and polytonal clusters. Numerous charts are provided which can be helpful for practicing and for quick and easy reference as to which can be used with given bass notes. The Melody Harmonization Charts show chords based on fourths. Learning to use these chords will help the pianist play with more harmonic variety, color, and interest.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications (July 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786653582
• ISBN-13: 978-0786653584
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #302,167 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Guide!, November 23, 2003

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

"Jazz Piano Chords" is a well-thought-out and equally well-layed-out book for the beginning as well as the more experienced jazz pianist. There are many chord dictionaries on the market, but this one is specifically designed for jazz pianists, and it goes into detail about how chords are structured and when to use and not use specific types of chords. Preceding the chord charts are about twenty-five pages of text with explanations of the basics of what intervals and chords are and how they function in different musical settings (solo piano, as an accompanist, in a combo, etc.). The text then moves into voicings and a thorough exploration of the various kinds of chords with many charts to illustrate how these chords are built and used. Next follow the chord charts for all keys, charts of chords used for harmonizing in all keys, and charts of quartal harmonies in all keys. The final chart is spelling suggestions for the various chords. An award-winning jazz pianist as well as a composer of many different styles of music, Misha Stefanuk shares a wealth of knowledge in a concise and very readable fashion. An easy-to-use reference book as well as an excellent textbook, it is recommended for any pianist who wants to learn how to play jazz and to understand the fundamental structure of jazz piano.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide to playing jazz piano chords, September 4, 2001

By	Lee Prosser (Foyil, Oklahoma, USA) - See all my reviews

Jazz pianist Misha V. Stefanuk has created a concise, well-constructed reference guide to playing jazz piano chords in his book, JAZZ PIANO CHORDS. Pianists will love playing with this book and experiencing the chord changes. This is one of the finest books of its type to appear in recent years, and it cover topics in a comprehensive manner. There is a section on clusters, polytonal clusters, and block chords. Interestingly written, the entire book is a nice reference to have at home near your piano, something to refer to often for its wide variety.

Sections concerning open voicing and drop voicing are included and of special note is blues chord on page 16 for blues fans, and a section on split ninth chords. This is the type of keyboard reference material one needs to get started with as a beginner, and as a ready reference for those who are experienced jazz pianists.

Congratulations to Misha V. Stefanuk for putting this much needed material together into one book. JAZZ PIANO CHORDS by Misha V. Stefanuk is a winner. Five stars.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jazz Piano Reference, December 7, 2002

By	Valerie J Groomes (USA) - See all my reviews

Jazz Piano Chords by Misha V. Stefanuk is a great sourcebook for both beginning and experienced jazz pianists. Stefanuk simply explains the music theory of intervals, chords, voicing, harmonizing chords, substitutions and enharmonic spellings which lays the foundation for understanding the complexity of the sound and chord structures on the piano. He finishes the book up by spelling out every jazz chord that you would ever need in all keys.
All in all, a terrific compilation for any pianist interested in jazz!