10 Basic Jazz Chords

Intermediate Grade 6 Jazz Introduction & Basics
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View the full lesson at 10 Basic Jazz Chords | JustinGuitar

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Is it bad to use thumb to fret the root note when starting to learn this? I’m naturally doing this on alot of these, but I am worrying if it will cause issues in the long run.

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It depends on how formal you want t get I think. I have the ‘Al Di Meola guide to Chords, Scales and Arpeggios’. His recommended fingerings for learning and practicing chords never involve the thumb. But then I’m pretty sure some Jazz players do do it, particularly if you are moving a walking bass line around. There’s probably no right or wrong. Maybe try both ways! And get out of the comfort zone a little.

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sir , i have been on it for a couple of days, but the g string is just not happening. (minor 7th root 5)
normally i would curve my barre finger as taught by Justin in the beginner course, but the curve or even flatenning the finger is not helping it.
any tips??

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Id say use your thumb when that’s the best way to get the sound you want. Thumbs can mean that you move faster on the fretboard between chords. However, for some chords - or where you are after a cleaner sound on the root - or the transition doesn’t lend itself to the thumb approach - use your fingers. Loads of great players use their thumbs - but no not in classical music. I say do what makes your music yours!

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Curious what the prerequisite is for starting the Jazz modules. I understand that the blues is an essential prerequisite however there are many blues modules in both grade 4 & 5. Are all necessary? At what point should I approach this genre?

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As a Blues player, who started delving into Jazz about a year ago, I’d say the following;

  • An intermediate+ level guitar proficiency.

  • Basic proficiency/ familiarity with at least
    Maj7,min7, dom7 chords across the neck ; and preferably some exposure to 9th,13th, diminished chords.

  • Solid chord construction knowledge/ being able to build/ understand chords in various voicings.

  • Some good foundational theory knowledge.

  • A good working knowledge of chord progressions and basic harmony.

Of course, nothing is written in stone; but I’d imagine without the above at some reasonable level, you could become overwhelmed pretty quickly.

Thats why Justin puts it at the very end of his course. Jazz alot fun though; quite challenging at times, but a great teacher.

Cheers, Shane

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