Basic Jazz Chords

Basic jazz guitar chords are typically 7th's. In our maps below, we use the E, A, and D chord forms to build the qualities of Major 7, minor 7, minor 7 flat 5, & fully diminished 7. The qualities are in the box on the left and some common symbols for each are below the box. Vertical block lines between fret dots are bars. Most of these chords need to be fretted as shown, but if you figure out a different or better way to finger any of them, go for it!

7th Chord Shapes from E, A, & D Forms

Every tone is every chord component in fully diminished

To Do

Practice fretting each of these voicings. Once you have working fingerings, practice progressions. In Jazz, the most common chord progression [stream of sequentially changing chords is 2-5-1 (ii-V-I)]. With the 7th's, the qualities will be iimin7-V7-IMaj7.

ii-V-I in All Keys