Transform Any Song into a Jazzy Masterpiece with Reharmonization
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Level 1: Turning Simple Chords into Seventh Chords
- Level 2: Adding Two-Five Chord Progressions
- Level 3: Adding More Harmonic Movement
- Level 4: Adding Color and Harmonic Techniques
- Applying Reharmonization to Other Songs
- Conclusion
- Resources
Turning a Simple Song into Jazz: Exploring Levels of Reharmonization
If you've ever wondered how to transform a simple song into a jazzy masterpiece, then you're in luck. In this article, we'll take a classic bedtime tune, "You Are My Sunshine," and explore four levels of reharmonization to give it that jazzy flair. From turning basic chords into seventh chords to adding advanced harmonic techniques, you'll learn how to make any song sound like jazz. So grab your instrument and let's dive in!
Level 1: Turning Simple Chords into Seventh Chords
In jazz, seventh chords are the bread and butter of harmony. To start our reharmonization journey, we'll replace the basic triads of "You Are My Sunshine" with seventh chords. This simple change instantly adds a touch of jazziness to the song. The one chord becomes a one Major Seventh chord, the IV chord becomes a four major seventh chord, and so on. Let's listen to how it sounds now:
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With just this alteration, the song already sounds more sophisticated and jazz-like. But we're just getting started.
Level 2: Adding Two-Five Chord Progressions
"You Are My Sunshine" is a simple tune with minimal chord changes. To truly embrace the essence of jazz, we need to incorporate more harmonic movement. One of the most common chord progressions in jazz is the two-five progression. So let's add some two-five's to "You Are My Sunshine" and see how it sounds.
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By inserting two-five progressions at strategic points, we introduce additional tension and resolution to the song, giving it a more dynamic and captivating feel. Jazz musicians love to explore different chord changes, and this level of reharmonization takes us one step closer to the world of jazz.
Level 3: Adding More Harmonic Movement
While level two brought more chord changes, we still find ourselves craving more harmonic movement. Level three addresses this by introducing additional tactics used by jazz musicians to create interest and color. We'll explore passing chords, modal modulation, and blues harmony to spice up "You Are My Sunshine."
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With these new additions, the song takes on a more intricate and captivating quality. The passing chords and modal modulation provide unexpected twists and turns, while the bluesy elements add a touch of soul to the sound. Now we're really cooking with jazz!
Level 4: Adding Color and Harmonic Techniques
We've come a long way, but why stop now? Level four takes reharmonization to the next level by incorporating even more harmonic movement and advanced techniques. We'll explore tritone substitution, passing diminished chords, and intriguing turnarounds to give "You Are My Sunshine" a truly jazz-inspired makeover.
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With these final touches, the song reaches its full potential as a jazzy masterpiece. The colorful harmonies and intricate chord choices create a rich and vibrant sound that captivates the listener. The journey from a simple bedtime tune to a captivating jazz rendition is complete.
Applying Reharmonization to Other Songs
Now that you've learned the various levels of reharmonization, you can apply these techniques to other songs you know and love. Understanding music theory and how it works with jazz standards can help you unlock endless possibilities for reharmonization. Check out our video on "The Most Important Music Theory for Jazz Standards" for a deeper exploration.
Conclusion
Reharmonization is a powerful tool that allows us to transform simple songs into mesmerizing jazz compositions. By adding seventh chords, exploring two-five progressions, introducing more harmonic movement, and incorporating advanced techniques, we can turn any tune into a jazzy masterpiece. So go ahead and experiment with reharmonization, and let your creativity and love for jazz shine through your music.
Resources
- Link to "The Most Important Music Theory for Jazz Standards" video
