The Secret To Learning More Complex Chords

At least one secret, anyway! Upper structure triads are the best way I know to convey a huge amount of information in a very concise way. Jazz harmony might just become much more manageable for you if you try understanding it in this way. See if it works for you!

Video recorded using:
Earthworks SV33
Earthworks PM40
Panasonic Lumix G85

Follow me here:

[mbmillermo]

Fun trick: The notes of the major pentatonic of the tritone include the ♭7 and the four altered tones: ♭9, ♯9, ♭5 (♯11) and ♯5 (♭13). In C, the tritone is F♯ and the major pentatonic is just the black keys. So just play E-B♭ with the left hand and go nuts on the black keys with the right hand.

[fretlessman]

I've been a bass player for 4 decades, and played jazz in some form for almost all of this time. This is the first time anyone has ever been able to get me to make sense of the crazy extensions I see on dominant chords in charts, and I can see that if I can memorize this idea AND use my ear to make triads out of the upper structures, I can start recognizing these complex chords by ear. Fantastic method, and wonderful demonstration!

[josephmartino]

I used to look at the keyboard and get all mesmerized playing 2 different chords simultaneously wondering "what's that?" Now I know...thanks Aimee! This is a great help!!!

[divinesoul]

I’m just beginning my self-taught journey and as someone starting out from the very beginning, this information is priceless. Not only are you an amazing player, but a phenomenal teacher as well. You make it make sense!!!

[waugsqueke]

I'm self-taught and always thought in this way - 13s and 11s confuse me but a C7 with a D triad above it is something I can understand right away.

[Allensaint]

The best piano teacher online. You’re the best Aimee.

[braelen]

Being self taught, I didn't even think to conceptualize these chords in such a straight forward way. A lot of jazz harmony seemed inaccessible because of the complexity. What a great reminder that complex chords can be derived from simple patterns/construction. Thank you for the wonderful video!

[corporal]

Didn’t learn this from college theory. It makes sense and removes the complication of creating chords. With practice it becomes second nature. Thank you.

[davidwittie]

@13:43 "I've got both (ways) now." Both Theoretical & Practical. And I'm giving them to you whilst balancing a marker in my right hand as I demonstrate. 😊
Aimee Nolte, you are the best!

[Ebi_J]

Thank you for explaining it so well. The fact that you tried every triad and explained why some did not work gave me a formula for understanding and experimenting on my own. Thank you

[ulfsvensson]

Just what i am experimating with at the moment. Self tought so i realy don't know what is "right" or not. Thank for an understanding to name it.

[sanfernvalley]

You are such a good teacher even if you were self taught!! Thank you for your point of view

[YMESYDT]

Saying "this'll be a quick video" then making a 14 minute video is something I relate to very much as a music teacher

[DNETOMAIL]

How dare you explode my brain like that?!! Never thought it could be so easy to think and with so many possibilities.

Many, many, many thanks!

[musical_lolu]

I've literally been telling people this, for ages!
It's not enough to say you can name what a harmony is e.g A7b13#9 or Dbm7b5(add11) and all that jazz (pun intended). If anything, that kind of exercise can become counterproductive. Knowing how to voice chords from an orchestration/arranging standpoint is where the money is at. That's where knowledge of upper structures (among other voicing techniques) and how to navigate them becomes golden, whether it be arranging for a band or playing on the piano.

[edkriegepiano]

what a great (and simple) way to think about USTs - thank you!

[JohnMontgomery]

Thank you very much for this. Lots to sit at the keyboard and muse about.💯

[thatlovejones]

Pure gold, thank you so much! Off to Nebula.

[willmcbride]

Oh wow! I really like this. I am a string player and I’m self taught on piano chords. This really is an excellent way of looking at it. I doubt I’ll ever memorize any of it but I for sure can build or pick apart extended chords now. Thank you!

[Mooseboy]

This is just what I needed at just the time I was ready for it. I'd already been experimenting with relative Major 7ths over relative minor 7ths, and this is way more fuel for thought.