Top 10 Easy Jazz Chords (EVERY Guitarist Should Know)

Pickup Music is the fastest way to get better at guitar. Our all-inclusive membership gives you expertly designed learning pathways that will help you reach the next level at guitar.

START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL TODAY!

~ All Chords (in tempo): 1:08
~ Individual Chords
Gmaj7 1:29
Cmaj7 1:52
F#m7b5 2:08
B7#5 or B7b13 2:31
Cdim7 3:04
Em7/Em9 3:36
Am7/D9 4:11

Sam Blakelock is an LA-based guitarist and educator. He's also the founder of Pickup Music. Sam has his Master's Degree in jazz performance, travelled the world gigging, and plays an influential role in the online guitar community.

WHAT'S IN A MEMBERSHIP?

Get all-access to lessons:
- 35+ Master Classes
- 350+ SongSquads
- 75+ Lick Packages
- 5 Minute Lessons
- Jam Tracks
- Artist Toolkit

WHY PICKUP MUSIC?

Here's why Pickup Music membership is better than bouncing around YouTube:
- Interactive TAB that you can slow down and loop
- Track your progress with our personalized learning dashboard
- Multiple camera angles for an up-close learning experience
- Play along with downloadable jam tracks
- Detailed lesson notes and chord charts
- Get feedback on your playing in our members-only community forum

► WHY OUR STUDENTS LOVE OUR MEMBERSHIP

"The Master Classes are so well done, with outstanding instructors, and a wide variety of content. I’m finding a sense of inspiration and passion for guitar that I haven’t felt since I first learned to play." - Drew A.

"The membership really helped me transition from beginner to an intermediate guitarist because it teaches technique that you can use in a lot of other genres." - Calla M.

"My experience at Pickup Music has been great so far. I constantly have the site open whenever I sit down for a guitar session - it helps me organize my path to learning the instrument." - Ahmad S.

"I love the lessons from young players who are at the forefront of what's happening in the world of guitar. The Master Classes are definitely my favorite as they have a clear plan of study and a logical progression behind them." - Sam R.

[tambor]

A no crap straight to the point video. I like that.

[johnnybravoski]

Yes kids, make sure to learn your bahhh chords.

[jonnytablets]

This is the best beginners Jazz video I've come across...Thanks very much indeed

[Chrondoa]

Your videography and charisma are top notch!

[Klotrik]

Great explanation. Good light and camera angle makes it easy to see what you are doing. There are many clips on basic jazz chords but I think this one is better than most. Thanks for teaching!

[Walamonga]

Already knew most of this but the quality makes it worth watching.

[Handellz]

"Pretty soon, you're george benson" haha great stuff. Would love to see more ways to use chords.

[timmerdonkey]

thank you. Nice progression, I would like to see how you play a melody over it. Your humor and approach makes it fun. The hard part is grinding out the muscle memory in the fingers, very good video.

[albertogaytan]

I found this guy on instagram and searched him on YouTube to see if he has tutorial and I got lucky haha

[saritolle]

Thanks a million brother. After 30 years of blues and indie rock etc. I feel jazz is the next frontier to dive into. This is a great first step. Really easy to digest lesson. All the best!

[gregscholes]

If you're struggling with the last two (a to d9) try using your thumb over the top it's so easy

[russelaitkenhead]

Great video, super informative! Thank you

[markedwards]

Makes a difference from all the other Jazz videos clear clean and well put over
Really great video 😎😎

[Casey_J]

Great lesson. I've stumbled on the first few but now I know the names of them and learned some others. Great way of showing them.

[tytrehern]

Best video I've seen! Helped me out a ton, thank you!

[antidepressant]

the george benson joke cemented your place at the top of best youtube jazz guitar instructionals

[zippers]

Gah....reat !! very cool. love the way you pop out of the curtain. This was just what I was looking for !! thank you !!

[standingbeark]

loved your lesson! great explanations ! formation illustration! fantastic!

[pixelatedparcel]

Hey, Sam. Picked-up the guitar late in life, early this year, and once I'd learned the basic chords and concepts I focused my practice on groove and timing, using classics (folk, rock, pop) from my youth to get a feel for different rhythms and strumming patterns. Am in somewhat of a rut this morning and decided to expand my horizons a bit, to keep it fun and fresh. Your upload is just what the doctor ordered: clear, concise, accessible and interesting. Have -obviously- subbed and will make a point of discovering your content from now on. You made my Saturday morning! Congratulations and continued success in this and all other endeavours. :)

[madsx]

that was a very good and breif introduction to jazz. good work man.