1. Introduction
• In this lecture, we look at two things: (1) how
to construct jazz chords and (2) how to
interpret jazz chord symbols. From hereafter I
assume the understanding of intervals. In
particular, I will refer the intervals by their
names (e.g., major 2nd).

2. A brief word on what chords are
• Though I assume most of you already play
instrument and know basic theory, for the
benefit of those who don't, let me ask a few
words about what chords are. Roughly
speaking, chords are what you get when you
play more than 2 tones at once (two notes get
you an interval, not a chord).

3. Traids
• Chords are stacks of intervals. Fancy jazz
chords are stacks of stacks of intervals. In
other words, a lot of fancy jazz chords can
simply be understood as chords being stack on
each other.
• Because of this, we must understand the basic
chords. The basic chords are called triads, so
called because they consist of 3 notes.

4. Triads
• The first important thing to know is that triads
are always stacks of two thirds. They consists of
combinations of major and minor 3rds.
• E.G., take F A C – there is a 3rd between F and A,
and a 3rd between A and C. (What kinds of
thirds?)
• Quick question: how many basic triads are there?
• (Hint: with how many combinations can we make
out of major and minor thirds)

5. Triads cont’
• Answer: there are four basic triads.
• Order matter! If you start with a major 3rd and then a minor
3rd, you get a major triad.
– C –major 3rd--> E –minor 3rd ---> G
• If you start with a minor 3rd and then major 3rd, you get a
minor triad.
• The following diagram spells out the construction of the
triads.
• The coming level will get you acquainted with them.
Major 3rd Minor 3rd
Major 3rd Augmented Minor
Minor 3rd Major Diminished