4 Different Ways To Play Minor Jazz Piano Chords

piano chordsIn today’s free jazz piano lesson we’re going to take a look at 4 different ways of playing minor chords.

Once you learn these sweet chords you’ll have the ability to play a lot more interesting sounds every time you see minor chords written in a chord chart.

I would recommend you watch the video lesson first.  You can then check out the notation, the tips, and the extra lessons below.

minor piano chords

(Click on the notation for a downloadable pdf.  Feel free to share.
The only thing that I ask is that you remember to add a link back to www.freejazzlessons.com)

Music Theory Explanations

Make sure you eventually learn to play these piano chords in all your keys. Taking a look at the chord theory explanations below should help.

- The minor (add9) chord is built with a root, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th.

- The minor (maj. 7th) chord is built with a major 7th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th.

- The minor 7th chord is built with a  minor 7th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th

- The minor 6th chord is built with a 6th, a 9th, a minor 3rd, and a 5th

More Piano Chords For You To Learn From

If you’re looking for more information on piano chords there are tons of other chord lessons on this site. You’ve come to the right place! :)

For starters you can check out this Bill Evans Chord lesson, or these Bud Powell chords.

I would also recommend you check out this lesson on blues chords and this lesson jazz chord progression lesson.

If you’re looking to learn some chords for jazz tunes then check out this lesson on Here’s That Rainy Day chords, Satin Doll chords lesson, and this Misty chords lesson.

Final Tip

I hope you’ve enjoyed the sounds of these minor chords! My challenge to you is to make sure you throw them into some of your favorite songs.

Where do you plan on using these chords? Is there a particular standard you love to play that could use a refresh?  Please leave a comment below and let us know!

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Steve Nixon is the proud owner of freejazzlessons.com He is a world touring jazz and blues keyboard player and educator.

He is also the author of the brand new Jazz Masters Method , a study of 9 legendary jazz piano players, and the Learn Blues Piano DVD Course


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  • Dustin Adams

    Sweet Lesson! Thanks! I’ll share it!

    • http://www.freejazzlessons.com/ Steve Nixon (freejazzlessons)

      Thanks Dustin!  Glad you enjoyed the lesson and thanks for the share :)

  • Jan Kowalski

    I always wanted to learn something about minor chord. Thanks from Poland!

    • http://www.freejazzlessons.com/ Steve Nixon (freejazzlessons)

      Nice Jan! Welcome to the community here and I’m so happy that you’ve improved your knowledge of minor chords.  
         How’s the weather in Poland right now? :) :)

  • Bill

    really useful stuff.played guitar all my life,always fancied  the piano,only been playing 2 1/2yrs,and find your lessons have made a real difference.many thanx for your efforts

    • http://www.freejazzlessons.com/ Steve Nixon (freejazzlessons)

      Thanks Bill. Awesome of you to say!

  • Dan

    I already typed some of my comments/questions on another page of yours just a moment ago.
    But then I had an epiphany! (I often have these absolutely brilliant, ideas! :- )))) 

    Is there a Grammy award for the best educational music video/web site ? If not, then they should definitely introduce it ASAP – times they are changing, you guys! You gotta keep up with the technology!!!

    Ergo, my next step would be to recommend you for the award!  

    • http://www.freejazzlessons.com/ Steve Nixon (freejazzlessons)

      Dan, I like that idea! I don’t think there’s a Grammy for this type of stuff but maybe one day :)
         None the less, I really appreciate your kind words and glad that you’re enjoying the material.  Happy to have you as a member of our community. Welcome Dan!

  • http://www.facebook.com/royxavex Ruy Chaves

    I am so glad with your lessons and i am realy learning diferent things.
    hope you can teach me many more chords and sequences.MANY THANKS