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A chord chart. Play ⓘ. A chord chart (or chart) is a form of musical notation that describes the basic harmonic and rhythmic information for a song or tune. It is the most common form of notation used by professional session musicians playing jazz or popular music.
In jazz chords and theory, most triads that appear in lead sheets or fake books can have sevenths added to them, using the performer's discretion and ear. [1] For example, if a tune is in the key of C, if there is a G chord, the chord-playing performer usually voices this chord as G 7.
The numbers do not change when transposing the composition into another key. They are relative to the new Tonic. The only required knowledge is the major scale for the given key. Unless otherwise noted, all numbers represent major chords, and each chord should be played for one measure. So in the key of C, the Nashville Number System notation:
In contrast, in the chord-scale system, a different scale is used for each chord in the progression (for example mixolydian scales on A, E, and D for chords A 7, E 7, and D 7, respectively). [5] Improvisation approaches may be mixed, such as using "the blues approach" for a section of a progression and using the chord-scale system for the rest. [6]
The bassist (electric bass or double bass) uses the chord symbols to help improvise a bass line that outlines the chords, often by emphasizing the root and other key scale tones (third, fifth, and in a jazz context, the seventh). The lead instruments, such as a saxophonist or lead guitarist, use the chord chart to guide their improvised solos.
Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" is written in C major. Many musicians have pointed out that every musical key conjures up specific feelings. [5] This idea is further explored in a radio program called The Signature Series. American popular songwriter Bob Dylan claimed the key of C major to "be the key of strength, but also the key of regret". [6]
In popular music and rock music, "borrowing" of chords from the parallel minor of a major key is commonly done. As such, in these genres, in the key of E major, chords such as D major (or ♭ VII), G major (♭ III) and C major (♭ VI) are commonly used. These chords are all borrowed from the key of E minor.
In major scales, a diminished triad occurs only on the seventh scale degree. For instance, in the key of C, this is a B diminished triad (B, D, F). Since the triad is built on the seventh scale degree, it is also called the leading-tone triad. This chord has a dominant function.