LJS 193: Jazz Theory Made Simple (Only Theory You Need to Know)




Welcome to episode 193 of the LJS Podcast where today I take the often overwhelming and confusing world of jazz theory and make it simple. Jazz theory is often overcomplicated with way too much information and concepts that are unnecessary. I boil things down to the basics and help make things more understandable.
Listen to episode 193




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One thing that bothers me about a lot of other jazz education out there is just how difficult it is made out to be.
And this isn't helpful, especially because for a lot of those looking from the outside in on jazz, it already seems like a complex and difficult music.
And then when it is taught with so many different scales you have to learn and a million different music theory ideas, it just makes it even more intimidating and I find that this is not helpful.
So, in today's episode, what I want to do is basically give you essentials of jazz theory and only the essentials, make it simple, boil it down to the only jazz theory that I believe you need to know, so that we can have a better chance at moving forward with this music and learning it, improving and getting better.







In this episode:
1. What theory is good for and not good for
2. Step 1: Basic 7th Chords
3. Step 2: Scales
4. Step 3: Guidetones and Voiceleading
5. Step 4: Chord Progressions







Thanks for listening to this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast. If you aren't already, make sure you are subscribed on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I look forward to having you join me in the next episode!
Important Links
Ultimate Guide to Jazz Theory (Blog Post Mentioned)
My basic jazz theory eBook and Companion Course "Zero to Improv"



Om Podcasten

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!