LJS 58: How to Use Triads to Improve Your Jazz Improvisation




Welcome to episode 58 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how you can use triads to improve your jazz improvisation. Today's lesson comes straight out of our brand new eBook "Zero to Improv". Exercises are given out for this lesson. Listen in!
Listen to episode 58




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In this episode

What's a triad?
A triad is what I call the foundation of any chord. A more text book definition would be: a set of three notes that can be stacked in thirds.
Basic formula: Root-3rd-5th (3rd and 5th altered depending on quality)

4 qualities of triads you should know:
Major: R-3rd-5th
Minor: R-b3-5
Augmented: R-3-#5
Diminished: R-b3-b5
Root position, 1st inversion, 2nd inversion major triads:


If the root is in the bass (C or F) it is in Root Position.
If the 3rd is in the bass (E or A) it is in 1st Inversion.
If the 5th is in the bass (G or C) it is in 2nd Inversion.
C major triad to F major triad exercise:

Take a look at which inversions are being used:

C major triad to G major triad exercise:

I-#idim-ii-V chord progression triad exercise:

Listen to episode 57: Why I Stopped Hating My Playing and Why You Should Stop Hating Yours
Mentioned in the show
Zero to Improv eBook
Our flagship eBook, Zero to Improv, is a book that teaches you how to become a great jazz improviser from the ground up. No stone is left un-turned. This isn’t your ordinary music book. Zero to Improv calls you to action! Packed full of improv and jazz theory lessons, you’ll start from the beginning and build up all of the skills and knowledge you need. Audio examples are included for all music notation.
Versions are available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass Clef instruments. Designed for all skill levels.
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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!