Unit 6-7: Extended Harmony in Pop & Jazz

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Notate and ID chords with added extensions from chord symbols, including 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, and sharp/flat alterations of each.
Notate and ID chords that included added notes (add) and suspensions (sus), including add2, add9, added 6, added 6/9, sus, sus2, and 7sus.
Analyze an example from the repertoire that includes extended harmony.
Describe a process for deciding whether pitches are chordal extensions or contrapuntal embellishments

Preparation for Class

Read:

"Chord Symbols" (OMT) - Just read the sections on Extensions, Added Notes, and Suspensions

Watch

Chord Extensions
(LinkedIn Learning: Julian Velard, 4 mins)

An introduction to adding chordal extensions beyond the 7th

The Color Tones
(LinkedIn Learning: Julian Velard, 9 mins)

Altering chordal extensions for a variety of expressive colors

Triads with an Added Note
(LinkedIn Learning: Julian Velard, 7 mins)

Chords featuring non-consecutive extensions

Explore

ToneGym: Experiment with the sounds of different chord symbols and extended harmonies on the ToneGym Chord Player.

This is a screenshot of the ToneGym website.

Study Aids

Handout 1: Common Chords (Stephanie Acevedo),

Handout 2: Advanced Chart with Voicing (Philip Tagg)

Pre-Class Assignment

Assignment 6-7

In-Class Activities

Discussion

Definitions: Define what each of the following chords symbols from the reading mean and which chords typically omit notes. Then, break into pairs. Practice building the following chords using different roots, then get together with a partner to try to ID the chords you've built.
- - Extensions: C9, C11, C13, and alterations like C7(b9/#11)
  - Added Chords: Cadd2, Cadd9, C6, C6/9
  - Sus Chords: Csus, Csus2, C7sus
Embellishing Tone or Extension?: In many musical contexts, it can be hard to tell whether a particular pitch is an embellishing tone (i.e. suspension, passing tone), or a stable chordal extension. What are some ways that we can use musical context to help determine the best identification?

Activities

Analysis "Cherokee Louise": Complete a harmonic analysis of the song "Cherokee Louise" by Joni Mitchell off her 1991 album, Night Ride Home. The score provided here includes a complete melodic line and transcription of Mitchell's guitar part. Listen to the first verse, then notate the chord symbols above the staff and the Roman numeral analysis below. (CW: The song sensitively deals with issues of trauma and abuse; our analysis focuses on the more lyrically elusive and nostalgic first verse.)
- - A few notes for your analysis:
    - - These chords all have extensions! It is part of your job to determine what notes are extensions and what are embellishments.
      - Watch the bass note motion to get a sense of the harmonic rhythm
      - For the Roman numerals, do not incorporate the extensions, but do incorporate embellishing notes like suspensions
  - After completing the analysis, discuss how the harmonic choices enhance the song's meaning:
    - - What kind of extension does Mitchell use most often in the accompaniment?
      - What kind of harmonic interval does Mitchell lean into when using this extension?
      - How do elements of tonal tension (chord progression) and dissonance (extensions) work together here?
      - What do you think Mitchell is trying to reveal beyond the lyrics with these harmonic choices?
      - A question for guitar players: how do you think she gets these particular chord shapes on the guitar?
Build and ID Extended Chords: Practice chord construction and ID with this Open Music Theory worksheet.

Optional Additional Practice

Musition:
- Chords: Levels 5–6
- Jazz Chord Symbols: Levels 3–4

Page updated

Report abuse