Jazz, Strategies to approach Jazz Options

[Stratman58]

Hello my GMC homies
School has started for me, and this will be my 2nd year in our high school Jazz band. I went in last year not knowing much, other than simple major and minor barre chords. This year, tryouts were a breeze for me (thanks to GMC lessons!) and I once again claimed the guitar spot (competition was a bit stiff too, glad I got it).

Anyway, once again I have to tackle the issues of going from notation to chord symbols then to jazzy solos. The big thing I am having trouble with right now is chord symbols. I often omit the root note in regards to the bass guitar, but I am still finding myself into the comfort of my barre chords, usually sacrificing the jazzy notes that are often thrown in with chords.

For example, just a common set of chord symbols I may see
Cmaj13
F7/9#
G7sus4
C13#11

and you know, the alike CONFUSING symbols. I've been practicing up on Andrew's theory lessons as much as I could, however, I feel intimidated when I see these chords, and as I said, I sacrifice quality for comfort. Can someone possibly explain these chords, and or provide a site with information? Also, tell me if I'm on the right track...

Lets take the G7sus4 for example. The root, being G, is followed by a sus4. Does this mean I should play the G (or emit it for the bass guitar's sake) and then follow it with the 3rd, and a flat 4th? I have no clue...

Or even the C13#11 chord. I take the C (root) and follow it up with the 13th and the sharp 11th. Would the 13th be "essentially" a octave+5th and then the sharp 11th would be a "essentially" an octave+#3?

I hope I'm on the right track.

and about my jazz solos, I know they are just a matter of leaning scales and modes, which GMC has helped my thus far! I know this one is a strict issue of practice!
Thanks for any help!

This post has been edited by Stratman58: Aug 15 2007, 09:54 AM

[Muris Varajic]

I'll try to help here

G7sus4...it means that 3rd is suspended and 4th is there instead...so notes are G,C,D and F.
Also,11 is 4th in octave and 13 is 6th in octave.
Now, chord #11/13 means that you need to sharp 4th in octave and add 6th,
which is major 6th unless you see b6 or b13 sign
Cheers

This post has been edited by muris: Aug 15 2007, 10:08 AM

[Andrew Cockburn]

I'll try to help here

G7sus4...it means that 3rd is suspended and 4th is there instead...so notes are G,C,D and F.
Also,11 is 4th in octave and 13 is 6th in octave.
Now, chord #11/13 means that you need to sharp 4th in octave and add 6th,
which is major 6th unless you see b6 or b13 sign
Cheers

Muris explained it pretty well I am planning a lesson on this kind of chord construction but haven't got to it yet ...

[Stratman58]

I'll try to help here

G7sus4...it means that 3rd is suspended and 4th is there instead...so notes are G,C,D and F.
Also,11 is 4th in octave and 13 is 6th in octave.
Now, chord #11/13 means that you need to sharp 4th in octave and add 6th,
which is major 6th unless you see b6 or b13 sign
Cheers

That cleared things up big time. Thanks for redirecting me about the 11th and 13th, otherwise I would have been an interval off for quite a bit of time

Also lovin' the funk lessons Muris!

[Muris Varajic]

That cleared things up big time. Thanks for redirecting me about the 11th and 13th, otherwise I would have been an interval off for quite a bit of time

Also lovin' the funk lessons Muris!

Thanks and no problem,glad I helped