Sixth Chord
Another common chord type is the sixth chord. These are four note chords consisting of a either a major or minor triad with an added 6th degree instead of a 7th. The chord symbols for 6th chords are self explanatory, e.g., C6 for a C major sixth or Cm6 for a C minor sixth. The difference between a sixth chord and a thirteenth chord is that a thirteenth contains a 7th degree as well as a 6th. Here is an example using major 7th chords.
Here are two pieces which demonstrate common uses of extended chords. The first is a Jazz Blues in the key of G. Work slowly through the piece until you can play it without hesitating. Then practice it with a metronome to get the feel of the rhythms, and gradually increase the tempo until you can play it comfortably at a fast speed. This type of playing works well for accompanying a singer or soloist. In Jazz, accompanying is called comping. This is a combination of accompanying and complementing.
This one is a Jazz solo in the key of F. Notice the use of secondary dominants in this piece to create modulations. Notice also the new chord symbols containing flattened 9th and 13th degrees. These are examples of altered chords which is the subject of lesson 45.
In discussing chord types, we have concentrated mainly on Jazz and Rock. However, all these chords can be found in the variety of styles that come under the general heading of Classical music. Here is a Prelude by Bach which uses many of the chords you have learned.
