Lesson

Rhythm Changes Harmonic Vocabulary - Part 4

In this fourth installment of our rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary series, we continue to develop both rhythmic and harmonic fluency over the first A section. While the rhythmic pattern remains consistent with Part 3 in the first four measures, this lesson introduces new voicings and inversions that shift the color and register of the progression.

Rhythm Changes Harmonic Vocabulary – Part 3: Exploring Further Harmonic Detail

In this third installment of our rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary series, we continue to deepen our approach to both harmony and rhythm within the first A section. This lesson blends familiar elements with new twists, helping you refine your sense of phrasing while introducing a few sophisticated harmonic choices.

Rhythmic Overview

Part 2: Exploring Articulation and Harmonic Detail
In this second lesson on rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary, we shift our focus to articulation and rhythmic variety within the first A section. The exercise begins by introducing the classic Charleston rhythm in the first four measures—a foundational comping figure that adds a strong sense of groove and forward momentum.

Rhythm Changes - Harmonic Vocabulary on the A Pt. 1

In this series, we’ll explore harmonic vocabulary for comping over the A sections of rhythm changes. In Pt. 1, we start with a common and widely used set of standard changes, providing a strong foundation for comping.

One key concept in this approach is treating the top note of each chord as a melodic line—essentially harmonizing a simple, stepwise motion. This helps create a natural, connected flow between voicings rather than thinking of each chord in isolation.

So here is the second of three chord melodies. 

I have the pdf and I have the MalletKat version. You can hear basically what's happening with the sheet music. 

I think you can get a lot out of this. You have to know the chords and inversions really well. I think when I just play the lines it makes sense and you here the harmony. That's the goal right. I will post my own version of stella asap. 

In this section, we continue with the F#7–B7–E7–A7–D7–G7–C7–F7 progression in measures 1-4, but with a simplified rhythmic approach. Rather than relying on continuous eighth-note lines, this version demonstrates how to outline the changes effectively with more space and varied rhythmic phrasing.

Expanding Vocabulary Over the A Section

Continuing our exploration of rhythm changes, this lesson focuses on another set of substitute chord changes for the A section. While the general framework remains the same, this version features a different set of passing dominant chords, adding more forward motion to the progression. The focus here is the first A section, which you can tell by the turnaround in the last two measures.

I would see David performing this when we would play duo concerts. 

It's a cool improv that is also a great study.