Start by understanding the relationship between the major tonic and its relative minor. This connection shows up throughout the jazz repertoire, and hearing how the I and vi chords relate gives you a clearer way to move through progressions. Once this relationship is in your ear, the harmony will start to feel more logical and easier to navigate.

Next, develop ii–V–I language that you can rely on in real time. This progression is at the core of jazz harmony, and having a set of strong lines and ii-V concepts helps you create flow and direction in your playing. Instead of thinking through each chord, you begin to move through the progression with clear melodic ideas.

Finally, focus on how to use altered tones on dominant chords, especially in minor ii–V situations or when resolving to a minor chord. This lesson gives you a clear visual guide to all the altered tones, so you can see exactly how they work and access them without guessing when you solo.