When it is desired to describe chords or chord progressions in general terms—without reference to a specific key—it is standard practice to use a form of Roman numeral notation similar to that used in connection with traditional harmony. In the major mode, a Roman numeral in the range I to VII identifies the scale degree on which a chord is built, and the other attributes of the chord (third, sixth or seventh, tensions and alterations, bass note) are indicated exactly as with standard jazz chord notation. Here, for example, are the diatonic jazz chords in C major, but this time with their Roman numeral designations:
Chords belonging to the minor mode are treated as modifications of the major mode in jazz Roman numeral notation. The chords on the scale degrees in the minor mode are indicated as I II ëIII IV V ëVI or VI ëVII or VII. Here, for example, are the diatonic jazz chords in C minor with their Roman numeral designations:
The jazz Roman numeral notation treats the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of the natural minor scale as lowered versions of these scale degrees in the major.
Exercises
Notate the following chords: AmÎ, EÓÏ, EmajÏ, BÓ„Ï, FƒÏ, AÓmÏ, FÕÏ.
Notate the following chords: CÑ, EÉË, DÏÓÑ, GmÑ, AÏÕÑ, DmajÑ, BÓÏÓÑÓÉË.
Notate the following chords: FÏ…Í, DÓÏÓÍ, E…Ï, GmajÑ…ÉÉ, DmÏÓÍ, AÏsusÌ, FÕÏÓÍ.
Write the diatonic ninth chords in G major (There are only five of them. Why?). Give the standard chord symbol that specifies each chord.
Find the implied countermelodies in Liza, The Birth of the Blues, Body and Soul, The Man I Love, It Could Happen to You, Someone to Watch Over Me, But Beautiful, or Memories of You (note: some of these are tricky and require attentive listening). Write out the countermelody and describe how it is indicated in the score.
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