The Jazz Harmony Book By David Berkman Full Best Jun 2026

The chord-scale approach links every chord to a compatible scale that informs melodic choices. For example, over a Dm7 (ii in C major) use D Dorian (D E F G A B C). For G7 (V) use G Mixolydian (G A B C D E F) or G altered (Ab A# etc.) when applying altered dominant concepts. Practice by outlining each chord tone and then targeting non-chord tones as approach tones.

Berkman organizes the "Harmonic Universe" of a key into a series of nested circles, moving from the simplest foundations to complex, non-functional harmony: Jamey Aebersold Jazz The First Circle: The basic functional foundation— cap I cap V cap V to the seventh power The Second Circle: Diatonic substitutes (e.g., using The Third Circle: Secondary dominants and their related m i n to the seventh power The Fourth Circle: Passing chords and diminished harmony. The Fifth & Last Circles: Modal interchange and tritone substitutes. Sher Music Co. Key Topics & Techniques The Jazz Harmony Book By David Berkman Full