Extended chords like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths bring a new layer of depth and complexity to music. They go beyond the major triad and minor chords, enabling musicians to create more vibrant compositions. Whether you're into jazz, R&B, or pop, understanding how to incorporate these advanced harmonies can enhance your music significantly.
This article introduces the basics of extended harmonies, how they differ from simpler forms like major and dominant structures, and practical ways to integrate them into your music.
What Are Extended Chords?
Extended chords build on the foundation of a basic triad (root, third, and fifth) and the seventh. The additional notes, such as the 9th, 11th, and 13th, come from the major scale, expanding the harmonic palette. These notes add more intricate sounds,
enriching the music.
For example, a C major consists of the root notes C, E, and G. Adding the 7th note (B) results in a Cmaj7. Including the 9th (D) gives you a Cmaj9, which brings more texture to the sound.
Exploring 9th Harmonies
A 9th introduces an additional melody note to a seventh, creating smoother, more complex harmonies often heard in jazz and soul music.
How to Form a 9th: Start with a dominant chord and add the 9th note from the scale. In C major, the 9th is D, so a C9 includes C, E, G, Bb, and D.
Popular Variations:
Cmaj9: C, E, G, B, D Cmin9: C, Eb, G, Bb, D C9 (dominant): C, E, G, Bb, D
These variations provide a rich, relaxed harmonic quality.
Understanding the Structure of 11th Harmonies
The 11th introduces additional depth and complexity to the harmony, enriching the overall sound with warmth and texture.
How to Construct an 11th: Begin with a 9th harmony and add the 11th note from the scale. In C major, this note is F, resulting in a C11, which includes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F.
Commonly found in the bass lines of jazz and R&B, the 11th harmony offers a smooth, warm effect to the music.
Exploring 13th Harmonies
The 13th harmony is the most advanced of the extended types, adding fullness and richness by incorporating the 13th note on top of an 11th.
How to Construct a 13th: In C major, the 13th note is A, so a C13 includes C, E, G, Bb, D, F, and A.
Often used to conclude musical phrases, this harmony provides a smooth, satisfying resolution in genres like jazz and funk. Musicians can elevate the complexity by experimenting with the 4th inversion.
Practical Uses Across Genres
These extended chords aren’t just for jazz musicians. Here’s how they’re applied across various genres:
- Jazz: They form the backbone of jazz harmonies, allowing intricate progressions and half-whole diminished scale voicings.
- Pop/Rock: Artists like The Beatles used extended harmonies to create more interesting songs, adding complexity to simple major chords.
- R&B/Funk: The 9th and 13th chords add a groove and sophistication to these genres, often played by rock guitarists using the 5th string to add depth.
Techniques for Playing Extended Harmonies
Playing extended harmonies on instruments like piano or
guitar requires practice. Focus on smooth transitions and clarity between minor triad and dominant chord forms.
- Piano: Practice two-handed voicings, where your left-hand plays the root note and bass, and your right hand covers the extended notes.
- Guitar: Rock guitarists often use fingerstyle or hybrid picking to ensure each note of the chord rings clearly on the 5th string and beyond.
Voice Leading and Chord Voicing
Voice leading is vital in moving from one extended harmony to another. For example, when moving from a C9 to a G13, maintain as many common tones as possible while changing only the necessary melody note.
Proper voicing ensures the harmony doesn’t sound cluttered, especially with more complex chords. Sometimes, omitting a 2nd note helps maintain clarity.
Developing Your Extended Harmony Skills
To develop your skills, practice the following:
- Piano: Move between the 9th, 11th, and 13th chords, focusing on smooth transitions.
- Guitar: Try extended harmonies in different positions on the fretboard, especially with the 5th string, to find the most comfortable and effective voicings.
Key Takeaways
- Extended chords like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths enrich your music by adding depth and complexity.
- These harmonies are formed by adding notes beyond the basic triad, offering new creative possibilities.
- They are widely used in jazz, R&B, and pop to create intricate harmonic textures.
- Practicing voice leading and chord voicing is key to smooth transitions and clarity when using these harmonies.
- Rock guitarists can effectively use these structures to diversify their playing, particularly with a focus on the 5th string.
Expand Your Skills with Muzeg
Ready to deepen your understanding of extended harmonies? Muzeg offers lessons that guide you through mastering 9th, 11th, and 13th chords. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Muzeg has the resources to take your skills to the next level.
Sign up today to start improving your playing!
Final Thoughts
Mastering extended harmonies opens new creative avenues in your music. With regular practice and experimentation, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords can become essential to your musical vocabulary. Whether working with minor chords or a major triad, adding these advanced structures will allow you to craft more prosperous, more intricate sounds.
