Learn Jazz Guitar with 3 Simple Chord Shapes
Master jazz guitar basics in minutes using just 3 chord shapes. A fun party trick that builds into essential fingerstyle and jazz skills.
Today I’m going to show you a super cool concept on guitar that starts off as a fun party trick, but actually lays the foundation for jazz guitar.
You’ll be able to play everything in this lesson in just 5 to 10 minutes – I promise. I even taught this exact lesson at a local high school during a clinic for junior guitar players, and now I’ve updated it for YouTube.
The Concept: Less Is More
In jazz, we don’t always need big, full chords that use every string. Instead, we often use smaller 3-note chord voicings that sound clean, smooth, and pro.
🎸 Here are the 3 chord shapes you’ll learn:
- Major 7: Index is on the root note, middle and ring are one fret higher.
- Minor 7: All three fingers line up on the same fret.
- Dominant 7: Ring finger is one fret higher than index and middle.
That’s it – just 3 shapes!
Step-by-Step: Chord Progression
We build chords off the root note on the 6th string.
Here’s the main progression:
- A♭maj7 – Index on 4th fret, use Major 7 shape
- B♭min7 – Index on 6th fret, use Minor 7 shape
- A7 – From the previous shape, move index/middle back one fret. Ring finger stays.
See how similar they are?
Ab major 7
Bb minor 7
A7
These slide around the fretboard easily – no need to lift your fingers! In fact, many people find this easier than basic chords like C or G.
Add the Fingerpicking Pattern
Once you’re comfy with the shapes and changes, add this fingerpicking pattern:
Do this pattern a few times on each chord to get into the groove.
Want a Challenge?
Try adding a light smack on beats 2 and 4 to get more of a rhythmic jazz feel.
- Practice it on a single chord
- Then try it through the whole progression
Practice Materials + More
🎵 Want to go deeper into fingerstyle? Check out my full fingerstyle course
If you’re already in the course, don’t forget to share your progress in the Good Guitarist Community. I love seeing what you’re working on!
Have fun practicing and I’ll see you soon!
