In this article, let’s focus on the chords for Autumn Leaves and what we can do with them.
‘Autumn Leaves’ is a jazz standard composed by Joseph Kosma, with English lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It is a favorite among pianists due to its beautiful chord progression and harmonic richness. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, understanding the chords and learning how to enhance them can elevate your performance. In this guide, we will explore ways to make the chords stand out.
How to Enhance the Chords for Autumn Leaves
1. Use Voicings and Inversions
Instead of playing the root position chords, experiment with different voicings and inversions:
- Drop 2 voicings: Spread out the chord tones for a fuller sound. Example: For Em7 (E-G-B-D), play G-D-E-B.
- Shell voicings: Play just the root, third, and seventh to keep it minimal and sophisticated. Example: Em7 as E-G-D.
- Rootless voicings: Omit the root and focus on chord colors. Example: A7 (C#-G-F#) instead of A7 (A-C#-E-G).
2. Add Extensions and Alterations
Jazz thrives on colorful harmony. Try these chord extensions:
- Em7 → Em9 (E-G-B-D-F#) for a dreamy, open sound.
- A7 → A13 (A-C#-E-F#-G) to add richness.
- Dmaj7 → Dmaj9 (D-F#-A-C#-E) to create a floating feel.
- Bm → Bm11 (B-D-F#-A-E) for a smooth, expanded texture.
For a more expressive sound, use altered chords:
- A7#5 (A-C#-E#-G) or A7b9 (A-C#-E-G-Bb) for added tension.
- F#7b9 (F#-A#-C#-E-G) or F#7#5 (F#-A#-C##-E) for a spicier dominant feel.
3. Use Passing Chords and Substitutions
- Chromatic passing chords: Insert diminished chords between diatonic chords. Example: Insert D#dim (D#-F#-A-C) between Em7 and A7.
- Tritone substitution: Replace A7 with an Eb7 (Eb-G-Bb-Db) to add a unique color.
- Secondary dominants: Approach key chords with their respective dominant chords (e.g., E7 before A7).
4. Play with Different Rhythms and Voicings
Rhythm is key in jazz. Try:
- Syncopation: Emphasizing offbeats to create a swinging feel. Example: Play Em7 on beat 2 instead of beat 1.
- Block chords: Playing chords in rhythmic unison for a fuller sound. Example: Play Gmaj7 (G-B-D-F#) in a four-note harmony.
- Arpeggiation: Breaking the chord into individual notes for a fluid texture. Example: Play Dmaj7 as D-F#-A-C# one note at a time.
5. Apply Reharmonization Techniques
Reharmonization gives the progression a fresh feel. Some ideas:
- Replace Dmaj7 with a B7 (B-D#-F#-A) to lead strongly into Em7.
- Use subdominant minor chords, such as F#m7b5 (F#-A-C-E), to add depth.
- Experiment with modal interchange, borrowing chords from parallel minor or major keys.
6. Next Steps
Check out my new lesson series: “Gettin’ To It” where I break down the chords for Autumn Leaves in a step-by-step manner.
👉 Sign up for a free PianoPlaybook account to access the Autumn Leaves backing track
Final Thoughts
Mastering the chords for Autumn Leaves is an excellent exercise in jazz harmony. By incorporating extensions, substitutions, and rhythmic variations, you can transform a simple progression into a rich and expressive performance. Keep experimenting with different approaches, and most importantly, listen to great jazz pianists like Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson to refine your style!
Happy playing!
