As a guitarist myself, I understand that chord and scale practices on guitar become extremely mundane after a few days. As a result, many beginners lose their interest in musical instruments altogether.
What if I told you that you could make your guitar learning journey fun and exciting just by introducing a few easy jazz guitar songs to your practice schedule!
Sounds fun, right?
Start by playing a few easy and catchy jazz songs on guitar. The beautiful genre will keep you company as well as encourage you to take your guitar skills up a notch!
The word ‘Guitar’ derives from the Greek word ‘Kithara’.
For such amazing facts, check out the History of Guitar
Essential Jazz Guitar Chords
Jazz guitar chords go beyond the three-notes chord structure and extensively use the 7th, 9th, 11th, and/or 13th.
Initially, you might feel the jazz chords are a bit difficult to play, but with practice, it will be easier for you!
Here are some of the basic jazz chords to help you get started:
Major chords (7th and 6th), Minor chords (7th, 6th, 9th, and 11th), Dominant chords (7th, 9th, and 13th), Minor 7th (b5) chords, Diminished 7th chords, and Altered dominant chords (7th chords with b9 or #9 or b5 or #5 or #11 or b13).
Essential Jazz Guitar Scales
Guitar scales are tricky! There is no doubt about that. I assure you that only seven scales could make your jazz playing experience a cakewalk; amazing, right?
Practice following scales to play jazz standards quickly and efficiently
- Major Scale
- Minor Scale
- Dorian Scale
- Mixolydian Scale
- Phrygian Dominant Scale
- Major Blues Scale
- Minor Blues Scale
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9 Easy Jazz Guitar Songs
1. Summertime by George Gershwin
If there’s any song that made the Jazz genre seem magnificent, it is ‘Summertime‘ by George Gershwin. Critiques consider this song as one of the best by George Gershwin.
If you are a Jazz geek, the chances are that you have already listened to this song. Various artists like Louis Armstrong, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis to Ella Fitzgerald have rejuvenated this song from time to time.
However, ‘summertime’ is a pretty easy song, and you can definitely play it with some practice. Come on, let’s try to play it together:
Summertime Chords:
Em, Am, Em, Am, Em, Am, Em
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
Am, B7, C7, B7
Fish are jumpin’, and the cotton is high
Em, Am, Em, Am, Em, Am, Em
Your daddy’s rich, and your momma’s good lookin’
G, A7, B7, Em, Am, Em
So hush, little baby, don’t you cry
Em, Am, Em, Am, Em, Am, Em
One of these mornings, you’re gonna rise up singing
Am, B7, C7, B7
Then you’ll spread your wings, and you’ll take to the sky
Em, Am, Em, Am, Em, Am, Em
But till that morning, there’s a nothin’ can harm you
G, A7, B7, Em, Am, Em
With daddy and mammy standing by.
2. Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra
Find me a single person who hasn’t listened to this song. Fly Me to the Moon was written by Bart Howard in 1954 and immortalized by the great Frank Sinatra.
The beautiful harmony of this song is a great way to start your jazz guitar practices. The chord progression makes it unique in a way that you get a room for improvisation.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up your guitar, hold the right posture, and start playing the beautiful melody.
Fly Me to the Moon chords:
Am, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7
Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars,
F, Dm, E7, Am, A7
Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars,
Dm7, G7, C, Am
In other words, hold my hand!
Dm7, G7, C, E
In other words, baby, kiss me!
Am, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7
Fill my heart with song, and let me sing forevermore
F, Dm, E, Am, A7
you are all I long for, all I worship & adore
Dm7, G7, C, Am, E7
In other words, please be true!
Dm7, G7, Fm, C
In other words, I love you
Am, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, F, Dm, E, Am, Dm7, G7, Em, A7, E7, Dm7, G7
Am, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7
Fill my heart with song, and let me sing forevermore
F, Dm, E, Am, A7
you are all I long for, all I worship & adore
Dm7, G7, C, Am
In other words, please be true!
Dm7, G7
In other words
Dm7, G, G7, C
In other words, I love you!
3. Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma
Written by Jacques Prévert and popularized by the legendary Hungarian composer Joseph Kosma, ‘Autumn Leaves‘ is like a gentle breeze on a hot summer’s day.
It was originally composed for a French film in 1946, but it became immensely popular in the US. Surprisingly, this song comprises easy chords and simple composition, and it’s a great start for your jazz guitar journey.
Autumn Leaves Chords:
[Intro]
Gm6, F#m6, Em
Am7, D7
The falling leaves
Gmaj7, Em6
Drift by my window
Am6/F#, Gm6, B7
The falling leaves
Em
Of red and gold
Am7, D7
I see your lips
Gmaj7, Em6
The summer kisses
Am6/F#, Gm6, B7
The sunburned hands
Em
I used to hold
C#dim/D, Cdim, C#dim/D
B7
Since you went away
F#m6(no5)/A, C#dim/D, F#m6(no5)/A
Em
The days grow long
Gm6(no5)/Bb, F#m6(no5)/A, Gm6(no5)/Bb
Am6/F#
And soon I’ll hear
Gm6, B7, Adim7
Em
Old winter’s song
Am6/F#
But I miss you
Gm6, B7
Most of all
Adim7, Em
My Darling
Am6/F#, Gm6, B7
When autumn leaves
F#m6(no5)/A, Am6/C, Gm6(no5)/Bb, Em6, Em6°
Begin to fall.
4. Blue Bossa by Joe Henderson
What makes a song great? For Blue Bossa, it’s the unmatched iconic rhythm that instantly makes you tap your feet.
Blue Bossa is a Latin-influenced Jazz piece (Bossa Nova). Written in 1963 by Kenny Dorham, this iconic piece became a staple in Art Pepper and Joe Pass’s pieces.
Blue Bossa Chords:
[Intro]
Cm7, Dm7b5, G7#5
Cm7, Fm7
A place inside my heart Is where you live
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
Memories of our start The love you give
Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7
Days when we’re alone, and you are in my arms
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7
The blueness of the trueness of our love
Cm7, Fm7
Nights of moonlit skies A gentle kiss
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
Something in your eyes Fills me with bliss
Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7
Hold me in your arms, and then I will recall
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7
The blueness of the trueness of our love
(solo)
Cm7, Cm7, Fm7, Fm7
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, Cm7
Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7
Cm7, Fm7
The thought of how we met Still lingers on
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
How can I forget That magic dawn
Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7
All the warm desire The fire in your touch
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
The blueness of the trueness of our love
(Outro)
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
The blueness of the trueness of our love
Dm7b5, G7, Cm7
The blueness of the trueness of our love
5. Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Originally written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael, ‘Georgia on My Mind‘ was immortalized by the ‘soul singer’ Ray Charles in 1960.
The amazing melody and soulful guitar rendition are guaranteed to take you on a summertime reverie.
Georgia on My Mind Chords:
C, C, E/B, E7, Am7, Am/G, F, F#dim7
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
C, A7, D7, G7, Bb7, A7, D7, G7
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
C, C, E, E7, Am7, Am/G, F, F#dim7
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
C, A7, D7, G7, C, F, C, E7
Comes sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
(Bridge)
Am7, F/A, Am6, F
Other arms reach out to me
Am7, F/A, Am7, D
Other Eyes smile, tenderly
Am7, Am/G, D9/F#, B7
Still, in peaceful dreams, I see
Em7, Eb7b5, D7, G7
The road leads back to you
C, C, E/B, E7, Am7, Am/G, F, F#dim7
Georgia, Georgia, no peace do I Find
C, A7, D7, G, C, F, C, E7
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
Am7, F/A, Am6, F
Other arms reach out to me
Am7, F/A, Am7, D7
Other eyes smile, tenderly
Am7, Am/G, D/F#, B7
Still, in peaceful dreams, I see
Em7, A7, Dm7, G7
The road leads back to you
C, C, E/B, E7, Am7, Am/G, F, F#dim7
Georgia, Georgia, no peace do I Find
C, A7, D7, G7, Bb7, A7
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
Dm7, Em7, F, F#dim7, G9
Just and old sweet song keeps
C, F, C, C#, C
Georgia on my mind.
6. Take the ‘A’ Train by Duke Ellington
Take the ‘A’ Train was originally written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. That song became so famous that it was actually used in the famous game GTA IV.
From Duke Ellington to Tina May, at least 20 singers and composers have covered this song from time to time. This Jazz piece is a treat to the ears.
Take the ‘A’ Train Chords:
Ab, Adim, Eb7, Eb9
If you want to go to Harlem
Cm, Abdim, Eb9, Abdim
Way up to Sugar Hill
Ab, Adim, Eb7, Eb9
Where those dancing feet you read of
Cm, Abdim, Eb9, Eb7b9
Are never, never still, then
Ab, Bb9
You must take the “A” train
Bbm, Eb, Cm, Eb7, Ab
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
Ab, Bb9
If you miss the “A” train
Bbm, Eb, Cm, Eb7, Ab, Ab9
You’ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Db
Hurry, get on, now it’s coming
Bb7, Bbm7, Eb9, Eb7b9
Listen to those rails a-thrumming. All
Ab, Bb9
‘Board, get on the “A” train
Bbm, Eb, Cm, Eb7, Ab
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
7. Sunny by Bobby Hebb
This soul-jazz song was the anthem for 60s youngsters. Written and sung by Booby Hebb in 1963, ‘Sunny‘ quickly became one of the most loved songs among Jazz lovers.
Broadcast Music Inc. included this song on the list of ‘Top 100 Songs of the Century.’ This amazing song is easy to learn and surely makes the mood brighten up of any party.
Sunny Chords:
Em7, G9, Cmaj7, F#m7, B7
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain
Em7, G9, Cmaj7, F#m7, B7
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain
Em7, G9
Now the dark days are done and the bright days are near
Cmaj7, F9
My sunny one shines so sincere
F#7sus4, B7
Sunny, one so true
Em, Em+5, Em6, Em7
I love you
Em7, G9, Cmaj7, F#m7, B7
Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet
Em7, G9, Cmaj7, F#m7, B7
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way
Em7, G9
You gave to me your all and all
Cmaj7, F9
And now I feel ten feet tall
F#m7, B7
Sunny, one so true
Em, C7
I love you
Fm, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Gm7, C7
Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see
Fm, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Gm7, C7
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z
Fm, Ab7
My life was torn like-a windblown sand, then
Dbmaj7, Gb9
A rock was formed when we held hands
G7sus4, C7
Sunny, one so true
Fm, C#7
I love you
F#m, A7, Dmaj7, G#m7, C#7
Sunny, thank you for that smile upon your face
F#m, A7, Dmaj7, G#m7, C#7
Sunny, thank you for that gleam that flows from grace
F#m, A7
You’re my spark of nature’s fire
Dmaj7, G7
You’re my sweet complete desire
G#7sus4, C#7
Sunny, one so true
F#m, D7
I love you
8. Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk
Round Midnight is one of the best compositions by the great American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. The iconic tune of this song became so popular that numerous artists recorded this song that it became one of the most recorded jazz standards in the world.
A rendition of ‘Round Midnight’ by Thelonious Monk himself was included in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993. This song is famous among jazz guitar newbies around the world for its simple composition and iconic tunes.
Check out the blog on how to mute guitar strings to play this song properly.
Round Midnight Chords:
Am, F#m7b5, Bm7b5, E7
It begins to tell ’round midnight, midnight;
Am7, D7, Fm7, Ddim, Em7, A7
I do pretty well ’til after sundown
Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7
Suppertime, I’m feelin’ sad,
Cdim, Bm7b5, E7
But it really gets bad ’round midnight.
Am, F#m7b5, Bm7b5, E7
Mem’ries always start ’round midnight, midnight
Am, D7, Fm7, Ddim, Em7, A7
Haven’t got the heart to stand those mem’ries;
Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7
When my heart is still with you,
Cdim, Bm7b5, E7 Am, Am7
And old midnight knows it too.
F#m7b5, B7b9, E7
When a quarrel we had needs mending
F#m7b5, B7b9, E7
Does it mean that our love is ending?
Dm7, Cmaj7, F7, E7
Darling, I need you; lately I find
A7, G7, F7, E7
You’re out of my heart and I’m out of my mind.
Am, F#m7b5, Bm7b5, E7
Let our hearts take wings’ ’round midnight, midnight;
Am, D7, Fm7, Ddim, Em7, A7
Let the angels sing for your returning;
Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7, Fm9
Till our love is safe and sound
Cdim, Bm7b5, E7, Am
And old midnight comes around.
Am, F#m7b5
Feelin’ sad
Bm7b5, E7
Really gets bad
Am7, D7, Bm7b5, E7, Am
Round…round..round…midnight.
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9. Bye Bye Blackbird by Rey Henderson
Another Jazz standard on the list, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird‘ was originally composed in 1926 by American composer Rey Henderson.
Popular artists, including Miles Davis and Nina Simone, recorded different versions of this song.
The RIAA, AKA Recording Industry Association of America, awarded a posthumous Grammy to John Coltrane for this song.
John Lennon once expressed his love for this song. Two other Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, recorded this song on various occasions.
Bye Bye Blackbird Chords:
Dm, Em, G7, C
C, F, C, Dm, C
Pack up all my cares and woes, here I go, singing low,
Dm, C, G7
Bye Bye Blackbird.
Dm, Dm7, Dm, Am, G7
When somebody waits for me, sugar’s sweet, so is she,
Dm, Em, G7, C
Bye Bye Blackbird.
C7, G, F, Dm, A7
No one here can love and understand me,
Am, F, Em, Dm, C, G7
O, what hard luck stories they all hand me.
C, F, C, Em, Dm, A7
Make my bed and light the light, I’ll arrive late tonight,
Dm7, F, G7, C, G7
Blackbird, bye bye.
C, F, C, Dm, C
Pack up all my cares and woes, here I go, singing low,
Dm, C, G7
Bye Bye Black bird.
Dm, Dm7, Dm, Am, G7
When somebody waits for me, sugar’s sweet, so is she,
Dm, Em, G7, C
Bye, Bye Black bird.
Legendary Jazz Songs to keep on your Practice List
- So what by Miles Davis
- Cold Duck Time by Les McCann
- Donna lee by Charlie Parker
- The Lady in My Life by Stanley Jordan
- Night and Day by Joe Pass
- Dream Gypsy by Bill Evans
FAQs
1. Which is better to learn jazz songs: electric or acoustic guitar?
Generally, it is easier to play anything on an electric guitar. You can bend notes and create reverb and other effects for stylization without any effort. Acoustic guitars have higher string tension, so it becomes a bit harder for a beginner to play solos. Although, starting with an acoustic guitar seems to be the rational practice for jazz songs.
2. Do guitarists need to read music?
No, it is not necessary, instead you should call it beneficial. There are many successful guitarists who don’t know how to read musical sheets. It depends on how you start learning to play the guitar. However, learning to read musical sheets has its own benefits. You can play and read complex compositions only by looking at them.
3. Which is the best guitar genre?
Every musical genre stands out from the others with its own glory. It is impossible and ridiculous to state one of them as the best. Rock, pop, blues, and jazz are the most prominent guitar genres in the world. Now it is up to you which one to choose based on your preference.
Conclusion
You already seem excited! Learning to play the guitar while playing iconic jazz songs is definitely fun.
Buy a guitar, pick any of these songs and start practicing the chords as per your choice and start humming the tunes alongside playing.
Believe me, learning guitar will seem a lot more fun and exciting!
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