Interpreting chord symbols without extensions

[gitarsam312]

If you see "F" or "F7" - what do you play? Do you add a 13 or 9 automatically? It seems like it will depend on the particular tune, but do you have any sort of "general rules" that you use?

[cosmic gumbo]

I see F, I think triad, no 7, when I see F7, I think dom7, add any relevant tension that suits your purposes. If it's not functioning as a dom7, you'd probably stick to only diatonic extensions.

[whatswisdom]

Originally Posted by gitarsam312

If you see "F" or "F7" - what do you play?

FAC or FACEb

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

If I see F7, I just play A + Eb.

[Reg]

Sure the general rule is you do the best you can... If you have the skills to recognize context... be able to hear and understand what's implied by that context... basically be able to have an analysis of tune as your reading... then you'll know what that F or F7 really implies. As jazz player.. we rarely simply play that one chord. Generally that single chord symbol implies different chord patterns, But if your not sure ... play the ink. At least if the ink's wrong... you can play the blame game. Reg

[M-ster]

I'm seconding both BDLH and Reg: It depends on context and, even then, sometimes the guidetones are all that's needed.

[eddy b.]

It took me a long time to realize that the "extensions" are often the "melody" notes of the tune...so if there aren't extensions written usually the melody is a chord tone so don't obscure the melody with a bunch of 9's and 13's etc. Unless it's a jazz blues then it's all about the 9's and 13's check out the Count Basie Band for how to play jazz/blues...heaven on earth..

[SammieWammie]

In a jazz chart doesn't a plain F usually mean an F major 7 anyway? At least in the old school charts. I've been taught to find chord functionality in songs, e.g if a F7 functions as the V chord you can alter it however you please but if it says F9 then you don't want to alter the 9th or if it functions as the one of a blues you wouldn't want to play a very altered dominant I think. And once you get to doing rootless voicings the exact notes you might be playing may technically be a different chord e.g you might play an A-7 over a chord symbol saying F yet if would function as a rootless voicing of F major 9. F major 7 | F dim 7 | E-7 works perfectly well as D-9 (no root) | G7b9 (no root) | C major 9 (no root). My general rule is to find something that sounds good.

[jmstritt]

If I see something written as a plain F, I will usually play F6, or Fmaj7, but as has been mentioned, it all depends on context. If it is the first chord after a turnaround on a swing tune or a blues in F, I will probably play F6. If it is the IV of Bb in a more modern tune, I might play a Fmaj7#11.

Reg had it right when he said that you need to at least on some level do an analysis of the tune as you are playing it.

[gitarsam312]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.