maj7b5 chords

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 01:06 PM

Hey,

anyone got any cool progressions using this type of chord?

Or any examples of how this chord would function in a progression? Could I use it any time for the 1 chord? or is it most commonly used on the 4 chord?

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 01:22 PM

The b5 is probably a #11.

It's just a diatonic extension for a IV chord, so easy and "natural" in that case

... But I like using it for any major chord. Especially in the final chord:

xx5500
xx4311
xx3443
x77787
x67678
x55575
x43453
x32442 <--- CMaj7(#9, #11) Just let it float!

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 01:24 PM

just a quick and probably dumb question, but does "0" mean to play the open string?

**mr. beaumont** · 12-09-2011, 01:26 PM

Yep, "0" is "open."

BDLH pretty much answered the same way I would...I try it anywhere I can on a major chord really...one of my favorite sounds.

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 01:29 PM

man these chords are BEASTLY im trying to disect all the other voicings! lol NICE bro thanks

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by JazzFanatik

just a quick and probably dumb question, but does "0" mean to play the open string?

Yes. I can't play that voicing without open strings unless it's way up the neck

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by JazzFanatik

man these chords are BEASTLY im trying to disect all the other voicings! lol NICE bro thanks

You're welcome. I really like x67678 myself.

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 01:32 PM

yeah dude what IS that chord i can't figure it out i been lookin at it for 10 minutes now lol

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 01:37 PM

and THIS bad boy??? x55575

what is THIS chord called? my GOD

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 01:48 PM

Let me spell those chords out. First of all, I made that progression up just for fun, by starting with a chromatically descending bass line (G down to C) and trying to keep the tops notes "In C". I figure that anything else in between would either work or be excusable.

xx5500 CMaj7
xx4311 F#Maj7#11
xx3443 Balt
x77787 Emin11
x67678 A13(#9#11)
x55565 Dmin11
x43453 G13(#11)
x32442 CMaj7(#9, #11)

There are many way to name those. I went for names with lots of #11, for the sake of the thread.

By the way, I originally played the Emin11 ... Dmin11 part like this:

x77787
x66676
x55575

But that was "too chromatic", so I changed it to stay in C on the top notes:

x77787
x66678
x55565

That's better, but the middle chord needs to sound "more dominant":

x77787
x67678
x55565

That's how I came up with that chord in the middle, by a process of tweaking.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by JazzFanatik

and THIS bad boy??? x55575

what is THIS chord called? my GOD

Um, a typo.

I meant x55565, but you can keep the F# if you like it. (D11)

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 02:35 PM

lol i strangely DID like that chord...but good to know! LOL thanks

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Let me spell those chords out. First of all, I made that progression up just for fun, by starting with a chromatically descending bass line (G down to C) and trying to keep the tops notes "In C". I figure that anything else in between would either work or be excusable.

xx5500 CMaj7
xx4311 F#Maj7#11
xx3443 Balt
x77787 Emin11
x67678 A13(#9#11)
x55565 Dmin11
x43453 G13(#11)
x32442 CMaj7(#9, #11)

There are many way to name those. I went for names with lots of #11, for the sake of the thread.

By the way, I originally played the Emin11 ... Dmin11 part like this:

x77787
x66676
x55575

But that was "too chromatic", so I changed it to stay in C on the top notes:

x77787
x66678
x55565

That's better, but the middle chord needs to sound "more dominant":

x77787
x67678
x55565

That's how I came up with that chord in the middle, by a process of tweaking.

Thanks this is helpful so i can use these voicings again!

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 12-09-2011, 02:42 PM

By the way, that min11 chord (x77787) is the "So What" chord:

**JazzFanatik** · 12-09-2011, 03:28 PM

yeah i was peepin that...didn't know wht it was called. now i do!

**JakeAcci** · 12-09-2011, 03:48 PM

Inner Urge, Serenity, Jinrikisha, In your own sweet way, lots of Wayne Shorter tunes like Infant Eyes.

Maj7#11 is a real staple of 'modern' jazz compositions, I feel like most composers post-1960 had at least a few tunes with this chord in it. Then in the past few decades maj7#5 has become popular...