BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
575 / 18210 · Module 13 — Extensions: 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths← prev⊞ allnext →

Homework for Module 13

Spend around 30 minutes.

A. Build extensions

On C, build and say the notes of:

Cmaj9

Cmaj9 = C E G B D

C9

C9 = C E G B♭ D

Cm9

Cm9 = C E♭ G B♭ D

Cm11

C13

Then identify:

3rd, 7th, and extension.

B. Minimal voicings

Practice:

Cmaj9: LH C / RH E-B-D

Dm9: LH D / RH F-C-E

G13: LH G / RH F-B-E

Then transpose the same formulas to G major:

Am9 → D13 → Gmaj9

Am9 → D13 → Gmaj9

C. Compare chord colors

Play:

C

Cmaj7

Cmaj7 = C E G B

Cmaj9

C6

C6 = C E G A

C6/9

Listen rather than just naming.

D. add9 versus maj9

Play:

Cadd9

Cadd9 = C E G D

then:

Cmaj9

Listen for the B that distinguishes them.

E. 11th experiment

Play:

Cmaj7 plus F.

Notice the E-F tension.

Then:

Cm7 plus F.

Compare.

F. Melody determines extension

Hold these melody notes over C:

D → interpret as 9

A → 13

F♯ → ♯11

Experiment with voicings underneath.

G. Rich ii–V–I

Practice:

Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9

Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9

Use minimal movement.

Then:

Gm9 → C13 → Fmaj9

Gm9 → C13 → Fmaj9

H. Rich secondary-dominant progression

Try:

Cmaj9 → E7 → Am9 → A13 → Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9

Cmaj9 → E7 → Am9 → A13 → Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9

Keep the melody/top voice smooth.