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A practice where musicians alternate four-bar solos, commonly found in jazz. This technique has been used by many artists, including drummers Max Roach and Art Blakey.

The main theme or melody of a jazz tune, often played at the beginning and end. John Coltrane's 'Giant Steps' has one of the most famous heads.

The most common chord progression in jazz, used as a turnaround in many jazz standards. Artists associated with this include John Coltrane and Bill Evans.

Playing chords rhythmically to provide accompaniment and support the soloist. Frequently associated with pianists Bill Evans and guitarists like Freddie Green.

A harmonic technique where the V chord in a ii-V-I is replaced by the bV chord. Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane have used this technique.

The ability of a rhythm section to play with a tight, unified time feel. Bassists like Ron Carter and drummers like Tony Williams are known for their ability to lock in.

Jazz that uses musical modes rather than chord progressions as a harmonic framework. Miles Davis and John Coltrane are key figures in this style.

A style that combines jazz with Latin American rhythms and percussion instruments. Artists like Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie are important figures in Latin jazz.

A melodic technique that uses notes outside the prevailing chord or scale as a way of leading into target notes. Saxophonist Joe Henderson often used chromatic approaches in his solos.

The use of a chord a tritone away from the original chord, usually applied to the V chord in a progression. This technique is commonly heard in solos by pianist Bud Powell.

A style of jazz characterized by relaxed tempos and lighter tones. Artists such as Chet Baker and Dave Brubeck are examples of this style.

A rhythm where eighth notes are played with a long-short pattern giving a feeling of swing. Count Basie and Duke Ellington bands exemplify the swing feel.

A jazz standard ballad with a memorable melody, composed by pianist Erroll Garner.

The combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture, often heard in the works of pianist Bill Evans.

Chord progressions based on the song 'I Got Rhythm' by George Gershwin, commonly used in jazz compositions. Artists like Lester Young and Sonny Rollins have explored variations.

A style of bass playing in which each beat of a bar is a different note, creating a continuous quarter-note movement, a staple in the playing of bassists like Paul Chambers.

A classic jazz tune and also a term for a distinctive rhythm or riff. Lee Morgan is well-known for this composition.

A scale that adds a chromatic passing tone to the mixolydian scale to create smooth 8th note lines. Artists like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie are known for using this.

A technique where the musician plays the same note in two separate octaves simultaneously, often used by guitarist Wes Montgomery.

An extension of bebop with influences from blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. Art Blakey and Horace Silver are prominent figures of this genre.

A scale that combines minor pentatonic with an additional blue note, essential in jazz improvisation. Artists like Cannonball Adderley and B.B. King have used it extensively.

The use of two or more conflicting rhythms simultaneously, commonly used in African and Latin jazz. Drummers like Elvin Jones have employed this technique extensively.

A chord progression using a pattern of major thirds, as seen in John Coltrane's compositions like 'Giant Steps'.

Chord progressions based on Charlie Parker tunes, which have become standards themselves. Examples include 'Confirmation' and 'Ornithology'.