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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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 slightly lowered pitch (usually the 3rd, 5th, or 7th) that gives jazz its characteristic sound, also the name of an iconic jazz label.

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

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.

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.

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'.

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 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.