


Play whatever you desire and whatever pleases your ear. The lead sheet is a recommendation, not a requirement.

For example, turning a Vchord into a ii-V. Inserting new chords in places where the chords are not notated to change. Swapping one chord for another chord of similar function. Even if not notated explicitly, you may choose to include additional notes from the scale, or even altered extensions outside of the scale. There are many ways a jazz musician may deviate from these chords:

This gives you freedom and responsibility to use your ear and decide for yourself how you want to play this tune. Unlike classical sheet music, the lead sheet does not literally dictate what you should play. It's different from classical in that these lead sheets provide a skeleton outline to inspire your own playing. Jazz is the art of improvisation in performance. But, in jazz circles, its common to assume a 7th chord.Ĭhord symbols do not need to be followed literally. If no number is displayed, it classically means to play a triad.
