Session 1:

  • Why comprehension is better than memorization 
  • “Extensions” definition 
  • Where 9, 11, 13 come from
  • What a “big number” means in a chord symbol
  • What a Maj9 chord is
  • What a 9 chord is
  • Cumulative extensions in chord symbols
  • What “add” means in a chord symbol
  • Why “add” chords are great for learning the extensions
  • The quick way to figure out the 9, 11, and 13 notes

Session 2:

  • add9, add11, add13 (or 6) chords
  • Variations on the extensions (#9, b9, #11, b13)
  • Why the variations are often non-diatonic
  • Recap of Roman Numerals 
  • Adding extensions to triads
  • Diatonic triad exercise for 9ths
  • Diatonic triad exercise for 11ths
  • Diatonic triad exercise for 13ths

Session 3:

  • Adding the altered extensions (#11, b9, etc.) to triads
  • Deciphering the chord symbols
  • Deciding which notes to include (and not include) in a big chord
  • #5 chords