To get to jazz do I just add a seventh?

Question

I've been up until now just practicing triads on all major/minor keys. If I wanted to play jazz do I just add sevenths (ie dominant7, major7, minor7) to chords in my chord progressions or is it alot more involved than that? (I'm guessing it is).

Answer 1

Yes, you guessed correctly. Adding that major 7th to chords (no resolution to the 6th) is usually the first step non jazz players take to get that unique jazz sound, 9ths, 11ths and 13ths either just straight or altered are the colorful pretty additions. Billy Joel tells the story about his early career when he was playing Holiday Inns, etc. that he really know that major 7th, liked it and used it. Best wishes!

Answer 2

It's a lot more involved than that. But adding 7ths (and their inversions) is a pretty good start. You can also add 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths; in those chords you generally need to leave out a note or two (the 5th of the chord is a good candidate).

Jazz harmony is a whole field unto itself.