Refreshing Your Chord Vocabulary on Simple ii-V-I's

Transform your jazz comping from predictable to professional with master guitarist Paul Bollenback's systematic approach to chord voicing expansion. This comprehensive course breaks down the essential ii-V-I progression—the backbone of jazz harmony—and reveals how to extract dozens of sophisticated voicings from just three basic chord shapes you already know. Starting with standard D minor 7, G13, and C major 7 positions, Bollenback demonstrates precise finger movements and voice-leading techniques that unlock altered tensions, substitutions, and passing chords. You'll master practical applications like using Dm7b5 and D7#9 as reharmonization options, creating smooth inner voice motion with Bbmaj7/D passing chords, and distinguishing between voicings suited for modal versus functional harmony contexts. Beyond theory, this course addresses the physical challenges of advanced chord work. Bollenback shares professional fingering strategies, including proper pinky arch technique for extended reaches, efficient hand positioning for difficult voicings, and practice routines for building the muscle memory needed to execute these chords in real-time performance situations. Whether you're accompanying vocalists at local jazz clubs, sitting in on sessions, or refining your solo guitar arrangements, these voicing techniques provide the harmonic sophistication that separates competent players from true professionals. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists ready to break free from standard chord grips and develop the rich, nuanced harmonic vocabulary heard in professional jazz performances.