Q. I know what D7 is, but I have no idea about D-7. Does that mean the same as Dm7? I just came across this in "The Real Book," 6th edition.
A. Yes, it is a Dm7! There is no standardization in this. You have to learn which style a particular arranger or copyist uses and go with the flow. Sometimes you will see major and minor indicated with upper-case "M" and lower-case "m'. Other times you will see the aforementioned minus sign "-" to indicate a minor chord and a delta symbol (small triangle) to indicate a major chord. Frequently you will see major indicated by "Maj" and minor by "min". Unfortunately there is no standardization. Sometimes you have to figure it out from the arrangement: What works best?
An arranger or copyist (usually) always employs the same indicators in all their manuscripts. Usually a publisher will use the same naming convention throughout a book. However, THE REAL BOOK(s) arrangements are mixed because they are the actual working arrangements from many different artists representing many different arrangers and copyists!
In re-reading this I noticed that there may be a question on the "7" in a chord symbol. It is usually understood that the chord will be a dominant-seven with the 7th tone in the scale of the chord name lowered a half-step. Thus the answer that said "D-7" (your original question) is D-F-A-C is correct. The "-" sign denotes an F-natural (minor third) rather than the normal F# in a D scale. The "C" is natural because it is a dominant-7 chord. A Dmaj7 would have the "C#" which is the normal 7th tone in a D scale. What about a Dmin7 with a "C#"? In other words, D-Fnatural-A-C#. How is this written? There is no standardization! I have seen it as Dm-maj7 and Dm-add C# but there are other ways.
Jazz piano chords.......?
Q. I just started taking jazz piano lessons.
When it says "C7" on a piece of music, does it mean I can only play C,E,G,and B in a measure or can I also play other notes? (when improvising)
A. Well first off C7 means it's a dominant Chord and it would be C,E,G,Bb not C,E,G,B, that's a C major 7th. You can use any notes in a C7th scale, C,D,E,F(although you generally don't want play the 4th unless it's a passing tone),G,A,Bb,C. That is what a beginner should start off fooling around with but you can use any note outside of the scale as a passing tone, don't limit yourself.
Piano (Jazz)?
Q. I have been playing piano for a long time. I'm working on my Grade 10 RCM, mostly focusing on classical pieces. I have played some pop and background music. I would really like to start on jazz, but I don't know what books I should get. Any suggestions?
A. I'm not as informed with piano as I would like to be, but I can point you where to go!
First, I would start with assessing where you are in the jazz scheme of things. Are you familiar with jazz styles? Comping chords? Improv?
I would tell you to visit your local music store and browse their piano method books. Ask the clerks what they have to offer in way of jazz piano, and if they don't have much on-site, ask to see some catalogues and talk to them about their recommendations. It's their job to be familiar with available materials that would be good for what you want.
You can also browse Amazon and other music company websites.
See the link below--I searched for jazz piano on google, and there's a whole mess of hits. Good luck!
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Title : What does D-7 mean in jazz piano chords?
Description : Q. I know what D7 is, but I have no idea about D-7. Does that mean the same as Dm7? I just came across this in "The Real Book," 6...