Learn the language of gypsy jazz
The theory behind the shapes — how chords, scales and the manouche moves actually work. Each concept is explained plainly and linked to the tunes that use it.
Basics
- How a chord is built — A chord is notes stacked in thirds; the arpeggio is those same notes played one at a time.
- Scale formulas — The major and minor scales as step patterns — the ruler every chord is measured against.
- Reading chord symbols — Decoding the chart — Δ, m, °, ø, 7, 6 and the manouche shorthand you meet on every grille.
Harmony
- The dominant 7 and its resolution — Why E7 wants to fall to Am — the tritone and the half-step pulls that drive the whole style.
- The chain of dominants — Dominants resolving into dominants — B7 → E7 → A — the ladder behind so many manouche bridges.
Manouche moves
- The diminished on the dominant — Play a diminished 7 a half step above the dominant to get the ♭9 sound — the signature manouche colour.