Schott Tim Richards - Improvising Blues Piano

Summary of This Method

This method offers a progressive exploration of the essential chords for understanding modern harmony and mastering accompaniment. It starts with the basics of triads, then expands the vocabulary by addressing sixth chords, before moving on to seventh chords, essential for analyzing and playing a wide range of styles. The following chapters deepen the enrichments (ninth and thirteenth), to develop richer colors and more refined sonorities, particularly useful for varying accompaniment and better hearing tensions and resolutions. Finally, a chapter is dedicated to minor and diminished chords, essential for understanding contrasts, cadences, and more sophisticated progressions.

The content is organized according to the following table of contents:
Chapter 1: Triads
Chapter 2: Sixth chords
Chapter 3: Seventh chords
Chapter 4: Ninth and thirteenth chords
Chapter 5: Minor and diminished chords

Thanks to this progression, you will be able to strengthen your chord construction reflexes, clarify the function of each note in the chord (root, third, fifth, extension notes), and gain ease in harmonizing a melody or adapting accompaniment. It is a relevant resource both for musicians in training (theory, harmony, arrangement) and for instrumentalists wishing to enrich their playing, better understand chord charts, and develop a more musical and expressive chord language.

Technical specifications

Publication

Methods

Clear progression	a structured pathway for understanding and connecting chords, from the simplest to more extended voicings.	A practical accompaniment tool	useful for piano, guitar and any polyphonic instrument player looking to develop coherent voicings.
A solid foundation in harmony	ideal for consolidating your understanding of chord construction and improving your ability to read or write chord charts.	A sound-focused approach	highlights chord colours (sixths, sevenths, ninths and thirteenths) and their musical uses.