Tags: jazz music chord-melody white-christmas

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Start by strumming each chord slowly to get familiar with the shapes.
• Play each chord for four beats, focusing on clean sound and finger placement.

Transition Drills (10 minutes)

Focus on the transitions between specific pairs of chords.

1. F∆7 → G9
2. G9 → C∆7
3. C∆7 → E♭7
4. E♭7 → Dm11
5. Dm11 → G9sus4
6. G9sus4 → G9
7. G9 → C∆7
8. C∆7 → C7

For each pair, strum the first chord four times, then switch to the second chord and strum it four times. Repeat the pairs several times, increasing speed as you get comfortable.

Chord Progression (10 minutes)

Use the following progression, strumming each chord for four beats before moving to the next one. Repeat the progression 3-5 times.

1. F∆7
2. G9
3. C∆7
4. E♭7
5. Dm11
6. G9sus4
7. G9
8. C∆7
9. C7

Suggested Strumming Pattern

• Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D, D-U, U-D-U)

Use this pattern to maintain a steady rhythm while transitioning.

Play Along (10 minutes)

Find a backing track or a jazz standard that features these chords, and play along to practice your transitions in context.

Cool Down (5 minutes)

End your practice by strumming each chord in the progression slowly. Focus on making each chord sound clean and ringing out.

Tips for Smooth Transitions

• Visualize the Next Chord: Before switching chords, visualize where your fingers need to go.
• Keep Your Fingers Close to the Strings: This reduces the distance your fingers have to travel, making transitions quicker.
• Practice at a Comfortable Tempo: Start slow, then gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
• Use Anchor Fingers: Keep one or two fingers in place while moving the others to help with transitions.