Jazz is one of the most exciting styles to play for any piano player, because of the opportunity it offers for improvisation. So if you’re keen to learn to play jazz piano, here are some useful books that will teach you all the techniques you need to know.
Best Jazz Theory Books
Here are the top books on Jazz theory and improvisations.
The Jazz Theory Book
Highlights
- Over 500 pages of text and over 750 musical examples, played by the great jazz players.
- Written in a clear and understandable style.
- Starts with the basic techniques and takes you through the advanced topics.
Why should you consider using it?
Because this book is endorsed by the likes of Jamey Aebersold, James Moody, Dave Liebman, and other great players; The Jazz Theory Book presents all the information any student of jazz needs in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough, manner.
The is a highly-acclaimed jazz theory book, with over 500 pages of comprehensive, but easy to understand text covering every aspect of jazz —chord construction, II-V-I progressions, scale theory, chord/scale relationships, the blues, reharmonization, and much more.
Who is it for?
Written by one of the acknowledged masters of jazz, this book is suitable for intermediate to advanced players, and is even used by universities around the world.
What Does it Cover?
- Part 1: Basic Theory, Chords & Scales
- Part 2: Improvisation and importance of practice
- Part 3: Reharmonization
- Part 4: How to compose and increase repertoire
- Part 5: Other styles of jazz, importance of listening
What Other Jazz Musicians Have to Say
Here’s what other musicians have to say about The Jazz Theory Book:
“Mark has done it again and the music world is grateful. This book will help move the understanding of jazz theory and harmony into the 21st century.”
Jamey Aebersold
“Finally, a book on jazz theory and harmony that is very easy to understand yet still covers in great depth just about all of the basics anyone would need to know in order to get started or, in the case of the more advanced player, wonderful information on areas such as playing “outside”, reharmonization, keyboard fundamentals, etc. I wish I’d had this book 40 years ago. I think this is the book every musician should own.”
Bobby Shew
“The Jazz Theory Book should be in every musician’s library regardless of the level of their ability.”
James Moody
“This is the best book on jazz theory I have seen to date. The conversational tone of all the text gives the student the feeling of learning from a friend rather than an authoritarian figure. Great stuff.!”
Ernie Watts
“A great book!” says Keyboard Magazine
Buying Links
Checkout more Jazz theory books here.
The Jazz Theory Book is recommended, but some have reservations. While most jazz musicians find Levine intellectually fascinating, they find it challenging to link it with actual practice. You probably need another book to balance its bias towards chord-scale theory.
Here are some more options:
Jazz Theory Resources: Volume 1 & 2 (by Bert Ligon)
Jazz Theory Resources comes in two volumes. Volume I includes: review of basic theory, rhythm in jazz performance, basic tonal materials, triadic generalization, diatonic harmonic progressions and harmonic analysis, substitutions and turnarounds, common melodic outlines, and an overview of voicings.
Volume II includes: modes and modal frameworks, quartal harmony, other scales and colors, extended tertian structures and triadic superimposition, pentatonic applications, analysis, and expanding harmonic vocabulary. Appendices on chord/scale relationships, elaborations of static harmony, endings, composing tips and theory applications are also included.
Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony (by Bert Ligon)
Even though its a theory book, it covers several improvisation strategies for all kinds of jazz. Some musicians find the “linear” perspective more convincing than the widely applicable “vertical” chord-scale angle.
Linear Jazz Improvisation Method (by Ed Byrne)
Includes comprehensive introduction to core concepts and techniques of Linear Jazz Improvisation Method. Instead of focusing on theoretical terminology, the book focuses more on the essential “building blocks” in every composition: melody, guide-tone lines, root progression, and rhythm.
These books on linear improvisation method require a solid understanding of functional harmony (major and minor key theory), and on how chords actually work in progression.
Patterns for Jazz — A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation: Treble Clef Instruments
Patterns for Jazz stands includes condensed charts and several relevant explanations. Over 400 patterns built on chords and scales–from simple (major) to complex (lydian augmented scales). Great for aspiring jazz players/intermediate level players.
Know of any other good book on Jazz theory? Please share it below.
Jazz Theory by Master Jazz Pianists
Lessons from Barry Harris, the legendary Jazz Pianist
Barry Harris is a popular name in the world of jazz. The “keeper of the bebop flame,” as critics have called him, Harris is committed to preserving jazz through education and performance. His workshops play an important part in his life and in the lives of many young musicians.
Barry Harris is known for his incredible “movements” he creates with chords and melodies, the left hand is always playing some sort of a counter-melody. His performances are harmonically rich, include great chord movements, includes wonderful use of pauses and runs plus incredible touch.
Want to expand your harmonic vocabulary and get a deeper insight of music? Here are piano and music theory lessons from the master himself.
Jazz Theory with Barry Harris, Part One
Jazz Theory with Barry Harris, Part Two
Jazz Theory with Barry Harris, Part Three
Jazz Theory with Barry Harris, Part Four
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This book should definitely be on the required reading list for any music student majoring in theory and composition. There are many other Jazz theory books out there, but they resemble more like a math textbook, more than a music book.
But this one is different. I spent over 4 decades trying to learn improvisation but only after I read this book that the real magic began to happen, and for the first time in my life I actually consider myself a real musician.
I have a masters in music theory and composition, but after reading this book I was amazed at what I wasn’t taught in traditional music theory classes. Colleges and universities should be ashamed for doing such a lousy job of teaching this subject.