Pull open your fake book or a lead sheet and look at the chords. This 5-1 progression is one of the most important progressions in jazz music because it is found everywhere. G7 is the “5 chord” in the key of C, and C is the “1 chord”: G7 to C Major 7 (5-1) chord progression in jazz piano lead sheets Usually, this chord is followed by a C Major chord, creating what’s called a 5-1 progression. Therefore, if I build a chord all thirds apart on the 5th note of a C Major scale, I get a G7 chord: G7 root position chord on piano The 5-1 Progression

What is a dominant 7 chord? A dominant 7 chord is a a chord containing 7 notes built a third apart, starting on the 5th note of a major scale. If you know this, skip ahead, but if you don’t, this is essential!

In today’s Quick Tip, you’re going to learn how to play 5 jazz scales for improv on Dominant 7 chords.

Therefore, it is essential to know what scales to use over these chords. If you want to improvise jazz piano, one of the most common chords you will see are dominant 7 chords.

B flat major dominant 7th chord