Top 10 Jazz Standards for Practicing Ear Training

Are you tired of feeling lost when trying to improvise over a jazz tune? Do you struggle to identify chord progressions by ear? Fear not, because ear training is the key to unlocking your potential as a jazz musician. And what better way to practice than by learning and playing some of the most popular jazz standards of all time? In this article, we'll explore the top 10 jazz standards for practicing ear training, so grab your instrument and let's get started!

1. Autumn Leaves

First up on our list is the classic tune "Autumn Leaves." This song is a great starting point for ear training because it features a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize. The song is in the key of E minor and follows a ii-V-I progression in several keys. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify these common chord progressions by ear and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

2. All the Things You Are

"All the Things You Are" is another popular jazz standard that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a complex chord progression that includes several key changes and modulations. By learning to identify these changes by ear, you'll be able to improvise more confidently and creatively over this tune and others like it.

3. Blue Bossa

"Blue Bossa" is a Latin jazz standard that is perfect for practicing ear training. This song features a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize, but also includes some interesting harmonic twists and turns. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common Latin jazz chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

4. Body and Soul

"Body and Soul" is a classic ballad that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a slow, romantic melody and a complex chord progression that includes several key changes and modulations. By learning to identify these changes by ear, you'll be able to improvise more confidently and creatively over this tune and others like it.

5. Giant Steps

"Giant Steps" is a challenging jazz standard that is great for advanced ear training. This song features a complex chord progression that includes several key changes and modulations, as well as some unusual chord substitutions. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify these changes by ear and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

6. In a Sentimental Mood

"In a Sentimental Mood" is a beautiful ballad that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a slow, romantic melody and a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common ballad chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

7. Satin Doll

"Satin Doll" is a classic jazz standard that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize, but also includes some interesting harmonic twists and turns. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common jazz chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

8. So What

"So What" is a modal jazz standard that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a simple chord progression that is based on a single mode, making it easy to recognize and memorize. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common modal chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

9. Take the A Train

"Take the A Train" is a classic jazz standard that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize, but also includes some interesting harmonic twists and turns. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common jazz chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

10. There Will Never Be Another You

"There Will Never Be Another You" is a popular jazz standard that is great for practicing ear training. This song features a simple chord progression that is easy to recognize and memorize, but also includes some interesting harmonic twists and turns. By practicing this tune, you'll be able to identify common jazz chord progressions and apply them to other songs in your repertoire.

Conclusion

Ear training is an essential skill for any jazz musician, and practicing with these top 10 jazz standards is a great way to improve your abilities. By learning to identify chord progressions, key changes, and modulations by ear, you'll be able to improvise more confidently and creatively over any tune. So grab your instrument and start practicing today!

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