How to Compose Jazz Standards

Jazz standards are the cornerstone of the jazz repertoire, serving as timeless pieces that musicians from all generations draw upon for inspiration, improvisation, and performance. Composing a jazz standard is a unique challenge–requiring a balance of harmonic sophistication, melodic memorability, rhythmic complexity, and emotional depth. Unlike many other genres where repetition and simplicity dominate, jazz standards thrive on nuanced creativity and structural elegance.

In this article, we’ll explore how to compose jazz standards by examining their essential components, understanding the historical context, and offering practical tips to craft your own timeless piece.

Understanding What Makes a Jazz Standard

Before diving into composition techniques, it’s important to grasp what distinguishes a jazz standard from other forms of music.

Characteristics of Jazz Standards

• Memorable Melodies: The melody should be catchy yet sophisticated enough to invite musical exploration.

• Rich Harmonic Structure: Jazz standards often feature complex chord progressions that provide ample opportunities for improvisation.

• Flexible Form: Most jazz standards use common song forms like AABA or ABAC, which provide both familiarity and space for innovation.

• Rhythmic Interest: Syncopation, swing feel, and varied rhythmic patterns help bring the tune to life.

• Emotional Resonance: Whether joyful, melancholic, or introspective, the tune should evoke emotion and connect with listeners.

Historical Context

Many jazz standards originated during the Great American Songbook era (1920s-1960s), crafted by composers such as George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Richard Rodgers. These songs were originally part of Broadway musicals or Tin Pan Alley productions but were embraced by jazz musicians because of their rich harmonic content and memorable melodies.

Modern jazz composers continue this tradition by writing pieces that reflect contemporary sensibilities while honoring these core attributes.

Step 1: Choose Your Form

Most jazz standards adhere to familiar song structures. Selecting an appropriate form helps shape your composition’s flow and provides a framework for improvisation.

Common Forms in Jazz Standards

• AABA (32 bars): Perhaps the most iconic form. It consists of two similar 8-bar A sections, an 8-bar contrasting B section (bridge), and a final A section.

• Blues Form (12 bars): Based on a specific chord progression with a I-IV-V pattern; foundational in jazz.

• ABAC (32 bars): Similar to AABA but with a different pattern in the last section.

• Modal Forms: Fewer chord changes with emphasis on modes or scales for improvisation.

Choosing your form depends on the mood you want to convey and how complex you want your piece to be. For beginners, starting with AABA or blues can be an effective approach.

Step 2: Crafting the Melody

The melody is the most recognizable part of your composition–it’s what musicians will remember and improvise over. Writing a strong melody requires balancing simplicity and sophistication.

Tips for Creating a Memorable Melody

• Start Simple: Begin with short motifs or phrases that can be developed throughout the tune.

• Use Motif Development: Repeat motifs with variation in rhythm or pitch to create cohesion.

• Balance Stepwise Motion and Leaps: Stepwise movement gives smoothness; occasional leaps add interest.

• Incorporate Syncopation: Rhythmic displacement makes melodies more engaging.

• Consider Vocal Phrasing: Even if instrumental, melodies that mimic phrasing used in singing tend to be more memorable.

• Use Blues Notes and Chromaticism: These elements add “jazziness” to your melody.

Example Approach

Try composing a simple 8-bar phrase using the notes from the underlying chord tones first. Then embellish with passing tones or chromatic notes. Experiment with rhythm by shifting accents or adding rests.

Step 3: Develop Harmonies

Jazz harmony is famously rich and complex. It’s not just about following chord symbols; it’s about creating progressions that inspire improvisation and complement your melody.

Chord Progression Basics

• Start With Basic Changes: Use ii-V-I progressions–a staple in jazz harmony.

• Experiment With Extensions: Add 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths to chords for color.

• Use Substitutions: Try tritone substitutions or modal interchange chords to add harmonic interest.

• Create Movement: Use voice leading to make chord transitions smooth and logical.

• Balance Predictability And Surprise: While familiar progressions are comfortable for players, unexpected turns keep ears alert.

Example Progression Pattern

A typical AABA section might use:

This progression uses ii-V-I movements in C major with an interesting bridge moving into related keys.

Step 4: Incorporate Rhythm And Groove

Rhythm is vital in jazz–it adds life and drive to the music. When composing your standard:

• Decide on Time Signature: Most jazz standards are in 4/4 but feel free to explore odd meters like 5/4 or 7/4 if you want something modern.

• Swing Feel vs Straight Eighths: Swinging rhythms give a laid-back feel; straight eighths are more driving.

• Add Syncopation: Interrupting regular patterns creates tension and release.

• Use Rhythmic Motifs: Just like melody motifs, rhythmic patterns help unify your tune.

Even if your composition is initially written without rhythm notation, ensure that performers understand the groove style you envision.

Step 5: Write Lyrics (Optional)

While many jazz standards have lyrics–often penned after the music–the lyrics are not mandatory for an instrumental piece to become a standard. If you choose to write lyrics:

• Ensure they match the phrasing of your melody.

• Tell a story or evoke imagery connected with the mood of your composition.

• Use poetic language that complements the sophistication of the music.

Many famous standards like “Take Five” or “So What” remain instrumental but retain immense popularity.

Step 6: Arrange Your Composition

Once your melody, harmony, rhythm, and optional lyrics are set:

• Consider arranging parts for different instruments if writing for an ensemble.

• Create intros, outros, or interludes that enhance flow without detracting from main themes.

• Notate chord symbols clearly for improvisation sections.

Remember that many jazz standards evolve through performances; leaving open spaces allows musicians freedom within structure.

Step 7: Share And Refine Through Performance

No composition becomes a true “standard” without being played repeatedly by diverse musicians over time. Performances help identify strengths and weaknesses in your piece.

Tips for Refinement

• Collaborate with other players: their input may reveal new possibilities.

• Record performances: listen back critically for areas needing adjustment.

• Be open to evolving changes: slight modifications can enhance playability without losing original character.

Promotion through recordings, live shows, or publishing can also help disseminate your tune within the jazz community.

Examples of Jazz Standards To Study

Analyzing existing standards provides valuable insights into successful songwriting techniques:

• “Autumn Leaves” (Joseph Kosma) — explores descending harmony with modal interchange

• “All The Things You Are” (Jerome Kern) — features complex key changes

• “Blue Monk” (Thelonious Monk) — demonstrates simplicity within blues form

• “Round Midnight” (Thelonious Monk) — exhibits haunting melodic lines with sophisticated harmony

Listening carefully to these pieces reveals how melody, harmony, rhythm, and emotion intertwine seamlessly.

Conclusion

Composing jazz standards is both an art and a craft–requiring knowledge of theory but also deep creativity. By focusing on memorable melodies, rich harmonies, engaging rhythms, and emotional connection within established forms like AABA or blues structures, you can create pieces that resonate across generations.

Remember that becoming part of the jazz canon takes time; many great compositions only achieve “standard” status through repeated playing and reinterpretation by countless musicians worldwide. Stay inspired by listening widely, practicing diligently, experimenting boldly, and sharing generously–your next composition might be tomorrow’s classic favorite.