Mel Bay's Creative Keyboard® Webzine

Turnarounds

A turnaround is a sequence of chords that usually occurs at the end of a musical phrase. In jazz standards, that would be at the end of an A section, bridge or the very end of the song. These standard turnarounds can also be used as introductions, vamps or harmonic substitutions. However, in this article we will look at them strictly as turnarounds.

It’s helpful to treat a turnaround as its own harmonic structure. By practicing different turnarounds in all twelve keys, you’ll actually cover most of the common chord progressions that standard jazz tunes are built on. There are also different scale choices that can be used depending on which turnarounds are being played.

To decide which turnaround you should use you need to base your decision on:
1. Which turnaround fits best with the tune? In other words, consider which chords best fit the melody. The simpler the melody is, the more turnaround choices you have. If the melody is more complicated choose more carefully.
2. Musically, where are you coming from and where are you going. Pick a turnaround that works well with the flow of the tune.
3. The rhythm section should listen to each other to limit harmonic conflicts. It sounds great when the rhythm section plays the same chords for the turnaround.
4. The rhythm section should also listen to the soloist. If you play with a good soloist you’ll probably be able to hear what kind of turnaround he/she is playing over. (It is always good to be accommodating to a soloist. It makes them happy and it makes the band sound good.)

Below are some different turnarounds and sample voicings. Remember that there are almost limitless combinations of voicings you can use. Make sure to listen to the differences in these turnarounds.

Sometimes the differences are small but they can make a world of difference. Experiment with new voicings to expand your harmonic vocabulary.

Compare this turnaround to the previous one and listen to its more dominant sound.

This turnaround is a standard 3-6-2-5 progression. It is a combinations of a minor 2-5 and a major 2-5 progression.

Notice the altered A7 chord in the beginning of the turnaround.

Descending 13th chords.

When playing a chord progression over a pedal note, the sound completely changes.

The turnaround below is different from the other ones. It consists of only major chords and it can be very effective. It works best over a simple melody or when there is no melody at all.