What Are Sugar Chords?

🔥 Download the FREE PDF → openstudiojazz.link/sugar-cho...
Ready for some sweet Sugar Chords? Adam Maness guides you through the three levels of chord structures you’ll need, using one simple phrase from On Green Dolphin Street.
00:00 Intro
1:16 Why use Sugar Chords?
2:22 Overview of the chord structures
6:26 Closed voicings
8:45 Drop-2 voicings
10:49 Drop-3 voicings
12:15 Adam imagines a violist 😂
14:47 “That’s where the sugar comes in!”
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[@SonDialer]

You explained years worth of questions, that I thought were unrelated, and tied them all together in this one concept. Most significantly, I discovered what question Im trying to ask. Great lesson and well articulated.

[@norakat]

Which is?

[@OtherMongrel]

which is?

[@SonDialer]

@@OtherMongrel Its been a while, had to watch again. Im an ammeter learning how to play. I think my confusion comes in trying to figure out how to decide when to play a 5th, 7th, or octave along with the base in the left hand.

[@larrypatterson2340]

Think expression, that's what separates you from the rest, EXPRESSION !💯🏌️✅

[@hugoapresname]

❤Larry thanks I ll try that. Because you can’t/shouldn’t think about voicing structures when playing by heart and from the heart! 😢 I‘ll try what ‚voice‘, what ‚feeling’ of sound to transmit (to sing… sing with my whole body and soul, like you would want to with your voice too).😊 ❤ Also I learned most when learning by *playing* stuff or exercises my teacher showed me, less by thinking about it. And I TRIED thinking about it! Maybe only to set up my own exercises? Like Jesus Christ tells us: to evaluate ourselves? And find out what is *my* cross to carry? What is really helping, brings me closer to our heavenly father (and not to the next page in the theory book)❤❤❤❤

[@dougshankle7946]

You are without a doubt one one of the best teachers Ive ever seen on YT and I am a guitar player.

[@Zomboinie]

As someone who's played nearly exclusively closed 7th voicings for over a year, when you said "up to the 9th in the rh, root in the bass, play whatever you don't in rh" i instantly understood, and simultaneously couldn't believe how simple it was.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

I totally agree!!!

[@alasdairduncan3]

I have nowhere near the level of understanding required to grasp this subject matter, but you explained it all so well that I could still follow every word. You're clearly a great teacher.

[@conradoalpiano]

Señor Adam Maness, yo antes pensaba que para mover las voces interiores de los acordes habia que hacer un curso para brujos, pero gracias a su sencillez, claridad y filantropía al transmitir su conocimiento tan generosamente, ahora veo las cosas más claras, y aunque parezca exagerado las veo más fáciles. Para mí, usted es un apóstol de la música. Muchas gracias. Estoy suscrito a este canal y mis likes no faltan nunca. Dios lo bendiga en unión de su familia.

[@danieltonga6052]

I'm a jazz guitarist looking to venture into piano, and I feel like this idea has opened up a wide new realm of possibilities for me in terms of voicings and movement. Kept feeling like I was getting stuck in rootless voicings in the right hand or alternating between open and closed voicings. Thank you for this video!

[@slaneyaudio1948]

Check out Larry Carlton's voicings.

[@TheMAU5SoundsLikThis]

You can use all of these voicings on guitar too, my uncle loves using them and they sound great

[@musical_lolu4811]

Joe Pass is the closest you can get for transitioning into non-rootless voice leading piano voicings.

[@Skootavision]

New sub! Pianist of 40 years and still learning. I've been upping my piano improvisation game for the last decade and am very happy I found your channel. PDF downloaded for incorporation into laters' practice. Thanks 🙏

[@chrisring123]

Right there with you, Ed. New sub today, and forty years in as well. This is like a cooking show today - new recipe possibilities! 👍

[@rogerball6265]

Now apply this exact example to guitar. Very interesting. 4 note close voicing quite challenging on an instrument that is tuned in fourths :)

[@ottatarrega4011]

Love how you explain the material, very structural and crystal clear!

[@garykaasa6997]

Paul Mason’s Jazz thanks teaching these truly great sounds by making this harmony available to us.

[@jichojic]

jazz bgt lu ta

[@ottatarrega4011]

@@jichojic hahaha subscribe nih gue kelasnya 😂

[@insidejazzguitar8112]

Wonderful lesson. I’m having a guitarist’s envy of piano. Explanations are perfectly clear and lovingly delivered.

[@SolarMumuns]

Ha! I get that all the time! Guitar is great but, uh, piano chords are so full and lush!

[@thestagerocks]

This will sound trite but it isn't I promise. The guitar's limitations are what make it great! Hear me out. Ok the guitar isn't the most powerful or the fullest of instruments. BUT!...it has the greatest range...of expression. Bend slide chord melody double stops vibrato tremolo volume effects whammy-bar taping hammer ons tone control attack percussive-hits sustain pull offs palm muting. How is this a limitation? Well, you have to make decisions. No one can do it all. Every single note you have a choice of how to play the note. No two ways are exactly the same. Never mind the fact that the guitar forces you to use creative voicing for extended chords. And therein lies the character of the guitar.

[@insidejazzguitar8112]

@@thestagerocks Agreed!

[@thestagerocks]

@@insidejazzguitar8112 Oh my. I didn't see the account I was responding to. Anyway...I hope some frustrated guitarist somewhere reads my rant and gets inspired!

[@CURTAINS_]

Funny! I’m a pianist envious of guitarists

[@Jdizzle6969]

Brother, I’ve been playing piano for 25 years… mostly blues, pop, and rock styles. I play a little bit of jazz, here and there. Within 2 videos of yours, I’ve learned more about jazz than I have in all of my years of playing! You break everything down so perfectly… very, very easy to understand… so clear, and concise! Thanks for everything you do!!!

[@abilialibi]

I agree completely. great channel.

[@adamwhitford2177]

this is so frickin valuable even for other instruments. I play bass and thinking about playing with roots/dropping other notes from the chord. I am impressed by anyone who can think like this on the fly to be doing both the voicing changes in the right hand and what to pick up in the left hand. I am just sitting here trying to think how I could only do the left hand stuff but on bass. Love this stuff so so so much.

[@drewjansen7825]

You remind me why my degrees are in Music Theory! Delightfully informative. You're a natural on camera.

[@DanielGonzalezC]

When he said that's when being a nerd pays off, I really felt that.

[@skybabyfingaz]

Can you help meee??? 😢

[@skybabyfingaz]

@@DanielGonzalezC me tooo lol

[@davidjoseph3403]

Yep. Good on camera.❤

[@terrylaw18]

I’m 68. Took piano lessons as a kid. Picked up rock in high school and even aspired to jazz at the time. Loved Blood sweat & tears and a lot of the jazz that was around then but never really learned it well. I would listen to Oscar Peterson and wonder how a human being could play like that. Keith Emerson too. Anyway did play in rock and rock & roll bands even in clubs in the 70s & 80s. Gave it all up for a career as a mechanic. But I still practice and noodle around at home Have a few friends who would like to jam but I find it frustrating that even my limited ability exceeds theirs. Got on this channel by chance. I watch Adam and think when I retire and have more time I can try to learn some of this material. But if I had one tenth of his ability I’d be happy. I feel practically a beginner seeing the amount of knowledge out there

[@DeyquanBowens]

I love the Drop 3 sound. I personally don’t hear many people talking about that voicing concept!

[@DorianMarli777]

I was actually thing the same thing deyquan

[@3SweppeR4]

It's because you can't invert drop 3 the same way you can invert drop 2

[@scoro64]

It's very nice to accidently stomp on a tutorial that focusses on that exact phrase of the tune I'm trying to learn rn. It feels even more effective after trying to work around the tune on myself first by listening and noodling around and then to watch this. I'm like "ahh that's the sound I'm hearing and couldn't figure it out" and I'm more familiar with the problems and issues that are dealt with. Guess finding and watching this video will have a refreshing impact on my learning process. Been stuck for a long while now. It feels good to make one small step in the right direction

[@richard9480]

This chap is terrific. Thanks from England.

[@MrZedhow]

Adam McManus is a terrific teacher, breaks it down for mugs like me beautifully. Getting so much out of these lessons.

[@adamp.1732]

Wow, I've been playing all my life and just graduated uni with a degree in jazz piano. Though i never really liked my solo style because im either playing rootless voicings (sounds empty) or im hitting roots and then chords with my left hand, which just ends up always being a repetitive stride-piano sound. I also never really understood the value of drop 2 voicings. I just though it was an alternative way to make chords sound more "open". But the texture and sophistication you showed that can come from drop 2/3 voicings really gave me a lightbulb moment. Time to head to the shed...

[@larrypatterson2340]

think expression and try different inversions to get sign you want,but most of all expression that's what separates you from the rest.

[@vocalchords3609]

Interesting how the contrary motion began life in Gregorian plain chant - love the clarity of your video - and that all this colour has its roots - literally in those exploring sound 500 years ago or more! This is counter point writ large - with joyous energy! Thanks for a great video.

[@ClaudiaGomezMusic]

You are a great teacher and a very sensitive musician. Thank you🙏

[@pnoman316]

Wow I love your work! This has been so helpful to me. I've been doing intense voicing for years but this technique gives a structure that is so beautiful!

[@velociraptor75013]

13:45 - you must believe in spring (bill Evans) - so beautiful !!

[@CharlesMoore2]

Just freaking brilliant, Adam - respect and many thanks. 🙏Keep up the fine work.

[@1flat1sharp47]

Incredible playing and explanation (while playing!)!

[@Overxpossed]

I know these chords very well, but's pretty interesting how a pianist use them, specially when your descriptions are so accurate. I can clearly get the idea and had a wider approach to them. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@beatsbykabuki]

Thank you Adam! Just downloaded the PDF to study the examples in detail

[@SamuelJFord]

These videos are really fantastic and easy to understand. I've been playing for years but avoided theory like the plague, now I feel like I've found the cheat code to catch back up. Thank you!

[@christianlassen3948]

A Natural teacher, great stuff, wonderful presentation !!

[@denisdiblasio1420]

Great! Great! Great! Explained it slowly, repeat it, demonstrated it. Made it simple to see . Bravo!

[@BlikeNave]

5:28 so simple to say "6th, diminished, 6th, diminished...." but it took me a LOT of studying to finally understand the BHarris idea. Very elegant and simple, once it locks in. As simple as '6th, diminished..."

[@jairusdixon1758]

Honestly, I didn’t know that I already knew the scale because I learned it as “Whole-half diminished scale”. Way easier formula.

[@musical_lolu4811]

@@jairusdixon1758 it actually corresponds to a major (or minor) bebop scale, not to either of the diminished scales.

[@jairusdixon1758]

I believe ya, that’s just how I received the information, lol.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

Great explanation! Love this video, can’t wait to ‘try’ to apply it! Thanks mate!

[@emilianopetronilli]

now THAT'S some well structured teaching! Thanks

[@WillsJazzLoft]

I'm so glad that your video came up in my feed. You want to know something? I've always wondered how the masters achieved those lush full sounds. To be sure I'd watched videos before on drop voicings. I think the difference here is that you actually took a standard and broke it down. This has had a profound impact on me. The probability is very high that the next time I practice that I will be watching this video while I practice. I can hear just about everything that you're doing. And since I can hear it, I know that I can replicate it. My point is that when I've played chords yeah sure I know the intricacies of the harmony but I've not really comprehended the impact of chordal quality. As a consequence when I played a chord progression it's been technically accurate but stylistically and intuitively flat and thin. I think that your demonstration seals the deal for me. And the next time that I practice I'll want to devote some time to these techniques. Thank you very much.

[@driggerfireon5760]

The best lesson on chords I’ve seen

[@mattkirk100]

What a joy to watch.. Great teacher

[@JeromeFe]

What an amazing delicious lesson. I really loved the counter melody that was created just by playing the mixture of closed, drop2 and drop3. Wow! Thank you so much 😊

[@alvaro.makes.music1]

4:21 crunch at the top... I love the way you worded it!

[@tatianakomissarova1404]

Brilliant and valuable as always. Thank you!

[@Ursabomb]

omg.. never have i heard such smooth joy

[@bbrennan1550]

I'm picking up what you're putting down.

[@jkennan]

Been playing guitars for 46 years but have about a cumulative two months of piano playing experience. This video is so informative and exciting I can’t wait to have a go!

[@Interface3072]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing! Really helped me understand the principles behind drop voicing that I've been perplexed by in one of my jazz theory classes.

[@yukohakoda1807]

Great video! The explanation is crystal clear and I learned a lot from you!

[@Jynx215]

Your videos are great. I'm a pianist who knows next to nothing about jazz, this was informative and really interesting.

[@doktorkakapo3364]

Such a great lesson ... so happy to see this one

[@blehoo1]

Mate - your explanation is brilliant. I'd love to have all those choices at my fingertips and then be intuitive enough to be able to use them on the hoof. Wonderful.

[@CarolEderGuitarist]

Adam, you are a St. Louis treasure I’m so glad I get to come out and hear you every now and then. I just discovered this video and although I am a guitarist I can put these concepts to work.

[@eddiejazzman100]

Thank you so very much. You break it down to such simplicity. This means so much to me and so many others im sure. Bless you brother

[@lucianphipps5430]

Thanks.. really useful stuff! Haven't yet tried the drop 3, only drop 2 & mixing them all up very interesting. Have to try this out!

[@NicholasBurgher]

Hmm, just thinking about this a bit more. My sister and I have often sung harmony together, by osmosis. Meaning, we just know what the other will do and can always seem to move along in logical ways. We have used it a lot on worship teams. But when we sing with one of our other sisters (who mind you is equally musically talented), we almost always ask them to sing the melody because it’s just not as fun or easy to harmonize. When you began talking about mixing closed, drop-2 and drop-3 voicings, I think I began to understand what’s going on. Cat and I tend to stick to one of the voicings as we follow the melody singer, where Ana might switch it up from chord to chord. It makes it harder for other singers to predict where the other voices are heading, though it’s not entirely wrong. If written out, all people could figure out working harmonies, it’s just a little more time consuming. Your video helped me realize this a bit more.

[@alainmarchandise3078]

Bonjour Adam, Merci pour cette leçon très intéressante.

[@emilschneider9974]

Stunning! I really enjoyed your chord comentry.

[@guitargod6997]

Great playing, content, and presentation! Thanks so much!

[@CathieBest]

The PDF is missing a natural sign for the Bmin6/dim chords in all of the voicing types. Sounds WAY better and would be consistent with what you played on the keys. Thanks for the great lesson.

[@malcolmzackery3099]

Great information! Very well explained!

[@diannesutton7399]

This whole drop 2 thing has always been as clear as mud. NOW I understand. It sounds simple when you explain it.

[@callum.dokkodo]

Thanks Adam and OS!

[@handyman4everyman]

I've been Playing for decades albeit not that well - and your channel is probably one of the best in terms of explaining jazz concepts clearly. Well done guys. Amazing job.

[@wikiPika]

qq 17:11 17:11 17:11

[@daniellifschitz6280]

Excellent advice ! Thank you

[@itz2komplikayted207]

0:11 reminds me of the end theme from "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" - Lovely, calming, reflective! ❤❤❤

[@EP-ki2zu]

Thanks - watching this makes me feel so happy 🎶🥰🎶

[@Old299dfk]

Jesus!!! That very first profession before we even talk about sugar chords... Is powerful as heck! It's dark, it's emotive, it's moody, it leaves me wanting more! Shame that the video is absolutely not about that 🤣

[@joshsblee]

I'm a guitarist but I feel that videos like this make me a better musician.

[@jarbasgoulartdecastro9104]

Ok,let´s do it in Eb.On guitar,I do in C . All the best,Adam!!!! Thanks a lot! I love you all!!!

[@quentinmorales]

Awesome! I'm going to use this!

[@alvarorojas225]

your pedagogy is amzing, thank so much!

[@Georgia-Vic]

Bro that was an Awesome video!... I'm a djembe' player and I could relate to it all. We as musicians must learn to use these rudiments and understand the tried and true basics which will lay the ground work for us to create our own, unique melodies that are hopefully pleasing and recognizable to crowds. As I say "I don't play, this is just practice for the next time and that will also be practice for the time ad infinitum!"

[@ricardofranciszayas]

You are such an amazing teacher.

[@michaelcurnowsmusic]

Beautifully explained thanks man. 👌

[@88KeysMan]

Great video! I’ve learned something today. 🙏🏽

[@LuisJimenez-nd2pl]

This video is a gem.

[@loungepiano]

Nice episode! And fantastic robot motivational speech in the end. It's all fine 😉👍

[@memphis_RAlNS]

Another great video. I love these Barry Harris inspired techniques!

[@paulandamyw]

Absolutely brilliant. :) Well done!

[@novaxFLY]

Polish composer Kaper was creative and made lots of nice pieces for Polish films.

[@New_in_jazz]

Thank you very much Adam.

[@dr.frankdoyle5315]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@robzecc]

Fantastic lesson

[@thedukewestern]

This is the video I have wanted to see for 30 years

[@mbra8228]

damn , i quickly realised this is way above my level but i just couldn't stop watching as this unfolds. Great explanation!

[@ncpolley]

I'm in over my head and it's fun. Really like those chords. I'll need to start practicing.

[@granddaddy_funk]

Stick with it and start with major scales and simple triads

[@dorytepper3218]

Excellent vid, so helpful!

[@geralynpalacol9295]

Very INTERESTING!!! Thanks for sharing Adam! *✅Thank you very much for the Free Pdf😍

[@sherrokinchen5253]

I love how you drop-3 on the altered chord. That sounds nice.

[@paulswang6428]

Yup, pretty interesting. Thank you for sharing it. Cheers!

[@JukeboxOddities]

Unbelievably good content

[@381delirius]

I love the sound of the major 3rd sounding harmonic of bass

[@vaughangarrick]

Great tutorial. Thank you

[@khbgkh]

Great lesson Tandy!

[@joecruz6237]

Great video! Thank you!

[@RandomCommentHandle]

You made that easy to understand. Cheers, subscribed.

[@amusicment4829]

So excellent, thank you!

[@dragolov]

Deep respect, Maestro!

[@riberto123]

excellent lesson

[@natetirey]

this was extremely insightful thank you sir 🔥🔥

[@alexluthiger731]

Hearing Steely Dan is the proof for having a good hearing and taste in the field of harmonical music. As a layman in the science of music I am glad to be proven right by studied musicians who are able to teach music in simple and understandable words. A present from heaven for free. 🌌

[@lupojazz]

❤❤❤❤ muy buen explicado!! Muchas gracias. !!!

[@JerzyRugby]

Wow, thank you very much! Now I begin to understand George Shearing :)

[@maestro2033]

Love Open Studio ❤Great Job

[@StealMySongs]

I've been looking for a more advanced music advice page that's still useful. Subbed. thank you