[cashk]

I'm attempting to learn how to improvise more theoretically; however, I'm struggling with symbols.

Can someone tell me what this means: CΔ+4

I was told that the + means sharp, but I feel like this is just another way of writing "add"

 

[gary]

In this context: C Major 7 with sharpened 4.

You could use "add". Some people think that's clearer. It's the same meaning but just a matter of preference.

You'll find in jazz (and pop) that sometimes things are not "properly" designated. There is some flexibility in notation, usually the default is what works and what communicates the best. Don't get too black and white on this.

 

[1saxman]

The proper terms are 'augmented' for raised pitch and 'diminished' for lowered so they just use the 'plus' and 'minus' signs.

 

[hakukani]

In this context: C Major 7 with sharpened 4.

You could use "add". Some people think that's clearer. It's the same meaning but just a matter of preference.

You'll find in jazz (and pop) that sometimes things are not "properly" designated. There is some flexibility in notation, usually the default is what works and what communicates the best. Don't get too black and white on this.

I think of a 4 as a 13th.

 

[bokagee]

Chord symbology!

Check David Baker's Jazz Improvisation page 2, I'd scan and post but I think that might be copyright infringment.

 

[Roundmidnite]

I have had this same question cashk- I've come to assume that the plus sign should technically mean sharp vs. the word "add" which means add- but sometimes it doesn't seem right. Ugh

 

[gary]

The proper terms are 'augmented' for raised pitch and 'diminished' for lowered so they just use the 'plus' and 'minus' signs.

If you use "aug" instead of "+" you run the risk of confusing the designation pertaining to the basic chord and not the extension. Would you notate a chord C Maj 7, Aug 4th? I would default to other notations to avoid ambiguity.

 

[Dave Pollack]

I've always seen/heard it as this:

Cmaj7add4 is C E F G B

Cmaj7+4 is C E F# G B

Just as Cadd2 would be C D E G

C7+9 would be C E G Bb D#

Cmaj7add11 would be C E G B F

 

[lydian]

I think of a 4 as a 13th.

Then you're thinking of the wrong note. A 4th is an 11th. A 6th is a 13th.

 

[Pete Thomas]

C7+9 would be C E G Bb D#

This one is very confusing, I would look at that quickly and think C E G# Bb D

ie augmented 7 with a 9.

I don't think of 9ths as augmented, they are either 9, sharp 9 or flat 9.

And thye ug symbol + is not there same as the sharp symbol, although the effect on the interval or chord tone is the same.

And I can also see how people get confused between + and "add"

 

[BH9]

Or CM7#4

CM7#11

 

[hakukani]

Then you're thinking of the wrong note. A 4th is an 11th. A 6th is a 13th.

You're right. Darn keyboard!

 

[martysax]

You're right. Darn keyboard!

I find that keyboards get in the way of my improvisational freedom all the time!