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New Released in April 2026
How to Start Learning Jazz Guitar, Step by Step
The simplest way to start learning jazz guitar is through chords, not scales. Jazz is built on a few chord types moving in a few patterns, mainly the ii-V-I. Learn to play those chords smoothly and in time, and every other jazz skill has something to stand on.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
Five steps in order
- Shell chords: maj7, 7 and m7 with roots on the 6th and 5th strings.
- The ii-V-I in major: Am7 D7 Gmaj7, then in other keys.
- The ii-V-i in minor: Am7b5 D7 Gm.
- Comping rhythm: short chords on beats 2 and 4, like a drummer’s hi-hat.
- Extensions: 9ths and 13ths on the same shapes, once shells are easy.
A daily 30-minute routine
- 10 min: ii-V-I with shells in three keys.
- 10 min: one tune’s chord chart, slowly, with a metronome on 2 and 4.
- 5 min: listen and copy the rhythm of a jazz recording.
- 5 min: chord symbols in random order, as fast as you can find them.
How to Start Learning Jazz Guitar, Step by Step
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps.
Play the demoWhat to leave for later
Soloing over changes comes after the chords feel natural. Players who start with scales often know many notes but cannot hear where the chords go. Chords first makes the later steps faster.
The random-chord step
The last five minutes are where ChordRunner helps: it sends chord symbols such as Cm7, F7 or Bbmaj7, hears your guitar through the microphone and accepts any voicing, shells included. Its levels go from triads through 7ths and 9ths up to 13ths and altered chords.
The levels in ChordRunner
- Beginner: major, minor, augmented and diminished chords.
- Intermediate: adds sus2 and sus4.
- Advanced: adds 6th, 7th and 9th chords.
- Pro: adds 11th, 13th and altered chords; an adaptive mode adds the next family when you are ready.
Common questions
How do I start learning jazz guitar?
Start with shell chords (maj7, 7, m7), play the ii-V-I in several keys, and comp with short chords on beats 2 and 4. Add extensions and soloing later.
Can I learn jazz guitar from scratch?
Yes, but learn basic open chords first. After a few months of regular guitar, jazz shells and the ii-V-I are a natural next step.
How long does it take to learn jazz guitar?
Comping through simple tunes with shells takes a few months of regular practice. Jazz keeps growing for years, which is part of the fun.
Which instruments work?
A USB MIDI keyboard, detected automatically, or a piano or guitar through the microphone. Everything runs in Chrome or Edge on a computer, tablet or phone.
How is this different from apps where you tap the screen?
Tapping trains your eyes and fingers on glass. Here you press real keys or fret real strings, and the game hears the actual notes, so what you practise is exactly what you will play on your instrument.
Is everything in the demo?
The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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