The Circle of Fourths in Jazz Harmony: Its Relevance and Significance

Often, when discussing jazz harmony, the term circle of fourths comes up. However, it's important to understand that its relevance in jazz isn't a matter of preference or analysis of modern music. Rather, it is rooted in the intrinsic nature of the music itself, particularly in the functional harmony and chord progressions prevalent in jazz.

Functional Harmony and Jazz

Jazz music is built on a solid foundation of functional harmony, which is often derived from the circle of fifths. The II-V-I progression, a cornerstone of jazz, is based on this concept, proceeding down in fifths. However, it's also common to see the plagal mode, which moves up in fourths, especially in modal jazz styles.

The typical cadence in jazz is V-I rather than IV-I. However, the concept of moving in fourths is fundamental to jazz. This includes the use of common jazz chord progressions, such as II-V-I or III-VI-II-V-I, which are essentially stacks of fourths rather than fifths. This practice is further reinforced by the fact that jazz tunes often utilize flat keys, such as C, F, Bb, Eb, etc., more frequently than sharp keys.

The Circle of Fourths: A Visualization Tool

The circle of fourths is essentially the same as the circle of fifths, but read counter-clockwise. This conceptual tool is invaluable for understanding chord progressions in jazz, as it helps visualize the movement of fourths. For instance, starting from C on the circle of fourths, you move down four steps to F, then Bb, and so on, all of which are flat keys. This alignment with flat keys makes the circle of fourths a natural fit for many jazz standards and compositions.

Examples of Quartal Voicings in Jazz

In jazz, the interval of a fourth has been foundational for chord voicings and compositions. Pioneers like pianist McCoy Tyner innovated quartal voicings, which involve stacks of fourths, to create a more modern sound. Similarly, Bill Evans developed a chord voicing method known as “So-What” chords, which are four stacked fourths with a third added on top. These voicings are a significant departure from the traditional stacking of thirds, highlighting the importance of fourths in jazz harmony.

Frames of references like the circle of fourths are crucial for learners and musicians. By orienting oneself to the cycle of fourths, rather than the conventional cycle of fifths, it underscores the importance of this interval in jazz. This approach not only enriches the understanding of jazz harmony but also emphasizes the foundational role of fourths in progressions and voicings.

Conclusion: The Circle of Fourths in Jazz Analysis

While the circle of fourths is not a mandatory tool for all jazz analyses, it is a powerful and essential one for understanding and appreciating the rich harmonic landscape of jazz. Whether you find yourself analyzing the works of artists like Kenny Wheeler or Wayne Shorter, or delving into classics like “So What” or “Maiden Voyage”, the circle of fourths will undoubtedly provide valuable insights. The interval of a fourth, in its various manifestations, is indeed fundamental to the essence of jazz harmony.