There are numerous ways to begin and end a jazz song. Most fake books and lead sheets usually do not include these specific elements; instead, jazz musicians either compose something on the spot or rely on a few stock phrases that most band members are likely to be familiar with.
Intros are used to establish the key and set the tempo. They can also suggest a mood and add interest to an arrangement. One of the most common ways to set up the top of a tune is to play the song’s “last eight” measures. Here are some additional tried-and-true intros.
The next two intros work well leading into a blues progression.
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Turnaround to the I7 |
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Descending bass line to the I7 |
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Here are two common bossa nova intros.
The following intros work well leading intro songs in minor keys.