Understanding Quartal Chords: Unlocking Modern Jazz Sounds

When we think about chords, most of us default to tertian harmony—chords built by stacking thirds. This is the foundation of much of Western classical and popular music (like the major triad: C-E-G). But if you want to explore richer, more modern harmonic colors, it’s time to step into the world of quartal chords.

What Are Quartal Chords?

Simply put, quartal chords are built by stacking intervals of a perfect fourth (or occasionally augmented fourths). This is different from the typical thirds-based structure you find in major, minor, and dominant chords.

For example:

A standard C major chord stacks thirds: C-E-G (C to E is a major third, E to G is a minor third).
A quartal chord built from C stacks fourths: C-F-B♭ (C to F is a perfect fourth, F to B♭ is another perfect fourth).

Already, the quartal chord feels more open, less resolved, almost like it’s floating in space. Because there is no 3, there is no way to tell whether you are playing a major or minor chord. This harmonic ambiguity is what makes quartal voicings such a powerful tool in jazz and modern music.

To simplify writing and analyzing quartal and quintal chords, I have devised this personal notation system:

Quartal Chords:

q = quartal (C-F-B♭)
q+ / (+q) = augmented quartal (C-F#-B)
q2 = C-F-B♭-E♭
q3 = C-F-B♭-E♭-A♭
q4 = C-F-B♭-E♭-A♭-D♭

Where You’ve Heard Them

If you’ve listened to McCoy Tyner’s work with John Coltrane, you’ve already experienced the magic of quartal harmony. Tyner built much of his comping style around stacked fourths, creating expansive harmonic landscapes that defined the sound of modal jazz.

Composers like Debussy and Bartók also used quartal harmony to break free from classical traditions.

Why Use Quartal Chords?

The beauty of quartal chords is in their versatility:

Harmonic Ambiguity: They don’t lock you into a specific major, minor, or dominant sound, making them perfect for modal playing.
Modern Jazz Vibes: Quartal voicings create that instantly recognizable “modern” jazz sound.
Improvisational Freedom: Because they work in multiple harmonic contexts, you can use them fluidly when comping or soloing.

A Note on Quintal Chords

While quartal chords stack fourths, quintal chords stack fifths. For example, C-G-D-A forms a quintal chord. These voicings create a more expansive, open feel that can sound both powerful and majestic. They’re especially useful in jazz fusion, film scoring, and even contemporary classical music.

Quintal Chords:

qi = quintal (C-G-D)
qi2 = quintal (C-G-D-A)
qi3 = quintal (C-G-D-A-E)
qi4 = quintal (C-G-D-A-E-B)

Try This on the Piano:

Here’s a quick way to explore quartal harmony at the keys:

Play D-G-C in your left hand. Alternate between playing D-G-C and G-C-F.
Improvise in C Mixolydian (C-D-E-F-G-A-B♭) with your right hand.

Notice how that quartal stack creates a sound that feels both grounded and open-ended—a perfect foundation for improvising in the right hand.

Final Thought:

Quartal and quintal chords are gateways into modern jazz harmony. They invite you to break free from traditional structures and embrace a more fluid, dynamic approach to voicing. Try stacking fourths or fifths next time you’re at the piano—you might just discover a fresh new sound waiting to be explored.

Good luck!
Timothy

Quartal & Quintal Chords| My Notation System