Graham English

Posts Tagged ‘chords’

Piano Voicings Part 6: Clusters

Clusters usually span no more than a fifth and include both half steps and whole steps. Clusters increase tension and when preceding open chords can make them seem wider. Clusters also sound good when rolled.

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Piano Voicings Part 5: Kenny Barron Voicings

Kenny Barron voicings are composed of two perfect fifths in each hand and separated by a minor second…

Piano Voicings Part 4: Upper Structure Chords

Upper structure chords consist of a triad-or triad inversions-over a tritone. Here’s a chart of common upper structures:

Piano Voicings Part 3: Fourth Chords

Fourth chords create harmonies reminiscent of McCoy Tyner’s playing. Stacked fourths have a wide open texture and are complimented very well by pentatonic scales. Begin on the third of a major scale and keep adding fourths as your taste dictates. Most voicings include a tritone as well as fourths. Fourth chords, similar to So What [...]

Piano Voicings Part 2: So What Chords

So what chords get their name from the song of the same title on Miles Davis’ record, Kind Of Blue. This voicing consists of a series of three perfect fourths with a third on top:

So what chords can be moved up and down all scale degrees of all modes very successfully. Try harmonizing melodies using [...]

Piano Voicings Part 1: Left Hand Voicings

Left hand piano voicings enable you to play the basic progression of jazz harmony, II-V-I, with good voice leading while freeing your right hand for soloing. The most important notes in these chords are the third and seventh because they determine the chord quality. The root and fifth of the chord don’t require much attention [...]