How to Play Left Hand Voicings in Jazz (Piano)
First, play the chord tones of a chord- say, C Major seventh., Now, extend this chord by "dropping", or omitting, the root and instead playing the ninth, or major second. , Play it where it sounds best., Try this with all the common chords., You...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: play the chord tones of a chord- say
This is often closest to middle C, as it doesn't sound muddy or indistinct. , For example, dominant sevenths and minor sevenths. , Therefore, try many inversions of the chords, and try to stay as close to middle C as possible. , Play them so much that you respond instantaneously to any changes put in front of you! -
Step 2: C Major seventh.
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Step 3: extend this chord by "dropping"
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Step 4: or omitting
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Step 5: the root and instead playing the ninth
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Step 6: or major second.
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Step 7: Play it where it sounds best.
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Step 8: Try this with all the common chords.
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Step 9: You don't want the chord to sound muddy.
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Step 10: Try to adopt muscle memory for these chords.
Detailed Guide
This is often closest to middle C, as it doesn't sound muddy or indistinct. , For example, dominant sevenths and minor sevenths. , Therefore, try many inversions of the chords, and try to stay as close to middle C as possible. , Play them so much that you respond instantaneously to any changes put in front of you!
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Frank Shaw
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