|
|
|
|
Rarely is a chord played with its tones contained in a single octave, the root on the bottom, the third in the middle, and the fifth on the top.
Usually chords are "voiced!"
This basically means that the positions of a chord's tones are scattered over the keyboard. The tones may be altered, doubled, added to, missing, and so forth.
There are a great variety of possibilities available in voicing chords. Voicing chords properly is an art within itself. Using the correct voicing techniques in your playing will give your improvisation a "hip," mature and full sound. Chords played in root position just does not seem to do the job when playing Jazz, Rock, Pop, Blues, Gospel and "Smooth Jazz" piano.
Learning and mastering good voice leading techniques in your playing is not difficult if you just follow some simple rules.
1. The most important notes in any chord is the 3rd and the 7th. The 3rd of the chord defines whether the chord is a major or minor chord. The 7th of the chord will define whether the chord is a dominant or major chord.Usually the bass player will play the root and fifth. The root and fifth are not essential tones and can be completely left our from your chordprogressions. If you must use the root and fifth try using it in your right hand, not your left. You should add your "color" tones in your right hand.
2. When you are taking a solo and not "comping" (accompanying) for another soloist you should play your chord voicings in your left hand, so that the right hand can be free to improvise, do fills, double the left hand, add extensions, etc.
3. The range of your voicings is also very important. A good rule of thumb to remember when voicing your chords, is to always try to voiceyour chords around middle C. Keeping your voicings around middle C will sound full and clear. Limits of approximately an octave above or below will assure best results by preventing the voicing from assuming a quality of thinness or muddiness.
Copyright 2005 RAW Productions
Ron Worthy is a Music Educator, Songwriter and Performer. His Web Site Offers Proven Tool, Tips and Strategies (that anyone can learn) to Play Rock, Pop, Blues, R&B and Smooth Jazz Piano.http://www.mrronsmusic.com/playpiano.htm
 CTV.ca | Will the American Music Awards win the youth vote? Los Angeles Times, CA - By Geoff Boucher At rehearsals this week for the 36th Annual American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre, one of the key executives for the show gushed that ... Performances pack American Music Awards show in Los Angeles Britney Spears to Perform at Sunday's American Music Awards? Britney's surprise appearance at AMA |
 Canada.com | Why the new Zune Pass should be irresistible ZDNet - The music industry has been stumbling and bumbling with subscription-based music services for years, and I’ve been experimenting with them since the very ... Microsoft Ups the Ante on Zune Downloads Microsoft Announces New Zune Pass Music Subscription Model Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep tunes |
 New York Times | Movement Mostly Minimal, With Music to Match New York Times, United States - I thought, “Couldn’t I at least listen to some music while I watch this?” Then we did hear music (drumming with rhythms far more complex than any of the ... |
'Music Center or bust!' by train and bus Los Angeles Times, CA - One of the truly Sisyphean tasks of LA living is trying to get to the Music Center from the so-near-but-oh-so-far Metro Red Line subway station. ... Classical Music/Opera Listings |
 E! Online | Julianne Hough Wants To Focus On Her Music Career. kypost.com, KY - She tells Ryan Seacrest that she really wants to focus on her music and "be taken seriously." She says it's hard to be on "Dancing With The Stars" and be ... Julianne Hough 'Dancing' no more Julianne Hough Hangs Up Her Dancing Shoes `DWTS' pro Julianne Hough won't return next season |
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra delivers audience-friendly 20th ... Dallas Morning News, TX - By SCOTT CANTRELL / The Dallas Morning News FORT WORTH – The mere mention of the words "20th century music," sadly, will send many a concertgoer fleeing for ... |
 Vancouver Sun | Jets-Titans offer early AFC showdown in Music City The Associated Press - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans feel they aren't getting the attention and respect that usually go with a 10-0 start. ... 100 Words: Jets (7-3) at Titans (10-0) The View from the Cheap Seats |
Music review: Fiery finale for Guarneri Quartet San Francisco Chronicle, USA - In the potent performance of the Mendelssohn Octet that occupied the second half of the program, a listener could witness the mantle of chamber-music ... West Coast premiere of Salonen composition, canceled at OCPAC ... |
 United Press International | Kanye West's new album to debut on MySpace Music The Associated Press - NEW YORK (AP) — Add Kanye West to the list of artists previewing their new CDs on MySpace Music. The 31-year-old rapper's "808s & Heartbreak" doesn't come ... Kanye West examines real vs. fake, puppet vs. human on '808s and ... Kanye West: 808s and Heartbreak Kanye West's "808's & Heartbreak" album covers |
MySpace Music to name Courtney Holt chief next week CNET News, CA - Courtney Holt, an MTV executive, will be named as president of MySpace Music, possibly as early as Monday, according to a source close to the company. ... MyTunes: from 45s to MP3s |
| Top of Page home Bookmark Us Now ctrl+d 1st 4 Music, shopping via 1st4music cost no more than going direct and can often save you money with special offers. with questions or comments about this website |