# C. Jazz Chord Voicings

### A Few Basic Principles

* Above all, use your ear and decide if it "sounds good."
* Consider voice leading, especially in 2-5-1 progressions.
* Try to avoid doubling notes, especially the third.
* For two-handed comping, put the "shell" (3rd and 6th/7th) in the left hand and the "pretty notes" (9th, 13th, 5th, alterations) in the right.
* Rootless voicings are a must when playing with others.

### 2+2 Voicings

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Irnmj_yjc8>" %}

If you only ever watch one video on jazz piano voicings, watch the one above.

### 4 Basic Chord Voicings

Once you are comfortable with the 2+2 voicing system, check out these ideas to expand your vocabulary.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orCNZHqTX90>" %}

{% embed url="<http://youllhearit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/4-Basic-Chord-Voicings-Every-Jazz-Musician-Should-Know-Piano.pdf>" %}

### Two-Handed 5-Note Voicings

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYaUosyjU>" %}

“Miracle Voicings” (from Frank Mantooth, *Voicings for Jazz Keyboard*):

D G C F A

Strong Major BbMA9 (3rd, 7th present) \
Weak Major: F69 \
Minor: Dmi11 \
Sus. Dominant: G9sus \
Lydian: Eb MA9#11

### Advanced Concept: Balancing the Voices

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWrSFOiEpT0>" %}


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