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

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.

Two-Handed 5-Note Voicings

“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