Learn To Play Jazz Piano Voicings
A Suggestion For Starting Your Journey
The individual who aspires to familiarize himself or herself with jazz piano voicings would benefit from becoming familiarized with basic chords, including triads and 7th chords. Once a foundational understanding has been reached regarding these, the art of jazz piano voicings is an avenue worth exploring. One does not need to aspire to be a “jazz player,” per se, to enjoy the benefits of becoming familiar with jazz piano voicings, as what is learned can be applied to virtually any style of music performed, thus enhancing creativity and inspiration.
What Are Jazz Piano Voicings?
The concept of jazz piano voicings is sometimes interpreted as somewhat intimidating by the average novice, but this not need be the case. When you consider what a chord voicing is, in simple terms, it quickly becomes understood that the exploration of jazz piano voicings is not only a must for the musician who wishes to play more creatively from a harmonic standpoint, but the journey will prove to be fun and rewarding from the very beginning.
What is a voicing?
Basically, when you take a simple chord and maneuver the chord tones by doing one or more of the following, you have a voicing:
1) Add tones
2) Eliminate tones
3) Rearrange tones
As an example, let’s come up with a jazz piano voicing for a simple chord like G7 (or G dominant seventh). Here is a G7 chord in its most basic form:
G B D F
We can simply eliminate the “D” (fifth of the chord) and have a voicing:
G B F
We can take this further by eliminating the Root itself (“G”), leaving us with B and F (the 3rd and 7th of the chord)… we can enhance the sound of this chord by adding a 13th (“E”)… and then rearranging the chord tones to look like this:
F B E
This is a jazz piano voicing for a G13 chord.
To the beginner who is only familiar with basic 7th chords, at first glance, this may seem a bit radical. However, the truth is that the most important elements of the original chord have been maintained. These are the 3rd and 7th. In addition, the 13 adds flavor and, when played together, the result is rather “jazzy” as you might agree. This voicing seems to have a bit of an “edge” when listened to. This particular voicing happens to be what is commonly referred to as a stock voicing, in that jazz and blues pianists will use this one time and time again, so, it’s definitely one you will want to know in more than one key.
A common question a person might have when looking at and playing a voicing like this is, “What about the Root (“G”) of the chord? If we are playing a G13 chord, isn’t it necessary to play the name of the chord?” Actually, this can be answered in a couple of ways:
1) When playing in the context of a group (for example, a trio consisting of a pianist, bassist, and drummer), the bass player will already be playing the Root, so it is not necessary for the pianist to included the Root in the jazz piano voicing. Actually, it is preferred that he or she does not play it, as any slight intonation discrepancy between the bass and the piano could result in a rather distasteful result.
2) Even when playing solo, a jazz pianist will play a voicing like this one and still not play the Root. (It’s no surprise that a voicing such as this one is known as a “rootless voicing.”) You see, the most essential tones of a 7th chord are the 3 and 7… they, by themselves, identify the 7th chord in most cases (with the exception of diminished chords). In addition, the sound of the chord voicing without the root has its own unique characteristic that is rather appealing in certain playing contexts. It really boils down to the preference of the musician when it comes to whether or not any given jazz piano voicing will be accompanied by the Root.
One of the great things about learning jazz piano voicings is that the individual opens himself or herself up to more creative playing right from the start. It’s a fascinating adventure and there’s always more to learn. The more you get into it, the more you want to know. A terrific program that is available along the line of jazz piano voicings is ProProach. This program continues to be enjoyed worldwide by both aspiring performers and those who simply enjoy playing for themselves and thrive on incorporating more harmonic creativity into their playing. I feel privileged to say that because, when I was creating it, though I certainly wanted to create a tool that others would learn from, the fact that its popularity is shared by so many people in various parts of the world just gives me a warm feeling that I cannot describe in words.
ProProach is a jazz piano voicings program that will introduce anyone who wants to get a handle on playing piano chords in a more creative fashion to the kind of thinking that a professional piano stylist endures when performing. Truly, the person who places faith in both himself or herself and this popular piano chords program that is available via online access will be in for both eye-opening and ear-opening insights that will prove to enhance one’s playing to the point of even creating a personal piano playing style. The testimonials from people all around the world confirm the effectiveness of ProProach and these individuals come from all walks of life.
The first lesson of ProProach is available for free. However, please do not allow yourself to turn away from becoming involved with this program due to the simplicity of that first lesson. Subsequent lessons build upon that first one and you’ll find yourself playing jazz piano voicings like you might never have thought possible. This program has a unique way of “easing” you into the process and when you follow its suggestions, your playing simply will never be the same again.
The study of jazz piano voicings will absolutely enhance your playing from a creative standpoint. One thing that you will find valuable to know about ProProach is that this is not a jazz piano voicings program that simply shows you how to play some very tasteful chord sounds on piano. Rather, ProProach actually gets you to think like a pro does. You see, as the creator of this popular program, it is my objective to get you to think for yourself. You actually get to learn how a pro would think in a given musical situation. This is where ProProach differs from anything else you will find out there in terms of jazz piano voicing programs .
In addition, another important characteristic of ProProach that sets it apart from the crowd is the that fact that you are not simply shown how to play a jazz piano voicing structure and then left on your own. ProProach uses actual excerpts from well known songs demonstrating how to use the chord voicings you are learning in the context of your favorite songs. This program is unique and is well deserving of the wonderful reviews it has received from people worldwide who made the decision to get involved with this fun program and implement its suggestions.
Become acquainted with jazz piano voicings and you won’t view playing the piano the same way again. Get involved with ProProach and you’ll realize, before long, that you’ve hooked up with the right program to provide that kick start you needed and help you take your playing to more creative levels. ProProach is currently available at a price substantially lower than its list price. However, at any price, this program will prove to be valuable to you when it comes to not only the mastery of jazz piano voicings but also getting you to tap into your own personal musical creativity that you may have never believed existed. The only reason I am not being coy and can say this with confidence is the fact that I have been fortunate enough to receive one testimonial after another from those who have already taken advantage of getting involved with the program. It will be my privilege to have you join me as my newest member.