Since we have been on the subject of jazz piano chords, one that you’ll want to add to your repertoire for sure will be shown here. It is one of many quartal voicings that are popular among jazz piano players. As a cocktail piano player, you’ll incorporate this into your playing quite a bit. What’s more, it’s an easy one to assimilate and start using right away.
This particular voicing can be used for Major 7th chords, Major 6th chords, and more. Right now, we’ll consider it for these major chord qualities. Let’s take a look at it as it applies to a Gmaj7 or G6 chord. For starters, let us look at the G Major scale here:
G A B C D E F# G A B etc…
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
As we know, a Gmaj7 chord is based on the 1, 3, 5, and 7 of this scale. A G6 chord is based on the 1, 3, 5, and 6 of the scale.
A quartal voicing is one that is built using perfect 4th intervals. Well, what we will be playing is a jazz piano chord voicing that fits this description and consists of only three notes.
This is one of those jazz piano chords that you’ll use again and again. Looking at the major scale above, take a look at the 3, 6, and 9. We will be playing them in this order, as follows:
B E A
You’ll note that this chord voicing does not contain the 7th. However, a jazz or cocktail piano player will often use this quartal voicing when a Major 7th chord is called for just the same. In addition to the perfect 4ths creating a nice contemporary sound, the 6 and 9 in the same voicing make for more interest.
As a cocktail pianist, you will find that playing the root of the chord (G in this case) in the bass area followed by the voicing in the register just below middle C will “complete” the chord nicely. Also, you may play the voicing first and then the root in the bass area. For example, you can play one for two beats and then the other for the next two beats when playing four beats to the measure.
As an accompanist, playing the root with the left hand and the voicing with the right hand will work well. With playful experimentation, you will become more and more comfortable using this jazz voicing in the context of your playing.
Jazz pianist McCoy Tyner made quartal voicings very popular, as he used them regularly! They are used extensively in modal playing but are certainly not limited to that.
Be sure to play this voicing in all the keys! It’s easy to do, since you only need to start with the 3rd of the corresponding major scale and build up in perfect fourths. You’ll learn to love this one as part of your “piano playing toolbox.”
Remember,
Always…
ALWAYS…
PLAY WITH PASSION!
Musically,
Dave
www.PianoAmore.net
www.ProProach.com