Copyright 2005 RAW ProductionsRarely is a chord played with its tones contained in a single octave,
root on
bottom,
third in
middle, and
fifth on
top.
Usually chords are "voiced!"
This basically means that
positions of a chord's tones are scattered over
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
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
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
3rd and
7th. The 3rd of
chord defines whether
chord is a major or minor chord. The 7th of
chord will define whether
chord is a dominant or major chord. Usually
bass player will play
root and fifth. The root and fifth are not essential tones and can be completely left our from your chord progressions. If you must use
root and fifth try using it in your right hand, not your left. You should add your "color" tones in your right hand.