We will apply each of the six voicing techniques to the following chord progression. Lesson Context for Jazz Piano Chord Voicingsīefore we dive into our first voicing category, let’s take a quick look at the chord progression for the A section of “Autumn Leaves” in E minor. Thick Am11 jazz piano chord voicing with chord extensions (9th and 11th).Īs you can see from the examples above, knowing how to construct and play common jazz piano chord voicings can unlock worlds of sonic potential for the jazz piano student. Am7 jazz piano chord voicing using quartal voicing technique. Am7 jazz piano chord voicing using root + guide tones technique. For example, each of the voicings below represent a different voicing approach to the chord symbol Am7. Chord voicing also refers to the application of any extensions and alterations. However, the study of chord voicings is not only limited to the tones within a four-note 7th chord.

How you choose to voice a chord determines whether it sounds thick or thin, dark or bright, transparent or opaque. What is a chord voicing?Ī chord voicing is specific selection and distribution of chord tones to achieve a desired sound for a particular musical style.Īs such, there are several possible ways to voice any given chord. In fact, you will want to play them all!Īlso, it is important that we understand what we mean when we use the term voicing. It should be stated at the onset of today’s lesson that while the voicing techniques we’ll study today vary in terms of difficulty, they are all professional jazz piano chord voicings. You’ll also apply them to Joseph Kosma’s “Autumn Leaves.” By studying each of these jazz piano chord voicing techniques, you’ll increase your capacity as a functional jazz pianist. Not only will you learn how to construct each voicing type. This Jazz Piano Chord Voicings – The Complete Guide includes the following voicing techniques: In today’s Quick Tip, you’ll discover a sequential presentation of 6 essential jazz piano chord voicing techniques. In fact, the study of jazz piano chord voicings can seem overwhelming. If you’ve listened to famous jazz pianists such as Bud Powell, Red Garland, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, George Shearing, or Herbie Hancock, then you’ve probably noticed that these pianists play jazz chords quite differently.

Jazz piano chord voicing chart