Jazz School: Jazz Blues: Major Blues: 12-Bar Comping: Etude #8

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Eighth a series that will progressively develop your Jazz Blues comping chops…

piano-ology-jazz-school-jazz-blues-major-blues-12-bar-comping-etude-08

Study-Practice Notes

How to use these studies

Pattern Recognition

  • Two-fisted five-note voicings in syncopated rhythm.
  • Left Hand = Root+b7 or Root+3
  • Right Hand = b7 or 3 on bottom, color tone (either 9 or 13) in the middle, Root or 5 on top… all connected by voice leading.
  • Don’t forget to swing the eighth notes!

Interpretation

  • Be sensitive to the 3-phase Blues form.
  • Be aware of the underlying 4 beat pulse in each bar.

Technique

  • Adjust the shape of your right hand to naturally fit the shape of each chord.
  • No flams between left and right hand.
  • Used a prepared attack and let gravity to the work.

learn more… Jazz School: Jazz Blues: Major Blues: 12 -Bar Comping: Etude #9 (let Frank Know if you’d like to see more comping ideas!)