[ Ссылка ]

A quick tutorial on using shell chords - a very simple technique that uses the tonic and seventh (or alternatively the tonic and third) of left-hand chords to simplify and clarify jazz piano bass.

In even the most simple of jazz chord sequences, moving your fingers between the chords and landing on the right notes can be a bit of a challenge. This problem is especially apparent when playing quickly. The second, more important issue is that full chords in the left hand can sound quite muddy and dark. At best, this will make it hard to distinguish the notes. At worst the left hand part will actually start to detract from the right hand.

Shell chords provide a simple solution to both of these problems. The removal of notes from the chord to leave just the tonic and the seventh creates a clearer sound and makes it easier to play. Since we keep the two most important notes, the character of the chord isn't lost.

Difficulties can arise when it comes to more complex chords, since turning them into shell chords can make the identity of the chord a little ambiguous. Augmented chords are the trickiest of all - they're built on major thirds and have no seventh. The simplest solution is to play the root and the augmented fifth instead.

Shell chords are mostly useful in jazz piano, but also work well in genres that have a lot in common with jazz, for example funk and R&B. Play around, experiment, and try to incorporate them into your playing when you can.

If you found this video useful, take a look at my other videos on jazz piano. You might also be interested in my book, How to Really Play the Piano, which is full of useful information on improvisation, chords and the basics of harmony.

свернуть