"Tenderly" – The B Section
Welcome to the 2nd lesson in our exploration of the jazz ballad "Tenderly" for beginners. In this lesson we delve into the B section of the tune which spans from bar 9 to bar 16.
Previously, we focused on the A section and by the end of this lesson you will be able to play both the A and B section of the song and cleanly transition between these sections.
Understanding the B Section
The B section offers a temporary departure from the theme of the A section and introduces new harmonic and melodic elements. We start by voicing the root position 7th chords in our left hand so that we can visualise the notes of the 7th chords in their most basic form.
We spread the notes over both hands to create 2-handed spread voicings. This approach allows us to create balanced and smoothly connected chord voicings that do not interfere or overlap with the melody line.
Putting It All Together
In the final lesson of this module, we’ll cover the C section and then play the entire song from start to finish. Remember to always visualise where you are in the form and which section you are in.
This greatly speeds up the memorisation process and will help you to develop ‘an internal compass’ when playing through jazz standards.
Related Lessons
We introduce the concept of whole-step 251 drills, and how they can be an interesting alternative to drills around the circle of fifths.
A seventh chord is a triad which has been extended to include the 7th degree of the scale. This creates a fuller sound than simple 3-note triads.
Minor harmony is much more complex than major harmony and so the minor 251 progression takes much more time and patience to master.
Practice Tips
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Isolate Sections: Break down the A and B sections into smaller parts and practice each segment individually before putting them together.
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Use a Metronome: Practice with a metronome to keep a steady pulse. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the transitions and voicing shapes.
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Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song to identify areas that need improvement. Listening to your playing afterwards can provide insights that you might miss while practicing.
- Focus on Dynamics: Practice playing softer and louder to add emotional depth and contrast to your performance. Also 'pull and push' on the timing of the melody.
Hayden, when the video for this lesson first loads it shows the lead sheet for Misty instead of Tenderly. You did make a reference to Misty later but it was confusing to see that lead sheet right away.
Hi Humberto 👋
Thanks for letting me know – I have corrected the thumbnail image.
Talk soon,
Hayden