Basic Minor Chord Voicings
In the previous module we explored the diatonic 7th chords of D Minor which allows us to understand the harmony of the A section of In A Sentimental Mood.
In this lesson we will explore some simple voicing options for the A Section and we will pay attention to the voice leading in the minor line cliché and also the 251 progressions in D minor and F major.
Voicings For Left Hand Accompaniment
Whilst some of these voicing techniques might seem simple, they are very useful for left hand accomaniment. When we come to improvise over this tune in the next module we will use these exact voicings for our left hand accompaniment.
Related Lessons
In this lesson we explore how you can navigate over the minor line cliché using bass lines, two-handed chords and left hand voicings.
We have voiced minor 251 progressions with our left hand and so now it’s time to spread the notes across 2 hands to get bigger chords with more impact!
We explore voicings for each note of the dorian mode. Watch this and never again get stuck on what to play for minor chords!
Practice Tips
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Learn these voicings so that you can play them cleanly and fluently. In a later lesson we will explore more advanced voicing techniques and principles.
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Practice these voicings alone in the left hand and this will prepare you for the improvisation lessons in the next module.
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'In A Sentimental Mood' follows an AABA form and so once we have learnt and internalised the chord voicings for these 8 bars, we have in fact we have learnt the harmony for 75% of the tune.
A most enjoyable lesson! fully enjoying the minor harmony and improv course Haydn.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Really enjoying this course, what a beautiful piece of music.
Thanks Robert – I’m really glad you’re enjoying the lessons. It’s on my to-do-list to swing back around to this course and further develop the improvisation module, so more to come here.
I have covered this tune quite extensively on the site. You might like to watch these 2 seminar where we listen to some notable versions and transcribe the melodies and harmonies:
https://www.pianogroove.com/live-seminars/how-to-transcribe/
https://www.pianogroove.com/live-seminars/how-to-play-like-eddie-higgins/
Finally, here is my Spotify playlist for this tune which contains many recordings that I like: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2htZ7H7QlDD1ncV6aFY5g6?si=450d50905cf74354
Remember that it’s very important to regularly listen to the jazz standards that we are working on. This gives us inspiration for fills and improvisation, and also helps us to develop a deeper understand of the songs.
Hope that helps and talk soon!
Hayden