B & C Sections: Stride & Shells
In this lesson we will work through the second half of the tune introducing the melody into our arrangement. We will identify areas where it’s appropriate to apply a left-hand stride and also areas where a simpler voicing configuration could be a more suitable choice.
Personalising The Melody
When playing jazz standards we have the freedom to change the melody. In this lesson I demonstrate how we can hold back the melody or push the melody notes forward compared to what is shown on the lead sheet. Listen to different vocal versions of this tune and you’ll hear many different ways that we can phrase the melody to add more interest and personality to our arrangement.
Working From Lead Sheets
Always remember that when working from lead sheets, what you see on the score is not a ‘set-in-stone’ arrangement. We always have the creative freedom to change the placement of the melody.
Lesson Downloads
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Bridge Transition & B Section Voicings File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
We explore simple voicings for the B section. In the previous module we analysed the harmony, and now we will introduce 3 note spread voicings.
We explore the key of Eb Major including the diatonic 7th chords and the common chord progressions such as the 251 and 36251 progression.
In this lesson we are going to start learning the tune “Georgia On My Mind” using 3-note spread voicings on the A Section of the tune.
Practice Tips
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Intertwine the stride left hand pattern with occasional shell and spread voicings to create a more varied accompaniment and arrangement.
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Always keep in mind the melody and the harmony which can help you to determine the most suitable choice of voicing structure in your left hand.
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Outline the quarter beat with your left hand when playing spread and shell voicings to help create a steady pulse as you play through the tune.
