Choosing Chord Voicings When Arranging Jazz Standards

Welcome to this in-depth seminar on chord voicings for jazz piano. In this lesson, we explore the thought process behind choosing chord voicings when arranging jazz standards. Instead of simply demonstrating a series of voicings, we apply these concepts to three well-known jazz standards: "Like Someone in Love," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Moonlight in Vermont."

By studying these tunes, you will learn how to select the most suitable voicing for a given harmonic context, including rootless voicings, two-handed spread voicings, three-note voicings, upper structures, block chords, and stride piano techniques.

Understanding the Thought Process Behind Voicing Choices

When arranging jazz standards, one of the key skills is determining which chord voicings best complement the melody. The goal is to balance harmonic richness while ensuring smooth voice leading and hand independence.

1. Analyzing the Melody

The first step in choosing a voicing is analyzing the melody note and its relation to the underlying harmony. For example, if the melody contains the 3rd or 7th of a chord, a spread voicing that highlights these tones can be effective.

2. Considering Harmonic Density

Some sections of a tune may benefit from dense voicings such as upper structures or block chords, while other sections require more openness using three-note voicings or rootless left-hand voicings.

3. Utilizing Slash Chords & Bass Motion

Jazz lead sheets often contain slash chords, such as G7/D, which indicate a specific bass note to create smoother harmonic motion. Understanding when to emphasize these bass notes can greatly impact the fluidity of a performance.

4. Applying Tensions & Alterations

The choice of extensions (9, 11, 13) and alterations (b9, #9, #11, b13) significantly affects the color of a voicing. Learning when to use these tensions helps in crafting sophisticated harmonic textures.

5. Choosing the Right Voicing Type

Depending on the setting, pianists may choose between:

• Rootless Voicings: Ideal for comping in a trio setting where the bassist covers the root.
• Spread Voicings: Used in solo piano to create a fuller harmonic sound.
• Stride Piano: Effective for self-accompaniment when playing solo jazz ballads.
• Block Chords: Useful for harmonizing stepwise melodies.

Applying Voicing Concepts to Jazz Standards

"Like Someone in Love" – Voicing the First Few Bars

The tune begins in the key of Eb major, and we immediately analyze the first chord: Ebmaj7 with the melody note as the 3rd.

• A basic approach is to play a root position Ebmaj7 chord.
• A richer option is to include the 9th (F) for added color:
  Left Hand: Eb – Bb – D | Right Hand: G – Bb – F
• Moving to G7/D, we use a simple 3rd and 7th voicing to avoid clutter while keeping the melody clear.

"Someone to Watch Over Me" – Block Chords & Inner Voices

This ballad benefits from block chord voicings due to its stepwise melody:

• The opening phrase in Eb major can be harmonized using diminished passing chords.
• The 3-6-2-5 turnaround (G7 to C-7 to F7 to Bb7) provides an opportunity for inner voice movement, such as chromatic passing tones within the voicing.

"Moonlight in Vermont" – Using Upper Structures & Tensions

This standard features a slow-moving harmonic progression, making it an ideal setting for upper structure triads and lush tensions.

• For an A7alt chord, a common upper structure is a G major triad in the right hand, which provides the b13, b9, and 3rd of A7.
• Over Ebmaj7, using a Bbm triad creates a maj7(9,#11) color, which adds sophistication.

Practice Tips for Chord Voicings

1. Analyze Melody First – Identify the important chord tones and find voicings that support the melody.
2. Drill Upper Structures – Practice playing major and minor triads over dominant chords to internalize altered tensions.
3. Work Through 251 Progressions – Master common voicings for 2-5-1 sequences in all keys.
4. Use Inner Voice Motion – Experiment with moving chord tones within the voicing to create harmonic interest.
5. Listen & Transcribe – Study recordings of pianists like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans to understand voicing choices in context.

By integrating these concepts, you will develop a more intuitive approach to jazz piano voicings and be able to create rich, dynamic arrangements of jazz standards. Happy practicing! 🎹