Left Hand Voicings Masterclass

Welcome to this in-depth masterclass on left-hand voicings for jazz piano. This session explores a structured approach to left-hand harmony, focusing on rootless voicings, three-note voicings, and advanced color tones. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a clear framework for applying left-hand voicings in various musical contexts, whether accompanying a band, playing solo, or comping in a jazz trio setting.

Understanding Left-Hand Voicings

Left-hand voicings are a fundamental part of jazz piano playing, providing harmonic support while allowing for melodic freedom in the right hand. In jazz, left-hand voicings are often rootless, meaning they contain only essential chord tones—typically the 3rd and 7th, along with extensions like the 9th or 13th. This approach assumes that the bass player will provide the root, or that the pianist will imply it through context.

The Role of 3rd and 7th

When building left-hand voicings, the most crucial tones are the 3rd and 7th of each chord. These two notes define whether a chord is major, minor, or dominant and determine the direction of voice leading. By practicing these two notes in all keys, you’ll develop a strong harmonic foundation for comping and arranging.

3-Note Left-Hand Voicings

One of the simplest ways to start using left-hand voicings is by applying three-note structures. These consist of:

• The root (optional in rootless voicings)
• The 3rd
• The 7th

For example, in a II-V-I progression in C major:

• D-7 (D, F, C)
• G7 (G, B, F)
• Cmaj7 (C, E, B)

By practicing these voicings in different inversions, pianists gain flexibility and control over their harmonic choices.

Adding Color with 9ths and 13ths

To create richer textures, we can add extensions to our left-hand voicings:

• 9ths (natural, flat, or sharp): Adds depth to minor, dominant, and major chords.
• 13ths: Often used in dominant chords, adding a sophisticated jazz sound.
• Flat 5 and Sharp 5 (Altered Extensions): Create tension in dominant chords, ideal for resolving to minor or major tonics.

For example, a G7 chord can be voiced with different extensions:

• G7 (B, F) – Basic
• G7 (B, F, A) – Adding the 13th
• G7 (B, F, Ab) – Flat 13th for a darker sound
• G7 (B, F, A, D) – Fully extended

Using the Same Voicing Across Multiple Chords

A powerful concept in jazz piano is reusing the same voicing for different harmonic functions. A single voicing can serve as:

• A minor 6 chord
• A dominant 7th chord (altered or unaltered)
• A minor 7b5 chord
• A major 7#11 chord

For example, a G-6 voicing (G, Bb, E, A) can also function as:

• Bbmaj7#11 (Bb, D, E, A)
• E-7b5 (E, G, Bb, D)
• C9 (C, E, Bb, D)

Understanding these relationships allows for more fluid and expressive playing.

Applying Left-Hand Voicings to Jazz Standards

To integrate these voicings into real-world playing, apply them to jazz standards like "There Will Never Be Another You."

• Identify the II-V-I progressions.
• Use three-note voicings for comping.
• Experiment with extensions and color tones.
• Listen to professional recordings to hear how these voicings are used in context.

By combining these techniques, you can create sophisticated harmonic textures that enhance both solo and ensemble playing.

5 Practice Tips for Mastering Left-Hand Voicings

1. Practice in All Keys: Work through II-V-I progressions using both inversions of rootless voicings.
2. Use a Metronome: Keep steady time while practicing voicings in different tempos.
3. Play Along with Recordings: Transcribe and analyze left-hand voicings from professional pianists.
4. Experiment with Extensions: Add 9ths, 13ths, and alterations to develop harmonic fluency.
5. Apply Voicings to Repertoire: Choose a jazz standard and use left-hand voicings while playing the melody or improvising.

Mastering left-hand voicings is an essential skill for jazz pianists. By systematically practicing these concepts, you’ll develop a strong harmonic foundation that supports both solo and group playing. Keep experimenting with different textures, and enjoy the process of refining your sound!