These chord/melody examples show a number of different ways of spelling out harmony. These are
particularly useful when playing solo, or when backing a singer or other instrument. The first example
shows a moving line against a sustained chord. Barney Kessel was master of this style, as in his
recording of “Cry Me A River” with vocalist Julie London.
Download Example Audio
The next example demonstrates the famous style of Joe Pass, which creates the impression of a walking
bass line with chords as punctuation.
Download Example Audio
Next up is a ballad-style introduction. This time it’s the inner voice that moves.
Download Example Audio
The block chords in this example can be moved up a fourth to create an introductory sequence
reminiscent of Tal Farlow’s pianistic style.
The final example is demonstrated twice, once with a pick and once with thumb and fingers. This is done
partly because Wes Montgomery did not use a pick, so this results in a more authentic tone, and partly to
demonstrate the difference in feel between pick and finger-style playing.
Download Example Audio: With Pick - With Fingers
This lesson comes from:
Crash Course on Jazz Voicings
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