| LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Block Chords | |
| jazz jasper -- 02/15/2005, 16:37:11 -- #11234 | |
| My piano teacher thinks that only oscar peterson and famous pianists with big hands can play block chords, and that anyone else has to play block chords with 2 hands. I can stretch a 10th from C to E but not Db to F, does this mean that i shouldnt even bother attempting block chords? What does anyone else think and does anyone have any tips about how to play block chords with 1 hand and make them sound good?! Thanks | |
| jazz jasper -- 02/15/2005, 16:38:06 -- #11236 | |
| oops! Wrong button. | |
| nihonjin -- 02/15/2005, 19:17:03 -- #11242 | |
| Hi Jasper, I am not sure I really understand your question but here goes. There is many differnt aproches to Block chords the Red Garland Way Shearing, Eroll Garner, Bill Evans etc. For instance the Shearing way you don't really need big hands.( For a more detailed description of the style see Mark Levine Jazz piano book) Nihonjin | |
| albetan -- 02/15/2005, 23:06:09 -- #11243 | |
| Hi Jazz jasper: Please study files “melodic voicings 2, 3, 4 at Albetan’s area and you will play in chord blocks like Peterson. Also go to Technique and exercises and practice: “Mastering blocks” “Mastering Concert and Full blocks”. | |
| Dr. Mike -- 02/16/2005, 00:58:28 -- #11245 | |
| we all play block chords in one form another eventually. It really is pretty much unavoidable. There are some different ideas about what exactly qualifies for a block chord. The miniumum requirments actually require no great ability. | |
| Dr. Mike -- 02/16/2005, 00:58:52 -- #11246 | |
| play two and call me in the morning. | |
| Jazz+ -- 02/16/2005, 11:44:22 -- #11251 | |
| I think you mean 10ths rather than block chords. 10ths are big wide intevals that stretch your hand to the limits. Block chords in "4 Way Close" position are typicaly no wider than a Major 6th. For example: C6 in block chord "4 Way Close" is C E G A, the Major 6th between C and A being the largest inerval for your hand. | |
| Copyright © 2005 by Scot Ranney. All rights reserved. | |
| Click Here for more information about performances and clinics. Click Here to sign up for Scot's music announcements. | |