LearnJazzPiano.com archives: A or B?

Brotherdavies -- 12/04/2004, 01:04:01 -- #9457

Hi I learnt from Albetan's filess that the A and B voicings should be played thus: A form keys C to F and B form keys F# to B. However, in Luke Gillespies book 'Stylistic II/V7/I Voicings' both the A and B forms are taught in ALL keys (page 19 and 20). Confused!!!! Help!!!! Thanks Bro'

albetan -- 12/04/2004, 06:15:23 -- #9459

Hi Bro': You may use A or B voicings freely in any chord. A practical way recommended by Mehegan is: A form from C to F and B form from F# to B in order to maintain left hand in a reduced zone.

Brotherdavies -- 12/04/2004, 07:10:00 -- #9460

Thanks Albetan That makes sense. I like the A and B voicings very much! Bro'

albetan -- 12/04/2004, 11:45:08 -- #9464

Thanks to your post, Bro', i have updated my file: Harmonic Voicings: A/B form.

7 -- 12/04/2004, 13:55:18 -- #9466

You'll need to know both forms for sure in the right hand, but in the left you basically only need to use the best sounding ones. When I say best sounding I mean in terms of range: A left hand chord played too low will sound muddy due to the closed nature of these voicings. If played too high, you run the risk of encroaching upon the right hand's domain. I would still reccommend becoming familiar with both voicings in the left hand - you never know when they might come in handy.

Jazz+ -- 12/05/2004, 13:03:41 -- #9486

You will need to violate the range rules often because they are only general guidelines. Think about: C-7 F7 BbMaj 7 (ABB according to range rules, ABA is better) C#-7 F#7 BMaj 7 (ABB according to range rules, ABA is better)

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