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Block Chords Tutorial

Back to Block Chords & Drop 2 course
 
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How To Play Block Chords

Block chords are a method of harmonising a melody line by moving all the notes of the chord in parallel, following the same rhythm as the melody.

Harmonising melodies with block chords is also known as ‘locked-hands’ so be aware that these terms refer to the same thing.

In this lesson, I’m going to explore how to play block chords, explaining what they are and where they come from. We are then going to look at some exercises for practising block chords and apply them to a couple of jazz standards.

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Practice Tips

  • It is a worthwhile exercise to take these voicings around a few keys but don't fret about becoming fluent with block chords in all 12.

  • The most time efficient and and effective way to practice these chords is through applying them to jazz standards.

  • Look out for step wise melody lines in the tunes you are playing and try to harmonise the melody with block chords.

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  1. Adam Powell says

    January 23, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Another jewel of a lesson. Sounds like its about time for a Misty 2 tutorial. Show us more of those sweet ideas you got going on upstairs.

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    • Hayden says

      January 23, 2017 at 9:25 am

      Thanks Adam! Sure thing, I’ll add Misty 2 to the lesson schedule… there’s some great things you can do with that tune. Cheers.

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  2. Martin Sepelak says

    January 26, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Hi Hayden, just a quick question – in Misty when you used Block chords for Eb6 progression (Eb-F-G-Bb-C), why did not you also harmonized last note C with Eb6 and you just played octave?

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    • Hayden says

      January 28, 2018 at 1:02 am

      Hi Martin 👋

      Both would sound fine.

      The C is part of Eb6 and so continuing with the block chord harmonisation would work.

      The following voicing I played for the Bb-7 has a large interval in my hight hand, and so playing the octave on C set my right hand up to easily reach the following voicing. So from a technical standpoint it made the line easier to execute.

      I’d recommend trying both. Follow your ears and go with whichever one you like the sound of.

      Doubling notes using octaves is an effective tool to add weight and impact which is also something to keep in mind.

      I hope this helps! 🙂

      Cheers,
      Hayden

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      • Martin Sepelak says

        January 29, 2018 at 10:43 am

        Yes, it helps, thanks a lot Hayden.

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        • Hayden says

          January 29, 2018 at 4:46 pm

          Awesome glad to hear Martin.

          Block chords, 4-way close and drop 2 harmony is a huge of study.

          My biggest piece of advice would be to listen to players such as Barry Harris, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, and of course George Shearing who pioneered the block chord style.

          You can find examples of their records in the forum… if you find any you like on YouTube or Spotify remember to share them in the PianoGroove forum for other students to discover and learn from.

          Remember that you can’t play jazz music with conviction unless you spend the time to listen and so spend at least an hour a day just listening. Perhaps whilst driving or commuting to work or whilst cooking.

          It will do wonders for your playing Martin 🙂

          Cheers,
          Hayden

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