The first time I heard about three-note voicings was while reading “The Jazz Piano Book” by Mark Levine. If you are unfamiliar with this book, you should definitely check it out because it is useful for jazz pianists of any skill level.
In chapter 3 of the book, it explains three-note voicings and shows you how you can apply them while learning jazz standards. Today, we will explore the concept bit more, explaining what they are, how they’re used and noting some general rules to follow when using them.
What Are Three-Note Voicings?
A three-note voicing is a type of chord voicing that only includes the most important notes of a chord- the root, 3rd and 7th.
In music, the root normally determines the name of the chord (C, G), and the 3rd and 7th determines the type of chord it is (major 7, minor 7, minor major 7).
Regarding the 5th degree, it isn’t as important, because all major, minor and dominant chords have a perfect fifth in it.
One thing to note about three-note voicings is that the root is typically played with the left hand, and the 3rd and 7th (and melody) are played with the right hand.
How Are They Used?
Three-note voicings can be used just like any other type of voicing. Once you learn them, you can apply them to chords in any jazz standard that you’re practicing.
In the Jazz Piano book, they advise you to practice the three-note voicings using a 2-5-1 chord progression. Practicing them this way allows you to practice 3 different types of three-note voicings (Minor 7, Dominant 7 & Major 7) at the same time. It is also a good example of effective voice leading.
How To Apply Three Note Voicings In Jazz Standards
Applying three-note voicings in jazz standards is simple and can be very useful when learning a new standard, however, they are 3 few “unwritten” rules that should be followed when using them:
- The melody MUST be on top (the melody must be the highest note in the voicing).
- All ways find the nearest 3rd and 7ths for each chord for good voice-leading.
- If the melody is the 3rd or the 7th, you don’t need to add any additional notes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, delving into the realm of three-note voicings opens a gateway to a world of musical possibility. These compact yet powerful chord structures offer a concise means of expressing intricate harmonic progressions, making them indispensable tools for jazz pianists/musicians of all levels.
Three-note voicings are especially useful when learning a new standard. You can go through any standard using these basic voicings to get a feel of the chords, and then add extensions and alterations wherever you see fit.
So, immerse yourself in the exploration of these voicings. Let your creativity flourish, and watch as your musical journey unfolds with newfound depth and artistry.
Happy playing!