A block chord is a chord or voicing built directly below the melody either on the strong beats or to create a four-part harmonized melody line in "locked-hands" rhythmic unison with the melody, as opposed to broken chords. This latter style, known as Shearing voicing, was popularized by George Shearing, but originated with Phil Moore.
Block chord style (also known as chorale style) uses simple chordal harmony in which "the notes of each chord may be played all at once" as opposed to being "played one at a time (broken or arpeggiated chords). For example, a guitarist can strum the chord (this would be a "block" chord) or use a picking style to play "broken" chords". The notes of arpeggios are often grouped into block chords for ease of analysis.
Block chords and doubled melody are easily used in a melody line that has a swing feel and strengthen the melody so as to separate that melody from the rhythmic background. Block chording was often used by jazz bands and orchestras such as those led by Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
Block Chord Basics with Adam Maness is available now! - https://openstudiojazz.link/blockswithadam
published: 21 Oct 2021
Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method: Transform Your Playing
Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon
In this video, I'm showing you Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method, an essential technique for any guitarist. This lesson will teach you how to play Block chords using Wes Montgomery's famous technique. This tutorial is designed for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills, and it's a great way to learn new chords and techniques. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, make sure to watch this video and learn Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method!
Intro and outro backing tracks provided by Phil Wilkinson: www.playjazztracks.com
Channel Sponsors (affiliate links):
Stringjoy guitar strings:
I play the broadway pure nickel's and you can buy those here: https...
Block Chords Lesson - How to Practice and Apply Them (Jazz Piano)
Block chords are an important part of the jazz piano vocabulary. You've probably heard greats like George Shearing or Oscar Peterson use them in their arrangements and solos. This jazz piano tutorial introduces you to Major block chords, how to practice them, and how to use them for arranging a melody either in the context of a composition, or while you're soloing.
published: 12 Jun 2019
Block Chords: The Super Classy Jazz Sound
► Get your FREE Top 5 Piano Tips Guide:
https://pianowithjonny.com/top-5-tips/
► Download this Quick Tip lesson sheet and backing track:
https://pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/block-chords-the-complete-guide
LESSON SUMMARY
If you've been studying jazz piano for sometime, you've probably learned some jazzy chord voicings, especially for your left hand. But what about the melody? For instance, how do you go beyond playing the melody as a single note? The answer is block chords. In today's Quick Tip, you'll learn how to harmonize a melody using block chords in 6 steps. This sound is most notably associated with pianist George Shearing (1919–2011) who popularized the sound in the 1940s and 50s. This Complete Guide to Block Chords includes:
-7 block chord voicings for major chords (1 for ea...
published: 10 Sep 2021
6 Great Block Chord Exercises
In this video we will work on block chords, aka "George Shearing voicings" or "locked hands" technique!
There are 6 important exercises on maj6, maj7, and min6 chords, and the II V I progression.
Please scroll through the different chapters to work on one specific block chord technique, but I also encourage you to create your own exercises!
* Free pdf of the sheet music: https://bit.ly/3HWYKb8
* Free pdf of the sheet music (with annotations): https://bit.ly/32zqDFT
0:00 Block chord solo on a Blues in C
0:58 "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in C with inversions
1:22 Exercise #1: "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in all keys
2:29 "It Don"t Mean A Thing" with block chords
2:56 Exercise #2: Minor 6th chord with passing diminished chord (Barry Harris) in all keys)
4:41 Exercise #3: Two bar...
published: 28 Nov 2021
Block Chord Blues Workout
FREE PDF to follow along to the video - https://openstudiojazz.link/block-blues-PDF
Adam Maness has a new course! Bebop Chords for Beginners! - https://openstudiojazz.link/bebop-chords
Adam Maness is going to teach you how to resolve any and every chord in the world!
🔵This live stream is presented by Open Studio - Jazz Lessons from Jazz Legends. https://openstudiojazz.link/play-better
✅Check out this page for our schedule of live events each week: https://openstudiojazz.link/OSlive
Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon
In this video, I'm showing you Wes Montgomery's...
Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon
In this video, I'm showing you Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method, an essential technique for any guitarist. This lesson will teach you how to play Block chords using Wes Montgomery's famous technique. This tutorial is designed for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills, and it's a great way to learn new chords and techniques. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, make sure to watch this video and learn Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method!
Intro and outro backing tracks provided by Phil Wilkinson: www.playjazztracks.com
Channel Sponsors (affiliate links):
Stringjoy guitar strings:
I play the broadway pure nickel's and you can buy those here: https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/strings/electric-guitar-strings/broadways/classic-heavy-gauge/partner/nborton078/
Henriksen Amps:
Buy a Blu 6 (or anything from Henriksen) and Use Code "Borton" at checkout for 5% off. Your purchase will directly support the channel: https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/product/the-blu/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Passing Diminished Chords
04:37 - Wes's Concept on Minor 7 Chords
05:13 - Wes's Concept on Dominant 7 Chords
06:17 - Combining It All Together
09:21 - Demonstration of Concepts
Transcription to Gone With the Wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeHwsBJdMRo&t=24s
More Wes Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr2uNv1_lZw
I'm a proud Benedetto Artist/Educator and am playing a Bravo Deluxe. (https://benedettoguitars.com)
My Gear that I Use (affiliate links):
Guitar Pick: https://amzn.to/3q2Qz9i
Video Camera: https://amzn.to/3QjXjtO
Camera Lens: https://amzn.to/3KlaA1w
Talking Mic: https://amzn.to/3rSsEK8
Guitar Pre Amp (DI recording): https://amzn.to/452UVvC
Guitar Compressor: https://amzn.to/45rvy7h
Guitar EQ: https://amzn.to/3rT47EP
Guitar Cable: https://amzn.to/3QkEdnF
Recording Interface: https://amzn.to/3ODJuFF
Check out my Social Media Links:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathanbortonguitar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nborton1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nborton1
For more content make sure to like and subscribe!
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrVXfHBz85i6Zvs0oOl1rw?view_as=subscriber
#JazzGuitar#Lessons#Transcriptions
If you have any suggestions of future video topics leave you comments below!
Thank you for your support!
Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon
In this video, I'm showing you Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method, an essential technique for any guitarist. This lesson will teach you how to play Block chords using Wes Montgomery's famous technique. This tutorial is designed for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills, and it's a great way to learn new chords and techniques. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, make sure to watch this video and learn Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method!
Intro and outro backing tracks provided by Phil Wilkinson: www.playjazztracks.com
Channel Sponsors (affiliate links):
Stringjoy guitar strings:
I play the broadway pure nickel's and you can buy those here: https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/strings/electric-guitar-strings/broadways/classic-heavy-gauge/partner/nborton078/
Henriksen Amps:
Buy a Blu 6 (or anything from Henriksen) and Use Code "Borton" at checkout for 5% off. Your purchase will directly support the channel: https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/product/the-blu/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Passing Diminished Chords
04:37 - Wes's Concept on Minor 7 Chords
05:13 - Wes's Concept on Dominant 7 Chords
06:17 - Combining It All Together
09:21 - Demonstration of Concepts
Transcription to Gone With the Wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeHwsBJdMRo&t=24s
More Wes Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr2uNv1_lZw
I'm a proud Benedetto Artist/Educator and am playing a Bravo Deluxe. (https://benedettoguitars.com)
My Gear that I Use (affiliate links):
Guitar Pick: https://amzn.to/3q2Qz9i
Video Camera: https://amzn.to/3QjXjtO
Camera Lens: https://amzn.to/3KlaA1w
Talking Mic: https://amzn.to/3rSsEK8
Guitar Pre Amp (DI recording): https://amzn.to/452UVvC
Guitar Compressor: https://amzn.to/45rvy7h
Guitar EQ: https://amzn.to/3rT47EP
Guitar Cable: https://amzn.to/3QkEdnF
Recording Interface: https://amzn.to/3ODJuFF
Check out my Social Media Links:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathanbortonguitar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nborton1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nborton1
For more content make sure to like and subscribe!
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrVXfHBz85i6Zvs0oOl1rw?view_as=subscriber
#JazzGuitar#Lessons#Transcriptions
If you have any suggestions of future video topics leave you comments below!
Thank you for your support!
Block chords are an important part of the jazz piano vocabulary. You've probably heard greats like George Shearing or Oscar Peterson use them in their arrangeme...
Block chords are an important part of the jazz piano vocabulary. You've probably heard greats like George Shearing or Oscar Peterson use them in their arrangements and solos. This jazz piano tutorial introduces you to Major block chords, how to practice them, and how to use them for arranging a melody either in the context of a composition, or while you're soloing.
Block chords are an important part of the jazz piano vocabulary. You've probably heard greats like George Shearing or Oscar Peterson use them in their arrangements and solos. This jazz piano tutorial introduces you to Major block chords, how to practice them, and how to use them for arranging a melody either in the context of a composition, or while you're soloing.
► Get your FREE Top 5 Piano Tips Guide:
https://pianowithjonny.com/top-5-tips/
► Download this Quick Tip lesson sheet and backing track:
https://pianowithjonny...
► Get your FREE Top 5 Piano Tips Guide:
https://pianowithjonny.com/top-5-tips/
► Download this Quick Tip lesson sheet and backing track:
https://pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/block-chords-the-complete-guide
LESSON SUMMARY
If you've been studying jazz piano for sometime, you've probably learned some jazzy chord voicings, especially for your left hand. But what about the melody? For instance, how do you go beyond playing the melody as a single note? The answer is block chords. In today's Quick Tip, you'll learn how to harmonize a melody using block chords in 6 steps. This sound is most notably associated with pianist George Shearing (1919–2011) who popularized the sound in the 1940s and 50s. This Complete Guide to Block Chords includes:
-7 block chord voicings for major chords (1 for each note in the major scale)
-6 major chord symbols to use with block chords
-Theory & application for harmonizing a melody with block chords
► Block Chords course:
https://pianowithjonny.com/smartsheets/block-chords/
► 6 Jazz Ballad Harmonic Approaches:
https://pianowithjonny.com/courses/6-jazz-ballad-harmonic-approaches-1/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Step 1: Melody
01:58 - Step 2: Double the Melody
02:34 - Step 3: Add 3 Inner Harmonies
07:58 - Review the exercise
08:38 - Create your own melodies
09:24 - Play with backing track
10:03 - Step 4: Chords for Major Block Chords
11:59 - Step 5: Single-Note Melody
13:21 - Conclusion
===
► Get your FREE 14-Day Trial to PWJ here:
https://pianowithjonny.com/
►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PianoWithJonny/
►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pianowithjonny
►TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@pianowithjonny
►TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PianoWithJonny
Happy practicing!
Jonny May
► Get your FREE Top 5 Piano Tips Guide:
https://pianowithjonny.com/top-5-tips/
► Download this Quick Tip lesson sheet and backing track:
https://pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/block-chords-the-complete-guide
LESSON SUMMARY
If you've been studying jazz piano for sometime, you've probably learned some jazzy chord voicings, especially for your left hand. But what about the melody? For instance, how do you go beyond playing the melody as a single note? The answer is block chords. In today's Quick Tip, you'll learn how to harmonize a melody using block chords in 6 steps. This sound is most notably associated with pianist George Shearing (1919–2011) who popularized the sound in the 1940s and 50s. This Complete Guide to Block Chords includes:
-7 block chord voicings for major chords (1 for each note in the major scale)
-6 major chord symbols to use with block chords
-Theory & application for harmonizing a melody with block chords
► Block Chords course:
https://pianowithjonny.com/smartsheets/block-chords/
► 6 Jazz Ballad Harmonic Approaches:
https://pianowithjonny.com/courses/6-jazz-ballad-harmonic-approaches-1/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Step 1: Melody
01:58 - Step 2: Double the Melody
02:34 - Step 3: Add 3 Inner Harmonies
07:58 - Review the exercise
08:38 - Create your own melodies
09:24 - Play with backing track
10:03 - Step 4: Chords for Major Block Chords
11:59 - Step 5: Single-Note Melody
13:21 - Conclusion
===
► Get your FREE 14-Day Trial to PWJ here:
https://pianowithjonny.com/
►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PianoWithJonny/
►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pianowithjonny
►TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@pianowithjonny
►TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PianoWithJonny
Happy practicing!
Jonny May
In this video we will work on block chords, aka "George Shearing voicings" or "locked hands" technique!
There are 6 important exercises on maj6, maj7, and min6 ...
In this video we will work on block chords, aka "George Shearing voicings" or "locked hands" technique!
There are 6 important exercises on maj6, maj7, and min6 chords, and the II V I progression.
Please scroll through the different chapters to work on one specific block chord technique, but I also encourage you to create your own exercises!
* Free pdf of the sheet music: https://bit.ly/3HWYKb8
* Free pdf of the sheet music (with annotations): https://bit.ly/32zqDFT
0:00 Block chord solo on a Blues in C
0:58 "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in C with inversions
1:22 Exercise #1: "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in all keys
2:29 "It Don"t Mean A Thing" with block chords
2:56 Exercise #2: Minor 6th chord with passing diminished chord (Barry Harris) in all keys)
4:41 Exercise #3: Two bar II V I progression with V7alt
5:25 "Polka Dots And Moonbeams" with block chords
6:33 Exercise #4: Major 7th chord exercise (6 keys)
7:34 GREAT BLOCK CHORD SOLOING HACK: 2 shapes to play a block chord solo on a blues in Bb
7:55 Exercise #5: Major 6th chord (inversions + impro in all keys)
11:18 Exercise #6: II V I with broken chords and V7(b9)(13) = octotonic
* Backing tracks used in this video: https://youtu.be/liXYmwO_pLQ, https://youtu.be/nv0zc2s03js, and iReal Pro
* Pause or slow down the video for better understanding and learning
* For more tutorials and free sheet music visit: https://jazzpianopracticesessions.com
In this video we will work on block chords, aka "George Shearing voicings" or "locked hands" technique!
There are 6 important exercises on maj6, maj7, and min6 chords, and the II V I progression.
Please scroll through the different chapters to work on one specific block chord technique, but I also encourage you to create your own exercises!
* Free pdf of the sheet music: https://bit.ly/3HWYKb8
* Free pdf of the sheet music (with annotations): https://bit.ly/32zqDFT
0:00 Block chord solo on a Blues in C
0:58 "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in C with inversions
1:22 Exercise #1: "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in all keys
2:29 "It Don"t Mean A Thing" with block chords
2:56 Exercise #2: Minor 6th chord with passing diminished chord (Barry Harris) in all keys)
4:41 Exercise #3: Two bar II V I progression with V7alt
5:25 "Polka Dots And Moonbeams" with block chords
6:33 Exercise #4: Major 7th chord exercise (6 keys)
7:34 GREAT BLOCK CHORD SOLOING HACK: 2 shapes to play a block chord solo on a blues in Bb
7:55 Exercise #5: Major 6th chord (inversions + impro in all keys)
11:18 Exercise #6: II V I with broken chords and V7(b9)(13) = octotonic
* Backing tracks used in this video: https://youtu.be/liXYmwO_pLQ, https://youtu.be/nv0zc2s03js, and iReal Pro
* Pause or slow down the video for better understanding and learning
* For more tutorials and free sheet music visit: https://jazzpianopracticesessions.com
FREE PDF to follow along to the video - https://openstudiojazz.link/block-blues-PDF
Adam Maness has a new course! Bebop Chords for Beginners! - https://openstu...
FREE PDF to follow along to the video - https://openstudiojazz.link/block-blues-PDF
Adam Maness has a new course! Bebop Chords for Beginners! - https://openstudiojazz.link/bebop-chords
Adam Maness is going to teach you how to resolve any and every chord in the world!
🔵This live stream is presented by Open Studio - Jazz Lessons from Jazz Legends. https://openstudiojazz.link/play-better
✅Check out this page for our schedule of live events each week: https://openstudiojazz.link/OSlive
FREE PDF to follow along to the video - https://openstudiojazz.link/block-blues-PDF
Adam Maness has a new course! Bebop Chords for Beginners! - https://openstudiojazz.link/bebop-chords
Adam Maness is going to teach you how to resolve any and every chord in the world!
🔵This live stream is presented by Open Studio - Jazz Lessons from Jazz Legends. https://openstudiojazz.link/play-better
✅Check out this page for our schedule of live events each week: https://openstudiojazz.link/OSlive
Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon
In this video, I'm showing you Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method, an essential technique for any guitarist. This lesson will teach you how to play Block chords using Wes Montgomery's famous technique. This tutorial is designed for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills, and it's a great way to learn new chords and techniques. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, make sure to watch this video and learn Wes Montgomery's Block Chord Method!
Intro and outro backing tracks provided by Phil Wilkinson: www.playjazztracks.com
Channel Sponsors (affiliate links):
Stringjoy guitar strings:
I play the broadway pure nickel's and you can buy those here: https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/strings/electric-guitar-strings/broadways/classic-heavy-gauge/partner/nborton078/
Henriksen Amps:
Buy a Blu 6 (or anything from Henriksen) and Use Code "Borton" at checkout for 5% off. Your purchase will directly support the channel: https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/product/the-blu/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Passing Diminished Chords
04:37 - Wes's Concept on Minor 7 Chords
05:13 - Wes's Concept on Dominant 7 Chords
06:17 - Combining It All Together
09:21 - Demonstration of Concepts
Transcription to Gone With the Wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeHwsBJdMRo&t=24s
More Wes Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr2uNv1_lZw
I'm a proud Benedetto Artist/Educator and am playing a Bravo Deluxe. (https://benedettoguitars.com)
My Gear that I Use (affiliate links):
Guitar Pick: https://amzn.to/3q2Qz9i
Video Camera: https://amzn.to/3QjXjtO
Camera Lens: https://amzn.to/3KlaA1w
Talking Mic: https://amzn.to/3rSsEK8
Guitar Pre Amp (DI recording): https://amzn.to/452UVvC
Guitar Compressor: https://amzn.to/45rvy7h
Guitar EQ: https://amzn.to/3rT47EP
Guitar Cable: https://amzn.to/3QkEdnF
Recording Interface: https://amzn.to/3ODJuFF
Check out my Social Media Links:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathanbortonguitar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nborton1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nborton1
For more content make sure to like and subscribe!
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrVXfHBz85i6Zvs0oOl1rw?view_as=subscriber
#JazzGuitar#Lessons#Transcriptions
If you have any suggestions of future video topics leave you comments below!
Thank you for your support!
Block chords are an important part of the jazz piano vocabulary. You've probably heard greats like George Shearing or Oscar Peterson use them in their arrangements and solos. This jazz piano tutorial introduces you to Major block chords, how to practice them, and how to use them for arranging a melody either in the context of a composition, or while you're soloing.
► Get your FREE Top 5 Piano Tips Guide:
https://pianowithjonny.com/top-5-tips/
► Download this Quick Tip lesson sheet and backing track:
https://pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/block-chords-the-complete-guide
LESSON SUMMARY
If you've been studying jazz piano for sometime, you've probably learned some jazzy chord voicings, especially for your left hand. But what about the melody? For instance, how do you go beyond playing the melody as a single note? The answer is block chords. In today's Quick Tip, you'll learn how to harmonize a melody using block chords in 6 steps. This sound is most notably associated with pianist George Shearing (1919–2011) who popularized the sound in the 1940s and 50s. This Complete Guide to Block Chords includes:
-7 block chord voicings for major chords (1 for each note in the major scale)
-6 major chord symbols to use with block chords
-Theory & application for harmonizing a melody with block chords
► Block Chords course:
https://pianowithjonny.com/smartsheets/block-chords/
► 6 Jazz Ballad Harmonic Approaches:
https://pianowithjonny.com/courses/6-jazz-ballad-harmonic-approaches-1/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Step 1: Melody
01:58 - Step 2: Double the Melody
02:34 - Step 3: Add 3 Inner Harmonies
07:58 - Review the exercise
08:38 - Create your own melodies
09:24 - Play with backing track
10:03 - Step 4: Chords for Major Block Chords
11:59 - Step 5: Single-Note Melody
13:21 - Conclusion
===
► Get your FREE 14-Day Trial to PWJ here:
https://pianowithjonny.com/
►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PianoWithJonny/
►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pianowithjonny
►TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@pianowithjonny
►TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PianoWithJonny
Happy practicing!
Jonny May
In this video we will work on block chords, aka "George Shearing voicings" or "locked hands" technique!
There are 6 important exercises on maj6, maj7, and min6 chords, and the II V I progression.
Please scroll through the different chapters to work on one specific block chord technique, but I also encourage you to create your own exercises!
* Free pdf of the sheet music: https://bit.ly/3HWYKb8
* Free pdf of the sheet music (with annotations): https://bit.ly/32zqDFT
0:00 Block chord solo on a Blues in C
0:58 "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in C with inversions
1:22 Exercise #1: "Bluesy" passing diminished chord in all keys
2:29 "It Don"t Mean A Thing" with block chords
2:56 Exercise #2: Minor 6th chord with passing diminished chord (Barry Harris) in all keys)
4:41 Exercise #3: Two bar II V I progression with V7alt
5:25 "Polka Dots And Moonbeams" with block chords
6:33 Exercise #4: Major 7th chord exercise (6 keys)
7:34 GREAT BLOCK CHORD SOLOING HACK: 2 shapes to play a block chord solo on a blues in Bb
7:55 Exercise #5: Major 6th chord (inversions + impro in all keys)
11:18 Exercise #6: II V I with broken chords and V7(b9)(13) = octotonic
* Backing tracks used in this video: https://youtu.be/liXYmwO_pLQ, https://youtu.be/nv0zc2s03js, and iReal Pro
* Pause or slow down the video for better understanding and learning
* For more tutorials and free sheet music visit: https://jazzpianopracticesessions.com
FREE PDF to follow along to the video - https://openstudiojazz.link/block-blues-PDF
Adam Maness has a new course! Bebop Chords for Beginners! - https://openstudiojazz.link/bebop-chords
Adam Maness is going to teach you how to resolve any and every chord in the world!
🔵This live stream is presented by Open Studio - Jazz Lessons from Jazz Legends. https://openstudiojazz.link/play-better
✅Check out this page for our schedule of live events each week: https://openstudiojazz.link/OSlive
A block chord is a chord or voicing built directly below the melody either on the strong beats or to create a four-part harmonized melody line in "locked-hands" rhythmic unison with the melody, as opposed to broken chords. This latter style, known as Shearing voicing, was popularized by George Shearing, but originated with Phil Moore.
Block chord style (also known as chorale style) uses simple chordal harmony in which "the notes of each chord may be played all at once" as opposed to being "played one at a time (broken or arpeggiated chords). For example, a guitarist can strum the chord (this would be a "block" chord) or use a picking style to play "broken" chords". The notes of arpeggios are often grouped into block chords for ease of analysis.
Block chords and doubled melody are easily used in a melody line that has a swing feel and strengthen the melody so as to separate that melody from the rhythmic background. Block chording was often used by jazz bands and orchestras such as those led by Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
Together on the eve of the new year In a logging camp in gatineau Far away from the ones we love In the desolation and the snow Drunk baptiste says he has a plan A plan to travel across this land We'll be with our family tonight and be back before first light We must run la chasse galerie Make a deal with the devil He'll give us what we need On a flying canoe we ride To the revellion or die And then the devil appeared and the rules he made quite clear Touch not a cross or swear on the lord's name Or your soul is lost Be back before the light as well If not it's straight to hell We put our fears aside To the rules we will abide Let's ride tonight across the sky Our souls are on the line To be with our families tonight The skies are so clear So much we're eased of all our fear, look out! For the church ahead Turn away or we'll be dead Not far to the revellion So long since i've been home Not long 'till the journey's done And the party has just begun Let's ride tonight! Across the sky Our souls are on the line To be with our families tonight We'll meet the devil and play his game The wage is worth what we will gain The drink ever did flow And the dancing never slowed Alive and we're all here So raise your glass and give a cheer The devil's eyes are watching us Now our time is almost up And as the clock struck five we had to leave or die We said tearful goodbyes But now we must take to the skies Onward we went on through the fog Our boat did hit a cross but not a Shard touched one of us Our souls are not yet lost Let's ride tonight across the skies Our souls are on the line To be with our families tonight We'll meet the devil and play his game The wage is worth what we will gain The drunk baptiste nearly said the words that'd damn us all to hell With a swift hit he met my fist and overboard he fell The rest of us who made it back We all did agree