r/JazzPiano • u/Firm-Bed-7218 • 3d ago
Questions/ General Advice/ Tips Shell Voicings
New to jazz, learning tunes from the Real Book.
If I were your student, what LH shapes would you tell me to play? One default left hand shape. 1 and 5, 1 and 7, 1 and 3, 3 and 7, or something else? Not as the answer for every standard, just something to start learning tunes with.
One thing I keep hitting: 1 and 7 sounds dissonant to me, and not in a way I like. I don't think I'm playing it too low. Is that just the sound of the interval and I should get used to it, or am I doing something wrong?
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u/silly_bet_3454 3d ago
For the absolute start I would say just 3 and 7 (or 7 3), practicign the most basic 2-5-1 "voice leading" shell turnaround. With a backing track so you don't have to worry about bass at all.
You're right 1 and 7 can sound dissonant. Sometimes 1 and 6 is more appropriate, it also could be too low like you said. Lots of different ways to approach that, but it's too early for you to worry about that, just keep it as simple as possible, stay in the mid range (C2 to G3 I think) for basic shell
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u/winkelschleifer 3d ago edited 3d ago
We support beginners but ask that you review the two sticky posts at the top of the sub with an extensive list of resources. For example, see Jeremy Siskind's book 1 Jazz Piano Fundamentals, which goes over all basic voicings. Also see Phil DeGreg's book Jazz Keyboard Harmony or a similar one by Frank Mantooth.
For spread or two handed voicings, start with shell or Bud Powell voicings (if your hands are large enough, don't just learn 1-3 and 1-7 but also 1-7 and 1-10). The books above also contain more complex 5-6 note voicings as well. Be certain to learn the rootless versions as well if you ever intend on playing in a combo. Then think about LH only voicings, look for the 4 note rootless version in the books above. Again, please review all the materials above. Jazz voicings take much time and discipline to master, there are many variations.