What are block voicings?

What are block voicings?

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. The notes of arpeggios are often grouped into block chords for ease of analysis.

How do you write a soli jazz?

To round this article off, here’s the step-by-step process I’ve outlined for writing a soli:

1. Write the melody and keep it simple.
2. Embellish the melody and harmony.
3. Harmonise the target notes.
4. Harmonise the approach notes.
5. Write it out for the instruments, checking voice leading, range and articulations.

What is a spread voicing?

While to play in ‘open harmony’ (AKA open position, AKA open chord voicings, AKA spread voicings) means to play all the same notes but over a span larger than an octave. This spreads your chord out over a wider range and in this way creates a richer, more balanced and more ‘open’ sound.

What are jazz block chords?

In the jazz language, block chords refers to an arranging technique in which a melody is harmonized in 5 parts. Specifically, this technique voices the melody in octaves with 3 notes in between. Usually, the right hand plays the top 4 notes while the left hand plays 1 note (see example above).

What is voicing in jazz music?

The way we arrange the notes in a chord is known as voicing and is integral to all aspects of jazz. From pianists sounding a single chord to arranging harmonies for a full big band, it’s all in the voicing that the character of the music is displayed.

Why don’t we use more horns in jazz and big band arrangements?

However, in big band arranging and in jazz we have to be extra careful. That’s because horns are timbrally very similar – we can’t count on their sound to clear up the texture. We also use a lot of tensions and putting these too low in a chord can unbalance the voicing.

What is block voicing and how is it used?

Block voicing is where the inside or harmony parts always move in the same direction as the lead. This type of harmony works well for the typical jazz orchestra (four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and rhythm section) but can also be used in many styles of pop and rock, e.g. for horn sections or backing vocals.

What is a four-way close in jazz?

I’m starting with one of the most common ways of voicing chords in jazz. A close voicing means a chord where the top and bottom notes fall within an octave. The four-way tells us how many voices we have. Four-way close therefore means to arrange a four-note chord within an octave.