Modern Jazz Palettes: Comping

In this lesson, we will explore the intricacies and beauty of ninth chord voicings. Delving into how adding the ninth to various chords, be it major seven, minor, or any dominant seventh, enhances the sound without clashing with other instrumental layers. We'll discover the neutrality of the ninth and its ability to produce a parallel, sub-narrative sound, adding depth to the relationship between the soloist and the rhythm section. We'll begin by crafting basic ninth voicings across the neck, emphasizing the ninth's placement not only at the top but also in the middle and even the bottom, leading to exciting cluster voicings and modern jazz voicings with traditionally dissonant intervals. The lesson will also guide learners through simple guide tone voicings and shell voicings, focusing on the root, third, seventh, and the ninth on top. With practical examples, such as crafting an A major ninth chord, learners will gain hands-on experience in maneuvering through these voicings, offering a holistic understanding of the ninth's potential.

Let's play through an etude based on the changes to "Autumn Leaves." This etude is titled "Red and Gold Voicings." In it, we will explore various ninth voicings and different rhythms to employ these voicings. Notably, we have the ninth appearing at the top, in the middle, and even at the bottom of the voicing for a more modern sound, especially in the second chorus. Let's play through this together, and then we'll break it down.

Let's play through an etude based on the changes to "Autumn Leaves." This etude is titled "Red and Gold Voicings." In it, we will explore various ninth voicings and different rhythms to employ these voicings. Notably, we have the ninth appearing at the top, in the middle, and even at the bottom of the voicing for a more modern sound, especially in the second chorus. Let's play through this together, and then we'll break it down.

In this lesson, we will explore the intricacies of the ninth chord by closely examining an etude centered around it. We will emphasize the importance of listening to fellow musicians, particularly the rhythm section, while also building rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic phrases to complement the melody player. Through this process, learners will recognize repeating rhythmic motives and understand the flexibility of the ninth chord in different contexts. Furthermore, we will delve into techniques like threading single or double note lines within chord progressions and the effectiveness of bouncing between three-note voicings on different sets of strings. The lesson also touches upon the strategic use of rhythm, such as allowing chords to linger and employing delayed attacks to maintain the swing and forward motion in the music.

Now, let's delve into an etude with a brighter tempo that incorporates a Latin swing feel. This will allow you to experiment with ninth chord voicings in a distinct rhythm and pace across varied changes. The etude is inspired by "I'll Remember April," providing ample opportunities to explore the versatility of the ninth chord. We've discussed positioning the ninth at the top, middle, and bottom of the voicing. This etude further incorporates upper structure triads and seventh chords to craft a ninth sound. Let's play through this together.

Now, let's delve into an etude with a brighter tempo that incorporates a Latin swing feel. This will allow you to experiment with ninth chord voicings in a distinct rhythm and pace across varied changes. The etude is inspired by "I'll Remember April," providing ample opportunities to explore the versatility of the ninth chord. We've discussed positioning the ninth at the top, middle, and bottom of the voicing. This etude further incorporates upper structure triads and seventh chords to craft a ninth sound. Let's play through this together.