Members sirshackleton Posted February 7, 2005 Members Posted February 7, 2005 I'm not a jazz cat by any stretch, but I'm trying to find something new to study and came across a quip from Kevin Eubanks about comping. Unfortunately, a lesson about comping on him was unavailable form the GP archives. So, get me started. I'm no theory wizard, but I can read music and know enough to get by with a little remedial review. I'm just looking to build a foundation at this point. Gracias!
Members lazaraga Posted February 7, 2005 Members Posted February 7, 2005 to me, comping is the art of improvising accompianment. comping styles range, but a good foundation would, imo, be to start simple. play only the 3 and 7th of chords (maybe play roots too when you are just starting). hit one strum per beat. use your fretting hand to determine how long you hold the chord. try to use smooth voice leading. have chord tones resolve by half or whole steps when possible. after getting comfortable with this, start adding more color tones as indicated on the chart or as desired. play with rythym more. use chord subs or try voicing chords in 4ths. listen to jazz pianists for more comping ideas. i like mccoy tyner and herbie hancock personally. peace
Members Terje Posted February 8, 2005 Members Posted February 8, 2005 Originally posted by lazaraga play only the 3 and 7th of chords (maybe play roots too when you are just starting). Allow yourself to play 5ths also. Those are called Freddie Green chords, cause that's how he played all his life. Roots or 5ths on the low E-string, with the 3rd and 7th of the chord on the D and G-strings. If that's a too theoretical way to describe it for you I'll be glad to try and give examples. Another thing to always remember when you comp is to listen. Listen to what the rest of the rhythm section are doing, listen to the soloist. A good accompanist will follow the soloist anywhere he or she wants to go. Always play underneath the one who is soloing, never above. I'm talking volume here. And sometimes the best thing you can do is to shut up. It is one of the most effective ways to comp in some situations.
Members Deek Posted February 8, 2005 Members Posted February 8, 2005 Im finding it hard do interesting comping when i always use the same types of chords. So whats a good way to learn chords?
Members Factor Posted February 8, 2005 Members Posted February 8, 2005 The best way, IMHO, is to spell out the notes of the chord on an image of the guitar fretboard, and play connect-the-dots with the chord tones. Chances are that you'll find a new voicing or two in no time.
Members lazaraga Posted February 9, 2005 Members Posted February 9, 2005 Originally posted by Deek Im finding it hard do interesting comping when i always use the same types of chords. So whats a good way to learn chords? learn how to construct chords. harmonize your scales. harmonize in 3rds and 4ths. take the chords you know, and experiment with changing one note at a time. take the chords you know, and learn them in a ll inversions all over the neck. peace
Members 335clone Posted February 9, 2005 Members Posted February 9, 2005 Some great Freddie Green chords in this linkhttp://www.freddiegreen.org/
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