Shell chords for jazz piano left hand

http://bit.ly/billsbook

A quick tutorial on using shell chords - a technique that uses the tonic and seventh (or tonic and third) of left-hand chords to simplify the playing of jazz piano bass (and to give it a clearer sound).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• shell chords
• jazz piano
• piano tutorial

[PastMilleniumMan]

Thanks, you make it all clear.

Can I ask you a question? How are the melodical improvisation notes connected to the chords? In other words, how do you build a melody line that fits the harmony?

Thanks again.

[billhiltonbiz]

@PastMilleniumMan Well, you can start by building on various scales (particularly the major, pentatonic and blues scales of the key). I've got a couple of other videos about this, and more on the way...

[pianoman129]

what scale are you using in the right hand in the beginning? Or if its nothing specific, then maybe a general idea of the notes. Thanks, these tutorials are the best ones out there, you rock!

[billhiltonbiz]

@pianoman129 Thanks! The run at the beginning is based on a "filled out" blues scale (i.e., a pure blues scale with pentatonic notes added. In fact, all the improvising in this vid is based on that - there are no whole tone runs, deliberate use of modes, etc.). That particular little run right at the start goes E, G, A, Bb, C, Eb, E, C - then I hold the C with my thumb, hitting the C the octave above it with my fifth finger.

[PastMilleniumMan]

@billhiltonbiz Wow, that was fast :-) I'll search your channel for those videos. Thanks!

[mattfreakinparks]

I'd say it's far more common to have

Cmaj7 Amin7 Dmin7 G7. Jazz rarely has IV chord go to the V chord, except in blues.

Bill, your videos are really great. I love the way you break things down to their very basics for us. Please keep posting!

[David2b51]

very nice..:):) We can also use a voicing which of only a Third and seventh..especially when we are playing in band or when we are playing a bass line in a left hand.

[MyDaville]

great job!!

[pianoman129]

@billhiltonbiz thanks! this video is EXACTLY what i was looking for, i love this kind of jazz and would love other tutorials on the topic. Thanks again!

[EnigmaABC]

thank you