What are block chords?

J_Gordon · November 19th, 2003, 12:46 PM

What are these types of chords & how can you use them (specifically in jazz)?

Any examples would be great.

Thnaks

Russinator · November 19th, 2003, 01:48 PM

My understanding (from 38 years ago at least!) is that it's a method where you play a chord with the melody line on the top (highest note) with possiblly unchorded melody notes in between. Some I learned then was "Dear Heart" and "Marie Eleaina" (sp). Don't have the documentation handy - but I do have it (somewhere!)

Anonymous · November 19th, 2003, 01:53 PM

There's a good explanation here:

http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8

For a good example of close-voiced block chord style playing, listen to some George Shearing. As far as guitar goes, there are a few close voicings that work -- like a Cmaj7 played in the first position: C - E - G - B -- but most of them involve impractical (or impossible) stretches. Block voicings in 4ths however work well on guitar. Example: Cmaj6/9 in the second position: C - E - A - D - G.

Hope this helps, CS

November 19th, 2003, 12:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
J_Gordon Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 101	What are block chords? What are these types of chords & how can you use them (specifically in jazz)? Any examples would be great. Thnaks

November 19th, 2003, 01:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Anonymous Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 0	Block chords There's a good explanation here: http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8 For a good example of close-voiced block chord style playing, listen to some George Shearing. As far as guitar goes, there are a few close voicings that work -- like a Cmaj7 played in the first position: C - E - G - B -- but most of them involve impractical (or impossible) stretches. Block voicings in 4ths however work well on guitar. Example: Cmaj6/9 in the second position: C - E - A - D - G. Hope this helps, CS

November 19th, 2003, 01:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Russinator Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 549	My understanding (from 38 years ago at least!) is that it's a method where you play a chord with the melody line on the top (highest note) with possiblly unchorded melody notes in between. Some I learned then was "Dear Heart" and "Marie Eleaina" (sp). Don't have the documentation handy - but I do have it (somewhere!)