Jazz Piano Tips with Quartal Voicings: Perfect Fourth Intervals

Imagine you could sound like Herbie Hancock just by mastering one of the best jazz piano hacks! Our quartal voicing tutorial will teach you how to play jazz piano chords and improvise with 4th chords. Learning how to improvise jazz piano doesn’t have to be a fruitless “music theory” drill.

What Are Quartal Voicings?

Quartal voicings are chords built using intervals of perfect fourths rather than the traditional thirds commonly found in classical and pop music. This approach creates a more open and modern sound, which is a hallmark of jazz piano. Quartal harmony adds a layer of sophistication and complexity to your playing, making it a go-to technique for jazz pianists.

Why Perfect Fourths Are Essential in Jazz

Perfect fourths are central to the sound of jazz because they allow for smooth voice leading and create a sense of movement and tension in improvisation. When used correctly, these voicings can give your playing a modal and ambiguous quality, which is perfect for styles like bebop, post-bop, and modal jazz. Jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Chick Corea have all used quartal voicings to shape their unique sound.

Patterns and Applications of Quartal Voicings

To build a quartal chord, start with a note and add notes that are a perfect fourth apart. For example, if you begin with C, the quartal chord would be C – F – Bb. This pattern can be moved up and down the keyboard to create different harmonic textures and variations.

• C Quartal Voicing: C – F – Bb – Eb – Ab
• F Quartal Voicing: F – Bb – Eb – Ab – Db
• G Quartal Voicing: G – C – F – Bb – Eb

Experimenting with these patterns in different keys will help you understand how to apply quartal voicings in both improvisation and chord progressions. The flexibility of this approach allows you to create passing chords and smooth transitions between different harmonic ideas in your playing.

How to Use Quartal Voicings in Jazz Improvisation

When you are improvising in jazz, there is often no time to think about complex music theory. This is where quartal voicings shine. They simplify chord shapes and allow you to focus on melodic development and rhythmic creativity. Here are some tips to integrate quartal voicings into your improvisation:

• Modal Harmony: Use quartal chords to outline modal scales like Dorian, Mixolydian, or Lydian. The openness of these voicings fits perfectly within modal jazz contexts.
• Passing Chords: Quartal voicings can be used as passing chords to transition smoothly between two harmonic points, adding tension and release in your progressions.
• Rhythmic Variations: Experiment with different rhythmic patterns using quartal chords. Try syncopating the chords to create a more dynamic and engaging sound.

The Magic of Quartal Voicings in Jazz Standards

Quartal voicings can be found in many classic jazz standards, where they add a modern touch to traditional progressions. Tunes like “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock and “Impressions” by John Coltrane heavily rely on these fourth-based harmonies. By learning to incorporate quartal voicings into your playing, you can channel the spirit of these legendary musicians and bring a fresh sound to your jazz interpretations.

Building Your Skills with Quartal Harmony

Quartal harmony is more than just a technical skill; it’s a way of thinking about music that opens up new creative possibilities. Practice the patterns mentioned above in various keys and apply them to different chord progressions. Gradually, you’ll find that quartal voicings become a natural part of your improvisational toolkit, allowing you to express yourself more freely on the piano.

A great example of Quartal Harmony is this recording of McCoy Tyner playing his original composition “Contemplation” which is short is just a minor blues with many perfect 4ths stacked into the playing. You can listen to the track here.

More Jazz Piano Tips : Watch Our Quartal Voicing Tutorial

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this exciting world of jazz harmony, check out our in-depth tutorial on quartal voicings below. This video will guide you through the basics and provide you with hands-on techniques to get started:

Conclusion: Elevate Your Jazz Playing with Quartal Voicings

Quartal voicings are a game-changer for any jazz pianist looking to add depth and sophistication to their sound. By mastering this technique, you unlock the ability to create lush harmonies and seamless chord transitions that characterize modern jazz. Practice these voicings in various keys, experiment with different patterns, and see how they transform your improvisation skills. Give it a try today and bring the spirit of Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner into your playing!

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