Comping

🎬 Working on Time Pt. 6 – Wave A Section Voicings with Rhythmic Variation #4

In this lesson, we expand on the rhythmic comping vocabulary introduced in Pt. 5 by applying Variation #4 to the entire A section of Jobim’s “Wave.” This segment combines voice leading and rhythmic consistency, helping develop both harmonic awareness and a deeper connection to groove within the bossa nova style.

Working on Time Pt. 5 – Bossa Voicings on “Wave” (Intro)
In this episode, we explore voicings and time feel for the iconic bossa nova intro of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave,” which vamps between Dm7 and G7—two beats each.

We’ll start with foundational voicings and gradually apply a series of rhythmic variations to build your comping vocabulary and groove awareness. The included PDF features four rhythmic variations that progressively increase in syncopation and complexity, helping you develop both feel and control.

Practice Tips:

🎬 Lesson 4: Expanding the Blues with Functional Harmony Goal: 

Strengthen time feel and harmonic fluency by adding functional variations to the 12-bar blues form, while maintaining steady comping with a metronome on beats 2 and 4.

🎬 Working on Time Pt. 3: Simple Blues with Four-Note Voicings

Goal:
Play through a simple three-chord blues using four-note voicings, while locking in your time with the metronome on beats 2 and 4 at a medium tempo. This lesson builds on Part 2 by applying the foundational third and seventh movement into fuller voicings across an entire 12-bar form.

What you’ll practice:

🎬 Lesson 2: Building Time Through 3rds and 7ths – Intro to the Blues
Goal: Develop internal time and harmonic awareness by isolating key movements within the blues progression.

In this lesson, we’ll begin working with small sections of a blues form using dominant chords. The focus is on identifying and connecting 3rds and 7ths—especially how they voice-lead smoothly when chords move by fourths.

🎬 Lesson 1: Building a Solid Time Foundation With a Metronome

🎯 Goals:

Rhythm Changes Harmonic Vocabulary - Part 4

In this fourth installment of our rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary series, we continue to develop both rhythmic and harmonic fluency over the first A section. While the rhythmic pattern remains consistent with Part 3 in the first four measures, this lesson introduces new voicings and inversions that shift the color and register of the progression.

Rhythm Changes Harmonic Vocabulary – Part 3: Exploring Further Harmonic Detail

In this third installment of our rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary series, we continue to deepen our approach to both harmony and rhythm within the first A section. This lesson blends familiar elements with new twists, helping you refine your sense of phrasing while introducing a few sophisticated harmonic choices.

Rhythmic Overview

Part 2: Exploring Articulation and Harmonic Detail
In this second lesson on rhythm changes harmonic vocabulary, we shift our focus to articulation and rhythmic variety within the first A section. The exercise begins by introducing the classic Charleston rhythm in the first four measures—a foundational comping figure that adds a strong sense of groove and forward momentum.

Rhythm Changes - Harmonic Vocabulary on the A Pt. 1

In this series, we’ll explore harmonic vocabulary for comping over the A sections of rhythm changes. In Pt. 1, we start with a common and widely used set of standard changes, providing a strong foundation for comping.

One key concept in this approach is treating the top note of each chord as a melodic line—essentially harmonizing a simple, stepwise motion. This helps create a natural, connected flow between voicings rather than thinking of each chord in isolation.