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Rhythm Changes - Harmonic Vocabulary on the A Pt. 1

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.

Stella - Chord Melody Part 2

So here is the second of three chord melodies. 

I have the pdf and I have the MalletKat version. You can hear basically what's happening with the sheet music. 

I think you can get a lot out of this. You have to know the chords and inversions really well. I think when I just play the lines it makes sense and you here the harmony. That's the goal right. I will post my own version of stella asap. 

Chordal Playing Rev. - Part 1

Here is a lesson with an etude. I use the tune Green Dolphin Street and I play a chordal solo. There's very little that monophonic here. I tried to hit always with 2,3 or 4 mallets. 

I played a few choruses of Green Dolphin Street and transcibed it. 

I also talk about little bit about this series. I will continue it by doing a video for each of the technical ways I am doing this. 

 

Check out the transcription below.