Step 1: Block Chords A block chord is a type of voicing where each of the notes are close together, within an octave. The great George Shearing popularized the sound of block chords on piano by doubling the highest note of his voicings an octave below, reinforcing the the chord to emphasize his melodies.
- What is a block chord on piano?
- What is a block chord music?
- Which pianist pioneered the use of block chords?
What is a block chord on piano?
A block chord is a chord or voicing built directly below the melody either on the strong beats or to create a four-part harmonized melody line in "locked-hands" rhythmic unison with the melody, as opposed to broken chords. ... The notes of arpeggios are often grouped into block chords for ease of analysis.
What is a block chord music?
Block chords occur when all of the notes of a chord are played simultaneously in one solid “block”. The following shows examples of block chords. Block Chords. Broken chords occur when the notes of a chord are not played simultaneously. There are many types of patterns possible for broken chords.
Which pianist pioneered the use of block chords?
Locked hands style is a technique of chord voicing for the piano. Popularized by the jazz pianist George Shearing, it is a way to implement the "block chord" method of harmony on a keyboard instrument.