Teach Yourself Jazz Piano Comping | The Ultimate Guide

Are you an aspiring pianist looking to dive into the world of jazz piano comping? Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to master jazz piano comping on your own.

What is Jazz Piano Comping?

Jazz piano comping refers to the art of accompanying a soloist or a group of musicians in a jazz ensemble. It involves creating harmonic and rhythmic support for the melody and improvisation. Comping is essential for establishing the groove, flavor, and overall feel of a jazz performance.

teach yourself... Jazz Piano Comping: for cocktail, combo & big band pianists

by Al Stevens (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9949 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Getting Started with Jazz Piano Comping

If you're new to jazz piano comping, don't worry! With some dedication and practice, you can develop the necessary skills to become an adept jazz accompanist. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Learn Basic Jazz Chords

Begin by familiarizing yourself with basic jazz chords such as major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, and diminished chords. These chords form the foundation of jazz harmonies and are commonly used in comping.

2. Understand Rhythmic Patterns

Study and internalize various rhythmic patterns commonly used in jazz piano comping. Mastering different rhythmic feels like swing, bossa nova, and Latin rhythms will add versatility to your playing.

3. Analyze Jazz Recordings

Listen to famous jazz recordings and analyze the comping styles of renowned pianists. Pay attention to their chord choices, voicings, and rhythmic variations. This will help you develop your own unique comping approach.

4. Practice with Play-along Tracks

Utilize play-along tracks or backing tracks specifically designed for jazz comping practice. These tracks simulate the experience of playing with a full band and improve your ability to synchronize with other instruments.

5. Transcribe and Emulate

Select your favorite jazz piano comping solos and transcribe them by ear. This process allows you to gain insight into the rhythmic intricacies and harmonic choices of seasoned jazz pianists. Emulate their phrasing and stylistic nuances to enhance your own playing.

Developing Advanced Jazz Piano Comping Techniques

Once you've built a strong foundation in jazz piano comping, it's time to explore more advanced techniques and concepts. Here are some areas to focus on:

1. Rootless Voicings

Learn how to construct rootless voicings, which omit the root note of chords. Rootless voicings create a more open and modern sound, allowing the bass player to handle the root notes. These voicings add complexity and harmonic interest to your comping.

2. Upper Structure Triads

Study upper structure triads, which involve superimposing triads on top of extended harmonies. This technique adds tension and color to your chords, enriching your comping and improvisational skills.

3. Quartal Harmony

Experiment with quartal harmony, a technique that uses stacked fourth intervals instead of traditional tertian harmony. Quartal harmony can be used to create modern, outside sounds in your comping.

4. Voice Leading

Master the art of voice leading, which involves smoothly connecting chords by moving each note as little as possible. Effective voice leading ensures a seamless and musical transition between chords, enhancing the overall flow of your comping.

5. Incorporate Improvisation

Explore the integration of improvisational elements into your comping. This could involve adding spontaneous embellishments, fills, and melodic variations while accompanying other musicians.

Additional Resources for Jazz Piano Comping

As you progress on your jazz piano comping journey, it's essential to utilize additional resources to enhance your learning experience. Here are a few recommendations:

• Books: "The Jazz Piano Book" by Mark Levine and "Jazz Keyboard Harmony" by Phil DeGreg offer comprehensive guides on jazz piano technique and theory.
• Online Courses: Websites like JazzPianoOnline.com and OpenStudioJazz.com provide structured online courses specifically tailored for jazz pianists.
• Private Lessons: Consider taking private lessons with an experienced jazz pianist who can provide personalized guidance and feedback.
• Online Forums and Communities: Engage with fellow jazz pianists in online forums or communities, where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, and discover new approaches to jazz piano comping.

Teaching yourself jazz piano comping requires dedication, practice, and a thirst for knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating advanced techniques, you can develop the necessary skills to accompany soloists and jazz ensembles with confidence and creativity. Remember, learning is a continuous journey, so keep experimenting, listening, and expanding your musical horizons to become a proficient jazz piano comping virtuoso!

teach yourself... Jazz Piano Comping: for cocktail, combo & big band pianists

by Al Stevens (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9949 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

teach yourself... Jazz Piano Comping guides you as you learn basic accompaniment chording.
This book is for entry-level and experienced pianists who want to move into the realm of jazz and standards accompaniment and big band playing.
With the knowledge you learn in this book and a disciplined regimen of practice, you will be equipped with skills and tools that not only allow you to sit in at informal jam sessions but to expand your experience into the more advanced realms of piano accompaniments.