Playing Jazz Left Hand Support: Techniques and Chord Voicings

If you are playing in a jazz band, it's crucial to understand the dynamics of the instrumentation and the roles of your bandmates. The bass usually provides a smooth, unobtrusive base, setting the rhythm in harmony with the percussion. Meanwhile, keyboards and other instruments can have more melodic or harmonic freedom, while the vocals often take the lead. Your role as a keyboard player in a jazz band is typically in the mid-register, where you can play rootless chords to enhance the melody and support the overall sound.

Understanding Rootless Voicings

Rootless voicings, or 'rootless chords,' refer to playing a chord without its root. This technique is particularly useful when a bass player is not present, as it allows you to create a dense, supportive harmonic texture. While rootless voicings are not limited to triads, they are often discussed in the context of such simplified structures. Here's a straightforward example:

C Chord without the Root

A common C chord would be played as C E G (root, third, and fifth). However, if a bass player plays a low C, you can play just E and G with your left hand. Together, you and the bassist have effectively created a C chord, but without the root. This technique can be extended to color the chord with additional tensions. For example:

C Major 7

A C Major 7 chord consists of C E G B. If a bass player plays a low C, you can play E, G, and B with your left hand, essentially playing an E minor without the root. Together, you've created a C Major 7 chord (C E G B) without the root.

Adding Tensions

To add more color and complexity, you can include the 9th (D in this case) in your right hand. For example:

Bass (Left Hand): C Right Hand: E G B D Bass (Left Hand): (Octaves of) C Right Hand: E G B E G B D Bass (Left Hand): (Octaves with 5th) C G C Right Hand: E G B E G B D Bass (Left Hand): (Octaves with 5th) C G C Right Hand: G B D

Creating Rootless Voicings

By using these techniques, you can create rich, textured chords without needing to play the root. This is especially useful in jazz, where the focus is often on melody and improvisation. Here are a few examples of how to create rootless voicings:

Octave Voicings

Start with simple octave voicings in your left hand (e.g., C G C) and add a rootless voicing in your right hand (E G B E G B D). You can also invert the right-hand voicing:

Expanding the Range

If you have the range, you can expand the chords further. For example:

Left Hand: C G D (1st, 5th, 9th) Right Hand: Other tones (E G B D)

Conclusion

Rootless voicings are a powerful tool for jazz keyboard players, especially when a bass player is not available. By understanding and using these techniques, you can create rich, supportive harmonic structures that enhance the overall sound of your band. Remember to use them tastefully and consider the context in which you are performing. Whether you are supporting a smooth, unobtrusive bass line or playing in a band without a bass player, rootless voicings can help you fill out the sound and provide vital support to your bandmates.