When using "Evans" jazz voicings what voicings should I use for half-diminished ii chord in minor and tritone substitution chords?

Exploring “Evans” Jazz Voicings for Half-Diminished ii Chords in Minor and Tritone Substitution Chords

When it comes to jazz piano voicings, the techniques and approaches of legendary pianist Bill Evans have had a profound impact on the genre. Evans’ voicings are known for their rich harmonies, smooth voice leading, and melodic character. In this article, we will delve into the specific voicings that Evans employed for half-diminished ii chords in minor and tritone substitution chords, drawing insights from authoritative sources such as Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange and JazzAdvice.com.

Half-Diminished ii Chord in Minor

When encountering a half-diminished ii chord in a minor key, there are specific considerations to keep in mind:

• Instead of a minor 7 ii chord, the half-diminished ii chord in minor is a minor 7 b5 chord. This alteration gives the chord a distinct tonal flavor.
• When soloing or improvising over this chord, it is recommended to focus on chord tones rather than scales. By emphasizing the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh, you can create a strong melodic foundation.
• One effective approach is to utilize the minor triad starting from the 3rd of the half-diminished chord. This triad can serve as a melodic motif or be extended into larger voicings.
• Exploring inversions of the minor triad can yield interesting intervallic content. By rearranging the notes, you can discover new harmonic colors and textures.
• It is essential to maintain a clear sense of rhythm while playing these voicings. A well-defined and precise rhythm helps delineate the musical phrase and enhances the overall musicality.

Tritone Substitution Chords

Tritone substitution is a technique widely employed in jazz, where a dominant chord is substituted with another dominant chord that is a tritone away. When applying tritone substitution to minor ii V progressions, the following insights can guide our voicing choices:

• Tritone substitution can be utilized for the dominant chord in the minor ii V progression. By replacing the original dominant chord with a dominant chord a tritone away, we introduce a harmonic tension and create an interesting musical twist.
• Bill Evans, known for his innovative approaches, occasionally used major chords instead of the standard dominant chords for tritone substitution. This substitution adds a unique flavor to the progression and opens up new harmonic possibilities.
• To create a colorful and rich sound over the tritone substitution, consider adding the 13th to the voicings. This addition introduces a +9 sound over the dominant chord, contributing to its overall complexity and expressiveness.

By incorporating these considerations into your playing, you can harness the essence of Bill Evans’ jazz voicings and elevate your musical expression within minor ii V progressions.

Sources:

1. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. “When using ‘Evans’ jazz voicings what voicings should I use for half-diminished ii chord in minor and tritone substitution chords?” Accessed from: [source 1 URL]
2. JazzAdvice.com. “A Lesson With Pianist Bill Evans: Mastering Minor ii V Progressions.” Accessed from: [source 2 URL]

FAQs

What is a half-diminished ii chord in a minor key?

A half-diminished ii chord in a minor key is a minor 7 b5 chord. It consists of the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.

How should I approach soloing over a half-diminished ii chord in minor?

When soloing over a half-diminished ii chord in minor, it is recommended to focus on chord tones rather than scales. Emphasize the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh to establish a strong melodic foundation.

What are some voicing options for a half-diminished ii chord in minor?

One approach is to use the minor triad starting from the 3rd of the half-diminished chord. Exploring inversions of the minor triad can also create interesting intervallic content. Additionally, you can experiment with different voicings to discover unique harmonic colors.

What is tritone substitution and how does it apply to minor ii V progressions?

Tritone substitution is a technique where a dominant chord is replaced with another dominant chord that is a tritone away. In the context of minor ii V progressions, tritone substitution can be used for the dominant chord to introduce harmonic tension and create a unique musical twist.

Can I use major chords for tritone substitution in minor ii V progressions?

Yes, Bill Evans sometimes used major chords instead of the standard dominant chords for tritone substitution. This substitution adds a distinct flavor to the progression and opens up new harmonic possibilities.

How can I enhance the sound of tritone substitution chords?

To add richness to tritone substitution chords, consider adding the 13th to the voicings. This addition creates a +9 sound over the dominant chord, contributing to its complexity and expressiveness.

What role does rhythm play when using “Evans” jazz voicings?

Rhythm is crucial when using “Evans” jazz voicings. A clear sense of rhythm helps define the musical phrase and enhances the overall musicality. Pay attention to precise and well-defined rhythms while playing these voicings.

Are there other resources I can explore to learn more about “Evans” jazz voicings?

Apart from the mentioned sources, you can explore jazz piano method books and recordings of Bill Evans to further delve into his voicing techniques and gain inspiration for your own playing.