I love shell voicings because as a non-pianist I was introduced to them, but a little bit, as a saxophonist. That's why I like these video because it gives me full knowledge. Thanks.
I thought these were called guide tones? And shell voicing is playing 1-7 or 1-3 in the left hand? Also, one thing I wasn't sure about: Is it best to use the 5th and 2nd finger when playing them in the left hand? Or are there any rules about which fingers to use when playing them?
When I first heard the term Shell, about 35 years ago, it meant the 1 and 7. As in , the outer shell of the chord. Did the terminology change? What is the new term for playing the 1 and 7?
Hi @Infinity Piano: you are correct, the shell generally refers to the outer shell of the chord whether 1-7., 1-10, or 1-7-10. (Sometimes people may refer to the 7-10 as a shell although this is not technically correct)
Hey David: that’s a great question! You’re right, people use the term shells interchangeably when talking about 1-7/1-3/1-7-10 or 3-7/7-3. It’s confusing for me too, we just have to use our best judgment and I would look for the context of what the person is talking about whether solo piano or with a group. If solo piano it might be the root shells, if group likely without the root. Hope this helps!
Great tutorial, Brenden, thanks! :) One question though: do you think it's useful to try to memorise the notes of the shells, saying them out loud or is it a waste of time because it will come "automatically" with practice? I mean: when you know your main intervals (3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 7ths), it''s relatively easy to build the shell chords or find the guide tones. Should I really aim to be able to think "C-G" / "G-C" instantly when I play AbMaj7 or be content with having the shape in my mind and under my fingers? I'm trying to start on the right foot and build solid foundations but I'm wondering if I'm not worrying too much... If find it difficult to strike the right balance between playing like a robot, not knowing what your are doing (shapes, patterns) and overthinking it... :)
Hi @meatyout: naturally your hands will develop some muscle memory with the shells, but you should understand how to construct it and build the building as opposed to just rote memorization. Hope this helps!
@@jazzpianoschool Thanks for your reply, Branden! Btw., "s'il vous plaît" means" "please", not "sorry" (cf. Ep. 226). Make sure you don't repeat this mistake! Your assignment: 10 times "s'il vous plaît / please". ;)
Feedback: WAY too much talking - I couldn't get through more than about 30 seconds, and not beginner-ish enough. I came here because I am out of options trying to get my physicist adult student (physicists think a certain way, he told me figuring out jazz was harder than getting his PhD in Physics) beginner jazz to just try to use the simplest voicings in left hand for Autumn Leaves. I'm at 1-7 | 1-10 (shells) and he still doesn't get it. (He knows chords, not great at finding notes). Love your playing but "What Are Shell Voicings" implies a beginner video.
I believe you are misconstruing this for a standard youtube instructional video. From what I understand this is a podcast episode or an excerpt from one. Podcasts generally involve talking, and it's the form itself. Like it isn't an instructional dvd style with snippets of exercises and stuff like that. Saying that a "podcaster" is talking too much is a harsh critique given the medium
Jazz is way easier than physics ! Trust me ! We all go through frustration of not knowing what to do when we are starting but don't let it slow you. If your have to remember only one thing from this video, this is : the 3rd and 7th of a chord are the most important notes, we call it "shells" or "guide tones". Your 1-7 / 1-3 (1-10) approach in the left hand is a very good way to start. Play 1-7 or 1-3 in your left hand, play the melody on top with your right hand. Once your feel confortable with this, add the missing harmony in your right hand : if LH is 1-7, add the 3 in your RH, if LH is 1-3, add the 7 in your RH.
