block chords

[ricorico]

I just recently heard something about "block" chords, and would like a better explanation of what they are & how they're used.

[seemunny]

I just recently heard something about "block" chords, and would like a better explanation of what they are & how they're used.

I think block chords are basically a "melody line played with harmony", or a "chorded melody line" where the notes are not arpeggiated or broken up.

In other words, when you hear a melody played with a single note, next think of that same melody being played with four part harmony instead of single notes. You often hear this in jazz, and it was made popular by jazz pianist George Shearing. He created a "sound" by using these block chords that is now popularly called "The Shearing Sound".

Shearing would play the right hand chord, with the melody on top, but in his left hand, he would also play the melody one octave lower to give it that "Shearing Sound". So you basically had a "moving chord" that spanned one octave, with the melody as the lowest note in the left hand, and the melody also as the highest note one octave higher in the right hand, with the harmonies in the middle in the right hand as well.

Wes Montgomery, the jazz guitar legend was popular for playing block chords to give him his distinct jazz guitar sound (along with his famous use of octaves). Wes would do many of his solos in a "three part" way. He'd start off using single notes, then he'd go into playing octaves, then he'd end up playing block chords for the climax.

[divinemusician]

I think block chords are basically a "melody line played with harmony", or a "chorded melody line" where the notes are not arpeggiated or broken up.

In other words, when you hear a melody played with a single note, next think of that same melody being played with four part harmony instead of single notes. You often hear this in jazz, and it was made popular by jazz pianist George Shearing. He created a "sound" by using these block chords that is now popularly called "The Shearing Sound".

Shearing would play the right hand chord, with the melody on top, but in his left hand, he would also play the melody one octave lower to give it that "Shearing Sound". So you basically had a "moving chord" that spanned one octave, with the melody as the lowest note in the left hand, and the melody also as the highest note one octave higher in the right hand, with the harmonies in the middle in the right hand as well.

Wes Montgomery, the jazz guitar legend was popular for playing block chords to give him his distinct jazz guitar sound (along with his famous use of octaves). Wes would do many of his solos in a "three part" way. He'd start off using single notes, then he'd go into playing octaves, then he'd end up playing block chords for the climax.

seemunny...u shocked me... u didn't say anything smart.... lol (I'm just playing)

[Fenix]

I think block chords are basically a "melody line played with harmony", or a "chorded melody line" where the notes are not arpeggiated or broken up.

In other words, when you hear a melody played with a single note, next think of that same melody being played with four part harmony instead of single notes. You often hear this in jazz, and it was made popular by jazz pianist George Shearing. He created a "sound" by using these block chords that is now popularly called "The Shearing Sound".

Shearing would play the right hand chord, with the melody on top, but in his left hand, he would also play the melody one octave lower to give it that "Shearing Sound". So you basically had a "moving chord" that spanned one octave, with the melody as the lowest note in the left hand, and the melody also as the highest note one octave higher in the right hand, with the harmonies in the middle in the right hand as well.

Wes Montgomery, the jazz guitar legend was popular for playing block chords to give him his distinct jazz guitar sound (along with his famous use of octaves). Wes would do many of his solos in a "three part" way. He'd start off using single notes, then he'd go into playing octaves, then he'd end up playing block chords for the climax.

Good morning.

You are right though. I have just started studying block chords and they are just what you described. You harmonize your melody line using chords instead of arpeggios or single notes. Its a really great way to "fill" up your sound.

I don't use it too much cuz you don't want to overdo it, but i do use then when there is space to be filled out.

[4hisglory]

I thought block chords where a specific type of chord voicng

Example:

A C Major7 would be:

C B / E G

A ii V I in the key of C would be

D c / F A
G B / FA
C B / E G

More of a Jazz Voicing.

[Fenix]

I thought block chords where a specific type of chord voicng

Example:

A C Major7 would be:

C B / E G

A ii V I in the key of C would be

D c / F A
G B / FA
C B / E G

More of a Jazz Voicing.

I would say you are right. However block chording seems to be used mainly in the context of harmonizing with your melody notes.

Take a look at this video;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-CI9FABTw4

[chevonee]

You learn something new everyday.

[T-Block]

Just like everyone said, block chords are nothing more than chords for every melody note.  Nothing extra, no little runs on top, no arpeggios, just the chord.  Think word-for-word chording when trying understand this.  Anytime someone sings a word, there is an accompanying chord.

[musallio]

From what's being explained, it means I started off by playing block chords!!
It only when I started to "grow" that I added some spice into my playing rather than just chording every melody line!!

[T-Block]

From what's being explained, it means I started off by playing block chords!!
It only when I started to "grow" that I added some spice into my playing rather than just chording every melody line!!

Don't feel bad, it's natural to start with block chords, after the one-finger melodies, LOL.

[SisterCM]

Just like everyone said, block chords are nothing more than chords for every melody note.  Nothing extra, no little runs on top, no arpeggios, just the chord.  Think word-for-word chording when trying understand this.  Anytime someone sings a word, there is an accompanying chord.

From what's being explained, it means I started off by playing block chords!!
It only when I started to "grow" that I added some spice into my playing rather than just chording every melody line!!

How did you grow from playing block chords to adding spice to your playing?

[T-Block]

How did you grow from playing block chords to adding spice to your playing?

I'm not mus (LOL), but I can give u some simple ways to add spice.  One way is by using those same block chords and playing them in a different way.  So, let's say u played a C major chord in 1st inversion low on the keyboard, then right after u could go up an octave or 2 and duplicate that same chord, but play it as a roll.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (up 1 or 2 octaves) E, G, C  *roll the notes, meaning play each note separate, but as u play each note hold it down

Then, go back where u started.  Just that little variation right there can enhance any part of a song.

Another simple technique I did was add little melody runs on top of my chords.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (on top of the C note) E, F, G, F, E

The runs can be anything u want them to be.  Just imagine u were singing a melody or playing a horn or something like that.  Little things like those 2 can add some spice to your block chords.

[seemunny]

From what's being explained, it means I started off by playing block chords!!
It only when I started to "grow" that I added some spice into my playing rather than just chording every melody line!!

Don't feel bad, it's natural to start with block chords, after the one-finger melodies, LOL.

T-block, you may already know this, but Mus, it sounds like you're freshly hearing about "block chords"...thus my point is:

Block chords are not considered "beginner chords" per se. A beginner might play something that one could "technically" call block chords, but it would depend on how the chords are being used or applied.

As i stated above, block chords are often used in Jazz by many jazz legends for a certain "sound" or effect, in a very "swinging" way.

Block chords being applied in a jazzier way, often might sound like you're mimicking a "big band saxophone section", which can sound REAL nice, if you're good at it.

[SisterCM]

I'm not mus (LOL), but I can give u some simple ways to add spice.  One way is by using those same block chords and playing them in a different way.  So, let's say u played a C major chord in 1st inversion low on the keyboard, then right after u could go up an octave or 2 and duplicate that same chord, but play it as a roll.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (up 1 or 2 octaves) E, G, C  *roll the notes, meaning play each note separate, but as u play each note hold it down

Then, go back where u started.  Just that little variation right there can enhance any part of a song.

Another simple technique I did was add little melody runs on top of my chords.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (on top of the C note) E, F, G, F, E

The runs can be anything u want them to be.  Just imagine u were singing a melody or playing a horn or something like that.  Little things like those 2 can add some spice to your block chords.

Ok, I tried this last night with a hymn that I had been practicing and this technique did improve the sound of the hymn.  Thank you! 

[musallio]

Don't feel bad, it's natural to start with block chords, after the one-finger melodies, LOL.

ROFL *Thinking back in time*

How did you grow from playing block chords to adding spice to your playing?

I'm not mus (LOL), but I can give u some simple ways to add spice.  One way is by using those same block chords and playing them in a different way.  So, let's say u played a C major chord in 1st inversion low on the keyboard, then right after u could go up an octave or 2 and duplicate that same chord, but play it as a roll.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (up 1 or 2 octaves) E, G, C  *roll the notes, meaning play each note separate, but as u play each note hold it down

Then, go back where u started.  Just that little variation right there can enhance any part of a song.

Another simple technique I did was add little melody runs on top of my chords.  Example:

C-C / E-G-C
/ (on top of the C note) E, F, G, F, E

The runs can be anything u want them to be.  Just imagine u were singing a melody or playing a horn or something like that.  Little things like those 2 can add some spice to your block chords.

Phew, thanx T..saved my ink from that essay   That's it SisCM
Also my favorite, is playing those trills..I love those..I started playing them when I was learning (still am) to synthesize..I just fell in love with them, so I do them alot..The rest, T has covered (although I'm yet to add some cool runs into my playing!)

T-block, you may already know this, but Mus, it sounds like you're freshly hearing about "block chords"...thus my point is:

Block chords are not considered "beginner chords" per se. A beginner might play something that one could "technically" call block chords, but it would depend on how the chords are being used or applied.

As i stated above, block chords are often used in Jazz by many jazz legends for a certain "sound" or effect, in a very "swinging" way.

Block chords being applied in a jazzier way, often might sound like you're mimicking a "big band saxophone section", which can sound REAL nice, if you're good at it.

PWHAAHAHAHAHAHA!! You're NOT right this time

I actually 1st heard of the term last year , so I was surprised that T gave me that response, coz from what I've heard & read, block chords "ain't just anybody's game!"

http://zone.hearandplay.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=3418&highlight=block

ok, there's this other informative link with a clip of this legend playing with block chords but I can't seem to locate it..

haha, try me on something else C$$..LOL

[T-Block]

Block chords are not considered "beginner chords" per se. A beginner might play something that one could "technically" call block chords, but it would depend on how the chords are being used or applied.

As i stated above, block chords are often used in Jazz by many jazz legends for a certain "sound" or effect, in a very "swinging" way.

I actually 1st heard of the term last year , so I was surprised that T gave me that response, coz from what I've heard & read, block chords "ain't just anybody's game!"

If you're using block chords like they do in jazz, then yeah that's kinda advanced stuff because you are also soloing with your RH.  I just defined block chords in it's most basic way, and it is exactly the next step up from one-finger melodies. 

[musallio]

If you're using block chords like they do in jazz, then yeah that's kinda advanced stuff because you are also soloing with your RH.  I just defined block chords in it's most basic way, and it is exactly the next step up from one-finger melodies. 

yep, that's exactly what i had in mind bcos that's exactly how i played..but yeah, the jazz stuff, i have a long way to go before i can even claim to play like that.

[T-Block]

but yeah, the jazz stuff, i have a long way to go before i can even claim to play like that.

You and me both buddy. 

[musallio]

You and me both buddy. 

Oh T! I'm sure you're there already, just that you're yet to sound like the best of the best..but 4 me, it's another stry altogether

No man, but we'll get there

[seemunny]

T-block & Mus, i was merely replying to these two combined statements:

From what's being explained, it means I started off by playing block chords!!
It only when I started to "grow" that I added some spice into my playing rather than just chording every melody line!!

Don't feel bad, it's natural to start with block chords, after the one-finger melodies, LOL.

Those two statements together inadvertently ran the risk of making it seem as if "block chords" are exclusively what beginners do, and that one would have to "move away from or beyond" them in order to ADVANCE and "add spice" to their playing.

So i merely wanted to clarify to everyone on the thread to not fall in error and start seeing it like that if this is someone's first time hearing about block chords. But rather to understand that "block chords" can be used by both beginner & advanced players alike, but they will sound differently depending on how you use them - either in the "beginner way" or the "advanced way".

T-block you subsequently successfully covered this, and Musallio i only stated that this might be "fresh" to you, simply going by the words in your statement above that i quoted in red. And i just didn't want anyone reading this thread, who may be hearing about block chords for the first time, to mistakenly see "half the picture" of what block chords are, by thinking that they're just "something that beginners do".

So, Mus, i wasn't trying to be "clairvoyant" or trying to "guess when you learned" about block chords. lol,...........i was just replying to the "words" i read.