Learn Jazz Standards Podcast How to Comp Melodically
Apr 30, 2024
Learn about the distinction between chord melody and melodic comping in jazz music, focusing on creating movement and melodies in accompaniment. Get valuable insights and strategies from Brent on enhancing comping skills for pianists, guitarists, and other comping instruments. Explore the nuances of melodic comping and elevate your musical accompaniment with practical examples and clear explanations.
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Comping Is Accompaniment, Not Chord Melody
- Comping is accompaniment, not the same as chord melody which plays the song's actual tune with chords underneath.
- Thinking of comping as support reframes voicings as part of a larger accompanist role rather than standalone shapes.
Create Melodies Within Your Comping
- Try to create melodies and movement inside your accompaniment rather than playing voicing after voicing.
- Use voice leading to craft smooth melodic movement between chords while you comp.
II–V–I Top-Note Half-Step Example
- Brent demonstrates moving a top-note from a nine down a half step to outline a II–V–I and create a melodic line across voicings.
- The example shows the top voice becoming the focal melody while inner voices voice-lead beneath it.