Primary Half Diminished Voicings

Primary Half Diminished Voicings

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence January 12, 2021 Duration: 58:17

Welcome to JazzPianoSkills; it's time to discover, learn, and play Jazz Piano!

Every JazzPianoSkills weekly podcast episode introduces aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Each Podcast episode explores a specific Jazz Piano Skill in depth. Today you will discover, learn, play Primary Half Diminished Voicings. In this Jazz Piano Lesson you will:

Discover
Primary Two-Handed Half Diminished Voicings
Learn
How to construct two Primary Two-Handed Half Diminished Voicings
Play
Primary Two-Handed Half Diminished Voicings using 5 Harmonic Technique Approaches

For maximum musical growth, be sure to use the Jazz Piano Podcast Packets for this Jazz Piano Lesson. All three Podcast Packets are designed to help you gain insight and command of a specific Jazz Piano Skill. The Podcast Packets are invaluable educational tools to have at your fingertips while studying and practicing Primary Two-Handed Half Diminished Voicings.

Download Podcast Packets
Illustrations (detailed graphics of the jazz piano skill)
Lead Sheets (beautifully notated music lead sheets)
Play Alongs (ensemble assistance and practice tips)

EPISODE OUTLINE:
Introduction
Discover, Learn, Play
Invite to Join JazzPianoSkills

Exercise 1:
Chord Isolation
C Half Diminished (C-7b5)
Option 1: LH = 1-5 | RH = 1-5-7
Option 2: LH = 5-1 | RH = 4-7-3

Exercise 2:
Half Diminished Pairs
C Half Diminished (C-7b5) and C# Half Diminished (C#-7b5)
Option 1: LH = 1-5 | RH = 1-5-7
Option 2: LH = 5-1 | RH = 4-7-3

Exercise 3:
Minor 3rd Rotation
C-7b5, D#-7b5, F#-7b5, A-7b5
Option 1: LH = 1-5 | RH = 1-5-7
Option 2: LH = 5-1 | RH = 4-7-3

Demo 4:
Whole-Step Rotation
C-7b5, D-7b5, E-7b5, F#-7b5, G#-7b5, A#-7b5
Option 1: LH = 1-5 | RH = 1-5-7
Option 2: LH = 5-1 | RH = 4-7-3

Demo 5:
Circle of 5ths
C, F, A#, D#, G#, C#, F#, B, E, A, D, G
Option 1: LH = 1-5 | RH = 1-5-7
Option 2: LH = 5-1 | RH = 4-7-3

Conclusion
Closing Comments

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There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz pianist, a feeling that it's both complex and effortless. Jazz Piano Skills pulls back the curtain on that magic, transforming it into a clear, practical path forward. Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence, an educator and the President of The Dallas School of Music, this series feels less like a lecture and more like a series of private sessions. Each episode focuses on a tangible skill, breaking down the theory, harmony, and technique that define the jazz language. You'll hear Bob at the keyboard, demonstrating chord voicings, improvisational patterns, and rhythmic concepts, explaining the 'why' behind every note. Whether you're deciphering a standard or building a solo from scratch, the guidance is always rooted in practical application. This podcast is designed for those who want to move beyond simply playing notes on a page and start speaking through the instrument. It’s a deep, methodical exploration of the art form, offering structured lessons that build upon each other. Tune in and find your voice at the keys, learning directly from a professional whose teaching strips away the intimidation and fuels genuine musical growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

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