Traditional Shell Voicings

Traditional Shell Voicings

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence December 8, 2019 Duration: 17:02

This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Traditional Shell Voicings for the primary sounds of music (Major, Dominant, Minor, Half Diminished, Diminished). Two voicing options are constructed for each chord to be played in your left hand:

You can listen to this Podcast Episode at JazzPianoSkills and have access to the SpeakPipe Widget that allows you to speak immediately and directly to Dr. Bob Lawrence. Ask your questions, get answers, and interact one-on-one with Bob.

PODCAST LESSON OUTLINE

  1. Traditional Major Shell Voicings
    1. 3-7-9 (Ionian Mode)
    2. 7-3-5 (Ionian Mode)
  2. Traditional Dominant Shell Voicings
    1. 3-7-9 (Mixolydian Mode)
    2. 7-3-5 (Mixolydian Mode)
  3. Traditional Minor Shell Voicings
    1. 3-7-9 (Dorian Mode)
    2. 7-3-9 (Dorian Mode)
  4. Traditional Half Diminished Voicings
    1. 3-7-9 (Locrian Mode)
    2. 7-3-5 (Locrian Mode)
  5. Traditional Diminished Shell Voicings
    1. 3-7-9 (7th Mode Harmonic Minor)
    2. 7-3-5 (7th Mode Harmonic Minor)

The C Chord Family Voicings

  1. Traditional C Major Shell Voicings
    1. E-B-D (Ionian Mode)
    2. B-E-G (Ionian Mode)
  2. Traditional C Dominant Shell Voicings
    1. E-Bb-D (Mixolydian Mode)
    2. Bb-D-G (Mixolydian Mode)
  3. Traditional C Minor Shell Voicings
    1. Eb-Bb-D (Dorian Mode)
    2. Bb-Eb-G (Dorian Mode)
  4. Traditional C Half Diminished Voicings
    1. Eb-Bb-Db (Locrian Mode)
    2. Bb-Eb-Gb (Locrian Mode)
  5. Traditional C Diminished Shell Voicings
    1. Eb-A-Db (7th Mode Harmonic Minor)
    2. A-Eb-Gb (7th Mode Harmonic Minor)

Visit JazzPianoSkills.com for a comprehensive curriculum of jazz piano courses and lessons exploring the essential jazz piano skills used by professional jazz pianists.

Support the show


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

Jazz Piano Skills
Podcast Episodes
A Beautiful Friendship, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsmusic practice, scales, arpeggios, technique, musicianshipSummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusses the common prac…
A Beautiful Friendship, Melodic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:40
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordspractice, objectives, focused practice, time management, skill developmentSummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence emphasize…
A Beautiful Friendship, Harmonic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsharmony, music theory, musical notes, subjective experience, good harmony, bad harmonySummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawren…
Tangerine, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, improvisation, musical facts, harmonic analysis, melodic analysis, improvisation trees, jazz skills, music education,…
Special Guest, Lisa Deneau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:11
KeywordsJazz, Piano, Music Education, Jazz Piano Skills, Musical Journey, Influences, Practice, Learning, Community, ListeningTakeawaysLisa's mother was a significant influence on her love for music.She grew up in a musi…
Tangerine, Melodic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Standards, Practice Strategies, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Techniques,…
Tangerine, Harmonic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:11
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, music education, harmony, melody, improvisation, chord voicing, jazz standards, Tangerine, music theory, piano skills…
Jazz Piano: Common Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:29
KeywordsJazz Piano, improvisation, harmony, chords, voicings, practice, learning, techniques, repertoire, jazz standardsSummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores common questions related to j…
Improvisation, The Mastery of Harmony [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:48
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmony, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Melodic Ideas, Music Theory, Piano Practice, Jazz Standards, Mu…
Blue Bossa, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmonic Analysis, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Blue Bossa, Music Practice, Jazz Le…