Thumbs 'down' are probably from kids who are frustrated, when they realize that this is generally not learned in one day... Knowing chords, and being familiar with various voicing positions is a simple fact that makes a difference when trying to play this style. ..Kent knows this all so well, to some, it can look a bit easier than it actually is...There is a learned skill, involved in just making these chord changes smoothly enough to maintain the tempo, and the fingering used here, is not usually taught by teachers who only play/teach Chopin, Mozart, Bach. Of course knowing those classics can only help, if not serve as prerequisite, but.if a teacher's not into theory, and improvising. They can't teach it. This is a valuable lesson, but is more advanced than some of us could come back with in a week playing perfectly.
Thank you for your statement and contribution. Wise words. For those who need a little more time, I always recommend the settings button below the video and select .5 speed to slow down the video w/o changing pitch.
I love this guy. of all the piano tutorials I've looked at he seems like the only real musician who isn't killing the stuff by trying to understand it and talk about it. He talks like a musician's musician. This video is way more helpful than about hundred other videos.
Thank you, This was awesome!!! The best part for me was that you kept talking while playing the music. Most youtube instructors spend 90% of the video giving speeches, instead of just getting into the music and demonstrating practically.
I've been trying to learn Jazz piano for a bit now and finally managed to get to a level to incorporate your tutorials in my playing. Thank you so much for your videos, amazing tutorials and the jazzy mood that you bring. I've been following you for 2 years already and appreciate everything you do!
This is an awesomely thorough and helpful video! I'm a music student, a pianist turned trombonist and comping always seemed to go over my head, but I think your videos are just the thing I need to get back into jazz piano again!
Samantha...Many thank yous! Believe it or not, a high school student suggested I put more personality into my videos , and that's when I started creating intros with my face talking to the audience...before that I just started with the hands on the keyboard. Next... I started trying out a little humor... and then I (and we ) started having more fun. Check out my Altered Dominant Man. www.kenthewitt.com/
I'm glad the student suggested it to you then! Awesome website. I have a love for jazz and I'm finding the courage to pursue it further, your videos are a huuuuge help.
Just reading some other comments. Love your humor and your stories and then there's your great musicianship!👏👏. We're so lucky to have you. Wished you lived nearer. Still then I'd never learn to accompany myself🤣
Very helpful . Thinkin 'bout three positions makes it very clear , my teacher had several descriptions to organize playn a tune with melody and chords together . Simple bass in two or cut time with melody with r.h. pinky & other r.h. fingers on off beats was 'accordian style' , l.h. voicings with melody in right was 'trumpet style' , playin same rhythm with left & right hands was 'Red Garland' style . Very helpful lesson , thank you
+Doug Nickerson I like those descriptions...they're easy to visualize that way. You would need to have listened to Red Garland...I love that sound he gets. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks Kent for sharing your knowlegde in jazz piano playing. I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work. Best regards, Leif (piano player in Sweden)
Kent love the videos.......you always make me want to practice more. I'm going to keep at it and hopefully each day I will start to grasp more and more of the language and techniques.Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us all.
Wow, what a great video! This is a lot of help thank you. You've given me a nice internal menu there that I can run through rather than falling back on the same pattern all the time. Awesome.
+Gowge Bloob That internal menu is something that you can build upon to broaden your knowledge and perspective, and renew the pattern.... and music and art can do amazing things in your life. Thank you for giving me the affirmation of what I'm trying to do!! Please write to me w/ your story...kenthewitt@hotmail.com
thanks very much, interesting lesson. Comping is an art, and it takes a lot of effort to master it as it should be. Looking forward to your next lessons on the topic, hopefully at a much slower pace though.
+Antonio PX1 Thanks for the comment. This was a 20 minute video, I'm trying to limit my videos to under 15 minutes. But I plan another video on comping and I'll show it down. Also did you see my other video on comping on Killer Joe? th-cam.com/video/1Gk7K2FYOxc/w-d-xo.html
Hey...that was great...I play in a swing band and this a) helps with some rhythms and b) some voicings. I'm now collaborating in a little quartet since covid has shut down the group, and playing basically from a lead line and chords. Until we find a bass player, I'll be working on the 2nd position concept. Thanks!!
I came back to this tutorial this evening Kent and it immediately got me back on track. I need to extend my chords though or, as you say, know my voicings. It’s been a busy summer so not as much practice but I’m determined😎. Hope your summer has been great !
Kent ... You are an inspiration man ! I watch you , I download and play your arrangements - Just about got my fingers arounds 'Misty' now ...! And ... I've recently bought your book (Volume 1 & 2 ) ... I love your heart and your honesty ... The world is a better place ...!
Kent, you are an amazing teacher and player. I am a guitar player turned piano player and your tutorials have helped me immensley. I now work at a jazz club in my town with my own trio. Thanks for all your free lessons although I would have loved to study with you even if you were charging. By the way, love your sense of humour. Keep up the good work.
Hey Joe, thanks for the affirmation...esp. regarding my alter-ego...we all have that. I wish you... all the best...would love to hear your band....where are you playing?
Thanks Kent. I'm working at a club in Guelph called "MANHATTANS PIZZA JAZZ CLUB" My drummer thinks he knows you and may have worked with you at some point. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, look me up. BTW just finished watching your tutorial on drop 2 voicings. Great stuff and I'm starting to work it into my playing. Thanks again Kent and keep those videos coming. I'm in my sixties but still want to keep learning. (Sorry for going on so long)
Beautiful Playing, you also are really good with explaining the music theory with the feel of chord comping and solo improv. I am a guitar player that wants to play Jazz piano. I paid much attention to what you said about going from chords with the root note in the left hand and altering to chords that are more altered with out the root note. played in the left hand. Coolostuff!!!, Henry Corvinus. ft hand and altering to chords that are more altered with out the root note.
Thank you Mister Hewitt. I bought your book and I love it! I will work on the voicings and the the rhythm. Luckily, this is a common chord progression.
This is very valuable. I've learned rootless voicings & extensions, I've played bass lines, and done some octave+3rd-or-6th in the right hand, but I never had this all synthesized for me like this. Thanks so much for thar organizing principle and way of thinking about it. One thought: if you decide to do a longer version of the bass-line-plus-chords approach, talk a little about the left hand: mixing short walks with upbeats into and around chord tones (don't really know how to describe it). Unless of course you've covered that already in another video.😁
+Beedubyayardee Thanks for writing! You might want to check out this video on the rules for a walking bass line: th-cam.com/video/lv8Zz3tqvxwA/w-d-xo.htmllso this one covers the technique for left hand 2- beat bass line on Blue Moon: (2nd part of video)th-cam.com/video/t1cnnl0Ab9wI/w-d-xo.html'll make a note of your request and try to do something more specifically on that subject.
I've been playing for just over a year, and want to learn jazz piano SO bad. I practice playing, and singing, every day, 4 1/2 hours of piano today (is that too much?) but I have a feeling my accompaniment is bland, it's dull and I want it to be better, as I accompany myself singing. I practice scales, arpeggios, chords, sight reading, and songs, but still have so much more to learn. I gotta go back and start watching your earlier videos, too. I love you're playing, this is a great lesson, but it's kind of too advanced for me. Some of your playing reminds my of Nat Cole's playing when he accompanies himself. Great stuff.
Hi, Maestro, I realized that there are too many videos around suppose to teach you how to play piano. but I have news for everybody : You are The Big KAHUNA. Thank you very much .
Maestro, I am not Hawaiian , but for you being my Big Kahuna, I will be. This reminds me the lyrics of the famous "La Bamba" ........."Yo no soy Marinero, por ti sere, por ti sere " which means Im not a Sailor,but I will be for YOU "
Q(1): Does your book show the voicings? I know it's a personal choice, but each one of them creates a different mood, and there are so many of them! It would be great to get your distillation. Q(2): For tune that's less vertically integrated than Don't Blame Me (So What, Maiden Voyage, First Light, etc.), do you vary your voicings throughout the form of the tune? Q(3): When I "discover" a new (to me...), cool voicing, I write it down in number form (degrees of scale), and try to take it through the keys. I'd like to develop my own style of finding my way through tunes. I guess that's not really a question... :). Do you advise this?
Mahalo nui (thank you very ,much) One of the best vid I've seen on comping. Great overview. Would love to see a vid on each style with more details. Thanks again for you generosity!
Sooooo glad that I find this video! This is a treasure! Could you also make a video of comping in Summer Time, please? I guess this will help lots of jazz beginers
Thanks for the nice comment. I'll put your request on my To-Do list. I do have a tutorial on Summertime here: (not comping): but you might like it: th-cam.com/video/kJHsdGsf00o/w-d-xo.html&list=PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYc&index=17Also for beginner levels I have easier videos here: th-cam.com/play/PLFuMibnl_h5aTaUnQpBtsc6p1ZsLsxagq.html
Kent, I just found your comping tutorial. I met you at Summer Keys a number of years ago. I'm still a student and working on Nice Work If You Can Get It in a Jazz Ensemble class. We're playing it at 178....which feels like speeding to me. I'm going to give your suggestions a try. Thank you ! Stephanie
Thanks, Stephanie...so nice of you to write! Good luck with your music. Please check out my videos and free scores : th-cam.com/channels/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCw.htmlplaylists
I love your sense of humor haha xD I actually have been singing lately to my comping while playing the piano. I love singing at times! Do you also sing when you play the piano? I learned alot again thanks to this!
+Razzie B I have done gigs in the past when I would sing and play, but don't judge it from this video. I'm glad you liked the video and the fact that I'm trying to add some personality and humor into the mix.
Hello Ken, I just discovered your channel and your fantastic tutorials. So happy to have found you! I only wish you wouldn't ask us to 'excuse' your singing, as it's delightful! :D
Phew! I'd say that too. That third position comp does sound the best but looks impossible to play. Don't know how you do it so expertly. I think I'll just stick to three chord blues and learning some easy riffs. This is such a great song though and wish you would play it entirely. Such lovely lyrics too....they just don't write songs as beautiful as this one hardly anymore
+Angeli Alvares I'll have another vid on comping emphasizing (and slowing down) how to play the 3rd position. Have you seen the blues Left Hand techniques video I did here? : th-cam.com/video/v1BDJELO87o/w-d-xo.html This is one of the 1st videos I did. Thanks for the comment!
+Kent Hewitt yes I've listened and worked on it and it's a real fun one to learn and fairly easy......would like some more lessons on funk and blues riffs please. When you get the time.....thanks so much
Hey I know I'm a little bit coming right after the party, but I have just one question! Do you often use the third position (rootless+extensions) when there's no bass player around? Like accompanying a singer for instance? I'd say the answer is: why not but not all the time? What do you recommend? Thanks for all your invaluable videos!
You can use the third inversion accompanying a singer. If it's solo piano I usually would use the spread voicing the most...but the 3rd inversion might be in the right hand with the bass note in the left.
super video as usual! 👍👍👍I have a very stupid question:do you learn all the chords by heart? Can you give some suggestion abt how to buil a repertoire?I am learning a lot from your videos and your music!Thank you so much 😊👍👍👍
It takes time to learn all the chords by heart. When you practice the scales, follow up by practicing the chords in each scale and their inversions. When you play a piece of music, obverse the common notes between chords of different scales. For example, the root chords of C major and G major share a G in common. I've been fortunate enough to have had Kent as a teacher at Summerkeys.org. This year I'm finally not intimidated when faced with a so-called "fake" book which does not have the bass cleft written out.
great work as always. as I keep practicing I find myself always coming back to your older videos or ones I've already watched. do you feel you need to play on every chord / change when comping, or do you feel that sometimes it helps to let the soloist breathe and play more sparsely? thanks for all you do!
Comping is a very personal thing.....sometimes I like to comp sparsely... other times more rhythmically dense like Horace Silver. I often depends on how the soloist likes it.
Thanks for doing these videos, Kent. They really inspire people to practice and play jazz :) Would you say comping is easier than playing a solo? I would assume that is the case because there is a lot less space you gotta fill and can potentially skip a couple of bars without anyone noticing haha
Sure, comping is more important for a jazz pianist if you are playing in a band or even in a duo. But it is the essential role of a pianist as an accompanist in a band or even with just a singer or sax. So let's say that it is the most important thing to master as a pianist, before mastering soloing or improvisation. Thanks! (please write to me)
Ken, As always, great video. On those third position voicings, are you playing the root in octaves in the right hand? The melody? not sure what I'm hearing. Thanks, Dave
The right hand can play the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, melody...it's your choice, but often you might want to compliment the melody, in the right hand to give support to the melody. A good formula for Cm9 might be LH: Bb-D-Eb-G ...RH: C-G C (notice the 9th is in the LH).
Thumbs 'down' are probably from kids who are frustrated, when they realize that this is generally not learned in one day... Knowing chords, and being familiar with various voicing positions is a simple fact that makes a difference when trying to play this style. ..Kent knows this all so well, to some, it can look a bit easier than it actually is...There is a learned skill, involved in just making these chord changes smoothly enough to maintain the tempo, and the fingering used here, is not usually taught by teachers who only play/teach Chopin, Mozart, Bach. Of course knowing those classics can only help, if not serve as prerequisite, but.if a teacher's not into theory, and improvising. They can't teach it. This is a valuable lesson, but is more advanced than some of us could come back with in a week playing perfectly.
Thank you for your statement and contribution. Wise words. For those who need a little more time, I always recommend the settings button below the video and select .5 speed to slow down the video w/o changing pitch.
I love this guy. of all the piano tutorials I've looked at he seems like the only real musician who isn't killing the stuff by trying to understand it and talk about it. He talks like a musician's musician. This video is way more helpful than about hundred other videos.
Wow, that's a comment that goes into my SAVED- for all time file. Thank you so much, Lydia!
Thank you, This was awesome!!! The best part for me was that you kept talking while playing the music. Most youtube instructors spend 90% of the video giving speeches, instead of just getting into the music and demonstrating practically.
That's a great comment...and reinforces my teaching process. Thank you so much, Some Guy!
I've been trying to learn Jazz piano for a bit now and finally managed to get to a level to incorporate your tutorials in my playing. Thank you so much for your videos, amazing tutorials and the jazzy mood that you bring. I've been following you for 2 years already and appreciate everything you do!
That's very helpful to me...to know that what I do is reaching out there!
Kent Hewitt Sir. You make this world a better place. Thank you so much for your fantastic work, talent and enthusiasm. So inspiring.
I want you to know that I've become addicted to your videos, but I'd rather not have rehab! I hope to play as beautifully as you do someday.
Keep practicing...that's all you need, potential, passion, and practice!
YOU ARE THE BEST SIR , VERY NICE TUTORIAL PIANO JAZZ
+KRISNA MUSIK Thanks again for commenting and complimenting. Your affirmation, and those by others, keep me going!
This is an awesomely thorough and helpful video! I'm a music student, a pianist turned trombonist and comping always seemed to go over my head, but I think your videos are just the thing I need to get back into jazz piano again!
Kent, let me tell you this: you are the only guy on internet I really learned something of concerning jazz piano....let them bark, the hyaenas
Let them bark....Frank, I don't know how I came to this ....but my reward... is directly linked to your support and affirmation. Thank you so much!
I really love your comping, very helpful tutorial.
Thanks a bunch...glad you like the video!
Hey Kent.. you're a great teacher and pianist..thank you very much from Italy for these precious lessons for me!
I appreciate the comment very much!
Thanks so much Kent.. there's so much useful info and suggestions in your comping tutorial!
Very welcome! So glad someone looks at my earlier vids!!
When you put the bass notes are amazing!
Love your personality! You're an amazing musician, thank you for the video. +Subscribed
Samantha...Many thank yous! Believe it or not, a high school student suggested I put more personality into my videos , and that's when I started creating intros with my face talking to the audience...before that I just started with the hands on the keyboard. Next... I started trying out a little humor... and then I (and we ) started having more fun. Check out my Altered Dominant Man. www.kenthewitt.com/
I'm glad the student suggested it to you then! Awesome website. I have a love for jazz and I'm finding the courage to pursue it further, your videos are a huuuuge help.
Hey, that's pretty good
Glad you liked it...thanks!
Thanks for this, comping seems like a good way to reinforce rhythmic sense, for the student anyway. I like Mulgrew Miller's video on the subject too.
Just reading some other comments. Love your humor and your stories and then there's your great musicianship!👏👏. We're so lucky to have you. Wished you lived nearer. Still then I'd never learn to accompany myself🤣
the greatest results that ive ever had was by following the Denelle Piano Lesson (i found it on google) without a doubt the no.1 plan i've tried.
Thanks again, a lot was covered, lots to work on!
Thanks for the comment!
Very helpful . Thinkin 'bout three positions makes it very clear , my teacher had several descriptions to organize playn a tune with melody and chords together . Simple bass in two or cut time with melody with r.h. pinky & other r.h. fingers on off beats was 'accordian style' , l.h. voicings with melody in right was 'trumpet style' , playin same rhythm with left & right hands was 'Red Garland' style . Very helpful lesson , thank you
+Doug Nickerson I like those descriptions...they're easy to visualize that way. You would need to have listened to Red Garland...I love that sound he gets. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks Kent for sharing your knowlegde in jazz piano playing. I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work. Best regards,
Leif (piano player in Sweden)
Thanks for Sweden! Words of kindness like yours keep me going.
Kent love the videos.......you always make me want to practice more. I'm going to keep at it and hopefully each day I will start to grasp more and more of the language and techniques.Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us all.
+Gregory Payton Thanks for telling me...I'm really glad your benefiting from my videos!
You are always amazing teacher!!! Thank you for lessons.
+Victor V Thanks you for writing to me....it keeps me going!
Wow, what a great video! This is a lot of help thank you. You've given me a nice internal menu there that I can run through rather than falling back on the same pattern all the time. Awesome.
+Gowge Bloob That internal menu is something that you can build upon to broaden your knowledge and perspective, and renew the pattern.... and music and art can do amazing things in your life. Thank you for giving me the affirmation of what I'm trying to do!! Please write to me w/ your story...kenthewitt@hotmail.com
thanks very much, interesting lesson. Comping is an art, and it takes a lot of effort to master it as it should be. Looking forward to your next lessons on the topic, hopefully at a much slower pace though.
+Antonio PX1 Thanks for the comment. This was a 20 minute video, I'm trying to limit my videos to under 15 minutes. But I plan another video on comping and I'll show it down. Also did you see my other video on comping on Killer Joe? th-cam.com/video/1Gk7K2FYOxc/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Kent for showing this i always loved Don't Blame Me.
+Paul Allen Hi Paul, It's a great tune..... thanks for telling me.
Hey there!
All of these videos are a nice educational source. Keep on doing this! Great job, highly appreciated.
Cheers from Holland =)
+Jesús Acebes Rodríguez Thanks so much for the nice comment...that keeps me going!
WONDERFUL, RICH VIDEO ON THIS INDISPENSABLE FACET OF JAZZ PIANO MUSIC, KENT. I'LL BE STUDYING THIS ONE FOR QUITE A WHILE . LOVE IT !
Great comment, thanks Steve!
Thank you very much, this is a very inspiring and high quality jazz piano video!
Thank you for this. Respect from South Africa
Thanks for the comment!
Hey...that was great...I play in a swing band and this a) helps with some rhythms and b) some voicings. I'm now collaborating in a little quartet since covid has shut down the group, and playing basically from a lead line and chords. Until we find a bass player, I'll be working on the 2nd position concept. Thanks!!
Great ...please go to playlists for info on bass lines.
I came back to this tutorial this evening Kent and it immediately got me back on track. I need to extend my chords though or, as you say, know my voicings. It’s been a busy summer so not as much practice but I’m determined😎. Hope your summer has been great !
Summer is over too soon. My favorite season is summer and it's too sweet and short. Blessings, Corinne.
Kent ... You are an inspiration man ! I watch you , I download and play your arrangements - Just about got my fingers arounds 'Misty' now ...! And ... I've recently bought your book (Volume 1 & 2 ) ... I love your heart and your honesty ... The world is a better place ...!
Great comment, and very helpful to me...thanks, Dave!
My place Darjeeling deserves to meet you and your live playing. Please come to this side of India someday. I’m a fan here
I enjoy being a fan of people around the world...it makes the experience worthwhile. Humble thanks!
Great lesson, thank you so much
You're very welcome!
Kent, you are an amazing teacher and player. I am a guitar player turned piano player and your tutorials have helped me immensley. I now work at a jazz club in my town with my own trio. Thanks for all your free lessons although I would have loved to study with you even if you were charging. By the way, love your sense of humour. Keep up the good work.
Hey Joe, thanks for the affirmation...esp. regarding my alter-ego...we all have that. I wish you... all the best...would love to hear your band....where are you playing?
Thanks Kent. I'm working at a club in Guelph called "MANHATTANS PIZZA JAZZ CLUB" My drummer thinks he knows you and may have worked with you at some point. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, look me up. BTW just finished watching your tutorial on drop 2 voicings. Great stuff and I'm starting to work it into my playing. Thanks again Kent and keep those videos coming. I'm in my sixties but still want to keep learning. (Sorry for going on so long)
Beautiful Playing, you also are really good with explaining the music theory with the feel of chord comping and solo improv. I am a guitar player that wants to play Jazz piano. I paid much attention to what you said about going from chords with the root note in the left hand and altering to chords that are more altered with out the root note. played in the left hand. Coolostuff!!!, Henry Corvinus.
ft hand and altering to chords that are more altered with out the root note.
Great job. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
This is the best channel for jazz... imho..... Kent makes it so simple and fun to learn... :) Thanks Kent....
I appreciate the affirmation, esp. if it's fun!
Thank you Mister Hewitt. I bought your book and I love it! I will work on the voicings and the the rhythm. Luckily, this is a common chord progression.
+cocovi Thanks for letting me know you enjoy my book...that's very gratifying. I have this song in my book so please refer to that lesson.
Wonderful, my time for practice and playing is limited,your teaching keeps me motivated and hungry to learn,thank you so much👍🏻
I appreciate the positive feedback!
This is very valuable. I've learned rootless voicings & extensions, I've played bass lines, and done some octave+3rd-or-6th in the right hand, but I never had this all synthesized for me like this. Thanks so much for thar organizing principle and way of thinking about it.
One thought: if you decide to do a longer version of the bass-line-plus-chords approach, talk a little about the left hand: mixing short walks with upbeats into and around chord tones (don't really know how to describe it). Unless of course you've covered that already in another video.😁
+Beedubyayardee Thanks for writing! You might want to check out this video on the rules for a walking bass line: th-cam.com/video/lv8Zz3tqvxwA/w-d-xo.htmllso this one covers the technique for left hand 2- beat bass line on Blue Moon: (2nd part of video)th-cam.com/video/t1cnnl0Ab9wI/w-d-xo.html'll make a note of your request and try to do something more specifically on that subject.
Very helpful Kent. Thank you. Slowly but surely. My problem is I want to run before I can walk !!
keep up the great work i'm learning alot. i'll be ordering your book soon in hard copy
Thank you...write to me at kenthewitt@hotmail.com
I've been playing for just over a year, and want to learn jazz piano SO bad. I practice playing, and singing, every day, 4 1/2 hours of piano today (is that too much?) but I have a feeling my accompaniment is bland, it's dull and I want it to be better, as I accompany myself singing. I practice scales, arpeggios, chords, sight reading, and songs, but still have so much more to learn. I gotta go back and start watching your earlier videos, too. I love you're playing, this is a great lesson, but it's kind of too advanced for me. Some of your playing reminds my of Nat Cole's playing when he accompanies himself. Great stuff.
Amazing thanks a lot
Brilliant lesson! This helps tremendously!
Thanks for telling me!
Hi, Maestro, I realized that there are too many videos around suppose to teach you how to play piano. but I have news for everybody : You are The Big KAHUNA. Thank you very much .
+Eduardo Guzman Thank you, sir! My niece's husband is Hawaiian so I know what Kahuna means...so I appreciate the compliment!
Maestro, I am not Hawaiian , but for you being my Big Kahuna, I will be. This reminds me the lyrics of the famous "La Bamba" ........."Yo no soy Marinero, por ti sere, por ti sere " which means Im not a Sailor,but I will be for YOU "
This is really fantastic. stellar lesson
Stellar...love that word...Glad you told me, thanks!
Hell ya kent, super helpful my friend
Glad to hear it
Q(1): Does your book show the voicings? I know it's a personal choice, but each one of them creates a different mood, and there are so many of them! It would be great to get your distillation.
Q(2): For tune that's less vertically integrated than Don't Blame Me (So What, Maiden Voyage, First Light, etc.), do you vary your voicings throughout the form of the tune?
Q(3): When I "discover" a new (to me...), cool voicing, I write it down in number form (degrees of scale), and try to take it through the keys. I'd like to develop my own style of finding my way through tunes. I guess that's not really a question... :). Do you advise this?
Mahalo nui (thank you very ,much) One of the best vid I've seen on comping. Great overview. Would love to see a vid on each style with more details. Thanks again for you generosity!
+Sam A You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I plan to do more videos on comping, maybe just one type at a time.
This helps me a lot. Explaining without all the music jargon
Sometimes I think I talk too much music jargon...so thanks for saying that!
Sooooo glad that I find this video! This is a treasure! Could you also make a video of comping in Summer Time, please? I guess this will help lots of jazz beginers
Thanks for the nice comment. I'll put your request on my To-Do list. I do have a tutorial on Summertime here: (not comping): but you might like it: th-cam.com/video/kJHsdGsf00o/w-d-xo.html&list=PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYc&index=17Also for beginner levels I have easier videos here: th-cam.com/play/PLFuMibnl_h5aTaUnQpBtsc6p1ZsLsxagq.html
Good lesson,,,like your way to playing!!Thank you!
+Clarice Mourão Pontes Thanks for the nice comment!
Thanks Kent!!
My pleasure!
Brilliant. Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment!
I play guitar but this gives me some great ideas on comping!
Thanks for telling me!
Love the presentation style!
+Lucas Cram Thanks for the compliment and I'm glad you like the style.
Kent, I just found your comping tutorial. I met you at Summer Keys a number of years ago. I'm still a student and working on Nice Work If You Can Get It in a Jazz Ensemble class. We're playing it at 178....which feels like speeding to me. I'm going to give your suggestions a try. Thank you !
Stephanie
Thanks, Stephanie...so nice of you to write! Good luck with your music. Please check out my videos and free scores : th-cam.com/channels/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCw.htmlplaylists
I love your sense of humor haha xD
I actually have been singing lately to my comping while playing the piano. I love singing at times!
Do you also sing when you play the piano?
I learned alot again thanks to this!
+Razzie B I have done gigs in the past when I would sing and play, but don't judge it from this video. I'm glad you liked the video and the fact that I'm trying to add some personality and humor into the mix.
I'm glad you're spicing up the videos!
Keep it up it was alot of fun!
Excellent lesson... thanks..
Thank you!
Thank You for the video.
My pleasure...thanks for writing.
your videos are amazing
Thanks!
Great video, thanks so much
Thank you!
Hello Ken, I just discovered your channel and your fantastic tutorials. So happy to have found you! I only wish you wouldn't ask us to 'excuse' your singing, as it's delightful! :D
Thanks, Marisa, that's a nice compliment....I just haven't sang in quite a while...I used to be better. Keep watching!
This is awesome.
Thank you!
Thanks. Really helpful vid.
hey kent, amazing tutorial, i have question: when did you start to play jazz on piano?
thanks for your content!
Always great, thanks so muchhhhh
I appreciate your comment!
Phew! I'd say that too. That third position comp does sound the best but looks impossible to play. Don't know how you do it so expertly. I think I'll just stick to three chord blues and learning some easy riffs. This is such a great song though and wish you would play it entirely. Such lovely lyrics too....they just don't write songs as beautiful as this one hardly anymore
+Angeli Alvares I'll have another vid on comping emphasizing (and slowing down) how to play the 3rd position. Have you seen the blues Left Hand techniques video I did here? : th-cam.com/video/v1BDJELO87o/w-d-xo.html This is one of the 1st videos I did. Thanks for the comment!
+Kent Hewitt yes I've listened and worked on it and it's a real fun one to learn and fairly easy......would like some more lessons on funk and blues riffs please. When you get the time.....thanks so much
you are toooooocooooo coooooooooooooooooooooooooool ! i ve finally understand !
Thanks for the cool comment, and I'm glad you told me!
Hey I know I'm a little bit coming right after the party, but I have just one question!
Do you often use the third position (rootless+extensions) when there's no bass player around? Like accompanying a singer for instance?
I'd say the answer is: why not but not all the time? What do you recommend?
Thanks for all your invaluable videos!
You can use the third inversion accompanying a singer. If it's solo piano I usually would use the spread voicing the most...but the 3rd inversion might be in the right hand with the bass note in the left.
thanks. just happened to find you on YT
Thanks for writing to me and for the affirmation.
I'd like to hear sth about the ad lib comping too, if that is at all possible. thanks again!!!!
+Claiton tesch Claiton, sorry I don't understand your question...could you please re-phrase it? Thanks!
super video as usual! 👍👍👍I have a very stupid question:do you learn all the chords by heart? Can you give some suggestion abt how to buil a repertoire?I am learning a lot from your videos and your music!Thank you so much 😊👍👍👍
It takes time to learn all the chords by heart. When you practice the scales, follow up by practicing the chords in each scale and their inversions. When you play a piece of music, obverse the common notes between chords of different scales. For example, the root chords of C major and G major share a G in common. I've been fortunate enough to have had Kent as a teacher at Summerkeys.org. This year I'm finally not intimidated when faced with a so-called "fake" book which does not have the bass cleft written out.
great work as always. as I keep practicing I find myself always coming back to your older videos or ones I've already watched. do you feel you need to play on every chord / change when comping, or do you feel that sometimes it helps to let the soloist breathe and play more sparsely? thanks for all you do!
Comping is a very personal thing.....sometimes I like to comp sparsely... other times more rhythmically dense like Horace Silver. I often depends on how the soloist likes it.
Thanks for doing these videos, Kent. They really inspire people to practice and play jazz :) Would you say comping is easier than playing a solo? I would assume that is the case because there is a lot less space you gotta fill and can potentially skip a couple of bars without anyone noticing haha
Sure, comping is more important for a jazz pianist if you are playing in a band or even in a duo. But it is the essential role of a pianist as an accompanist in a band or even with just a singer or sax. So let's say that it is the most important thing to master as a pianist, before mastering soloing or improvisation. Thanks! (please write to me)
Kent would you have these Chords written down for this song its a nice tune.
+Paul Allen No, but I can provide you with a lead sheet chart or a score with block chords in the left hand if you like. Thanks, Paul!
Thanks Kent could you please send me the Lead Sheet of Don't Blame Me Email paulallen34@hotmail.com
Immediate thumbs up for fedora and sunglasses.
+BAwesomeDesign That's the best comment so far !!
Ken, As always, great video. On those third position voicings, are you playing the root in octaves in the right hand? The melody? not sure what I'm hearing. Thanks, Dave
The right hand can play the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, melody...it's your choice, but often you might want to compliment the melody, in the right hand to give support to the melody. A good formula for Cm9 might be LH: Bb-D-Eb-G ...RH: C-G C (notice the 9th is in the LH).
Thanks for the help, Kent. I love listening to and watching you play. You have a very distinctive voice on the piano.
Mr. Kent how can i be in touch with you?
Did you study jazz?
Actually, when I went to music school I studied classical music...I learned jazz on my own.
are you the voice of Peter Griffing ? :)
If you say so, then I could be!
you are awesome ;)
Hi if you could display notes you're playing
If you tell me what software is used to do that...I certainly will be very happy to do it...I just don't know.
Song in intro?
My Romance-Rodgers and Hart from my trio album Time On My Hands. store.cdbaby.com/cd/kenthewitt2
8 people thought it was a Justin Bieber video!