How to play Jazz standards on Piano

Using 4-part harmony

Rule 1:

- Use 4 notes on the piano (4-part harmony).

Organize these voices as: Two with Right hand and two with
LeB hand.
A good way to think and hear these voices is as follows:
Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass (from high to low)

- Each one of these 4 voices has a specific funcKon:

Soprano – Melody of the song
Alto – 3rd or 7th of the chord*
Tenor – 7th or 3rd of the chord*
Bass – root of the chord

* When the Tenor plays the 7th of the chord then automaKcally the Alto plays
the 3rd and vice versa.
Rule 2:

- Use the best possible voice leading:

Whenever the harmony moves by a 5th down (the circle of fi=hs),
the 3rd of the Alto goes to 7th) (and vice versa) and the 7th of the
Tenor goes to 3rd (and vice versa).

5th harmonic movement: