john coltrane's equinox

[shakowski]

the piano on this song is comping some pretty cool stuff during the song, could somebody explain to me where he is going when he comps, because he definately isnt staying "in"

[cosmic gumbo]

This is just a minor blues, and McCoyTyner was well known for his use of "quartal" chord voicings, using stacked 4ths.

Jazz Guitar Chords in Fourths (Quartal Voicings)

[shakowski]

how would you use those in context, im sorry i dont quite get the lesson though.

[franco6719]

I see your point. I've often been puzzled about the same thing in the context of modal jazz. I understand the construction of quartals and harmonizing the scale, for example. But I listen to MyCoy Tyner, for example, and think "Is he just playing random fourths all over the place when he goes outside or following some melodic rules or what?"

[Reg]

Using voicings in 4ths is just like voicings in 3rds... all the same techniques can apply.
Usually with 4th you play off one of the notes in your voicing,(for example the lead note) and mechanically voice 4ths below. Your lead note melody could be diatonic to the harmonic area or chord changes ...and the notes voiced below your lead note may or may not be diatonic to the changes.
Or you could simply voice below your lead note in 4ths and adjust notes below to stay diatonic to harmonic area. Some 4ths would become Maj. 3rds and some could become aug.4th or tri-tone. Both these techniques would be a control system for your comping based on lead notes. You then could have a control system for your lead note.... or just use your ear. Usually when you comp in jazz... your comping your lead note(s) has a melody, counter melody or some type groove melody going on and your voicings under that would reflect what style, or as were talking about use of voicings in 4th below. Obviously you would be implying harmonic content as needed. Best Reg