Help with my comping

jtizzle · #1 12-24-2011, 11:22 PM

Hey guys, So every time I practice, I seem to work on my soloing more than my comping, to the point now where my soloing is on a completely different level than my comping, which I want to fix and get my comping on par.
Rather than ask about rhythmic ideas, which I can solve by listening to recordings, I was looking for input on what to practice in regards to the chords themselves. I thought I had a good bag of tricks until I jammed the other day with my old guitar teacher and two friends of mine who also studied under him. My soloing was just as good as theirs, but my comping was pretty sub-par. They were using some pretty cool voicings and other cool things I didn't have any idea on what they were doing. So I recently went to transcribing voicings and looking at videos for ideas, also working on some old exercises.

So I'm using Rhythm Changes for this exercise, in Bb. I started by using different kinds of voicings (4 note 6543 voicings, 5432 voicings, 5431 voicings, 3 note 431 voicings, ect) ascending/descending the top note chromatically, and started working on ascending/descending the bass note chromatically. I've found a few subs I started using in other ways outside of these rules (chromatic ascending/descending). What are some other subs or progressions you guys use for Bb Rhythm Changes?

AmundLauritzen · #2 12-25-2011, 08:20 AM

There is lots of stuff you can do on the B section. You can tritone sub every other chord for a chromatic movement.
The original progression: D7,G7,C7,F7
Tritone sub variation: D7,Db7,C7,B7
Tritone sub varation 2: Ab7,G7,Gb7,F7
Basically, you can tritone sub any of the dominant chords in the B section. Experiment and find combinations you like.

It is also common to make these V7 chords into II-V's.
Vanilla: Dm7 G7, Am7 D7, Gm7 C7, Cm7 F7.
You can apply the same principle to these II-V's with tritone subs. Just play the II-V a tritone away. These have more movement, so not all combinations will be as pleasing. Experiment, and your ear will guide you to where tritone sub II-V's sound the best to you.

These subs open up the possibilities for both comping and soloing on the otherwise dull B section.

Helgo · #3 12-25-2011, 10:17 AM

Hi!

I can wholeheartedly recommend taking some Skype lessons with Tony Greaves: allegedartist.wordpress.com/

He is a master at comping and a very good teacher. He really took the time to understand where I was standing and three lessons with him gave me enough material to work with for months as well as fast results.

Check out his playing:
Lesson #10-Jazz Basics Part 3: Comping - YouTube

Cheers,
H.