[cl2312]

Willie gives a "jazz/gospel" chord progression in the Improv using Chords & Inversion Vol 2 lesson. I find that if I play my own voicings on the fly for those chords, it sounds nowhere near as good as the voicings Willie wrote out. Any tips for this? Should I be looking to do something interesting with the top melody note? The voicings I choose make the progression sound dull and it probably has to do with the fact I'm just struggling to play the chord in rhythm so I just look for the closest "correct" notes to play. Even though Willie often chooses the same notes in the sheet music, something about the way he voiced it makes the music sound infinitely better.

[jhernandez]

Well, it is difficult to know why it isn't sounding the way you would like it o sound. I know when I am getting stuck with any problem or issue that I have been working on for awhile the best thing to do is step away from it and focus on something else. Maybe working on another technique or practicing a song would help your fingers find the right mark. The Courses with Willie will be a great way to evaluate for you are doing and what the necessary steps to go to the next level. Keep working hard and you should be able to figure it out. I wish I could be more helpful but I am sure one of the other students will provide suggestions once they log in.

[wmyette]

another thing is that it takes time for the voicings to comfortably "sit" in the hands. Once that happens, the sound will change even though the notes might still be the same. This is because you are more comfortable with the voicing. Just like guitar win trying to play those pesky bar chards. If you are new to the instrument it is really hard.

Also, double check that you have all the right notes in the voicings and not playing too low

[steibeldj]

I had trouble with this too. (and I still do)

If you are talking about solo style piano, I read that in Gospel and Jazz if you play the V chord in a second inversion and play it on the keyboard near the fingering of the II, I IV or whatever chord in the progression, that you may be able to get the sound you are looking for.

In addition, it has a lot to do with how you separate the chord tones and tensions in the left and right hand. Root 3rd in the left or 7th 3rd etc. Hopefully Willie can clarify if I am on the right track on this.

[wmyette]

Good voice-leading will ALWAYS help to make the chords sound better. Also pay attention to the dynamics of the chord. Sometimes playing a chord too heavy or soft affects how you perceive it sounding good/bad