Jazz guitar shell voicings are an important part of the jazz guitarist’s vocabulary. They are a type of chord voicing that uses only the root, third, seventh and sixth (or fifth) of the chord. This can be thought of as the “shell” of the chord and is often used as a substitute for more complex voicings.
Jazz guitarists use shell voicings for a variety of reasons. They are easy to play, allowing for quick chord changes, and they provide a great source of harmonic color. Shell voicings can be used to fill in the blanks between chords, provide a strong rhythmic foundation, and create an underlying tension that can be used to add interest and excitement to a song.
Shell voicings are typically constructed by playing the root of the chord on the sixth string, the third of the chord on the fifth string, the seventh of the chord on the fourth string, and the sixth (or fifth) of the chord on the third string. This voicing can also be thought of as a “drop 3” voicing.
When playing shell voicings, it is important to remember that they can be adapted to fit different situations. For example, the root of the chord can be moved up an octave to give the voicing more power. The third of the chord can be moved to the fourth string, and the seventh of the chord can be moved to the third string. The notes of the voicing can also be re-arranged to create different colors and textures.
In addition to the “drop 3” voicing, there are other types of shell voicings that can be used. These include “drop 2” voicings, where the second note of the chord is dropped an octave, and “drop 2 & 4” voicings, where the second and fourth notes of the chord are dropped an octave.
Shell voicings provide a great way for jazz guitarists to add color and interest to their lines and solos. They are an essential part of the jazz guitar vocabulary and can help to bring out the full potential of any jazz guitar solo.