aberkok

Hi rsl12! I would suggest the following: first pick about 5 tunes from the standard repertoire and stick with those for the next couple of weeks instead of skipping around. If you need some suggestions, tell me which book you're using and I'll tell you which tunes I think are best for learning voicings and at the same time, getting the right repertoire.

Next, spend a decent amount of time on the basic chord forms, and that is, the 4 note chord (without any extensions). Most tunes you encounter will have major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th (sometimes with a flat or sharp 5), diminished 7th and half-diminished 7th. Major 6th and minor 6th chords are important too (especially when functioning as the tonic). So there you have only 7 different chords.

To voice these in an interesting way, all you need to do is make it open (for example, Gb Major 7th would start on Gb below middle C, then going up, Db, F, Bb). You can always change the voicing (e.g. F below middle C, Gb, Db, Bb).

Next, play through the tune sticking only to these 4 note chords, voice leading as smoothly as possible (e.g. in a progression going from C7 to D minor 7, voice it this way: C, G, Bb, E could go to either D, A, C, F or C, A, D, F - both pretty smooth.

Now here's the hard part - do it in a couple of different keys. I can't stress how important it is to start this as early as possible. Memorization of tunes is only one of the multitude of things this helps with and it's essential for any versatile musician. I suggest playing in the keys related by diminished 7th to the key of the tune. For example, Autumn Leaves is often in G minor. I'd also suggest practicing it in Bb minor, C# minor and E minor. That way you generally get 2 easy, 2 hard keys.

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