Exploring Fifths: A Piano Exercise for Creative Chords Voicings

In this piano exercise, we delve into the key of Bb major, focusing on creating interesting chord voicings through the use of fifths in both hands. This approach adds depth and color to familiar chords, enhancing their harmonic richness. The pattern you’ll follow is simple yet musically engaging: the left hand plays the root and fifth of each chord, while the right hand plays the 7th and 11th, also in fifths. This specific exercise will help you explore new textures in your playing while expanding your understanding of extended chords. If you feel comfortable reading sheet music, dive into the PDF and start playing! Also, if you need it, here’s my article on reading piano notation.

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The Structure: Fifths in Both Hands

For each chord in the key of Bb major, the voicing will follow this structure:

• Left hand: Root and fifth (e.g., Bb and F for the I chord).
• Right hand: 7th and 11th (e.g., A and E natural for the I chord).

By playing in fifths, both hands create a balanced, open sound, while the added 7th and 11th introduce tension and richness.

Example: The I Chord (Bb Major 7th #11)

For the I chord, Bb major, instead of sticking to a straightforward Bb major 7th voicing, we’ll add an interesting twist. In the left hand, play Bb and F, which are the root and fifth of the Bb chord. In the right hand, play A (the 7th) and E natural, creating a Bb major 7th #11 chord.

This raised 11th (E natural) gives the chord a shimmering, ethereal quality, transforming a standard Bb major 7th chord into something more colorful and unexpected. This kind of voicing is commonly heard in jazz and fusion styles, adding modern sophistication to your playing.

Applying the Pattern to Other Chords in Bb

Let’s explore how this pattern can be applied to other chords in the key of Bb. Here are some examples:

• II chord: Cm7 (C minor 7th)
• Left hand: C and G (root and fifth).
• Right hand: Bb and F (7th and 11th).
• V chord: F7 (F dominant 7th)
• Left hand: F and C (root and fifth).
• Right hand: Eb and Bb (7th and 11th).

By maintaining the fifths in both hands and experimenting with 7ths and 11ths, you can play through the diatonic chords of Bb, adding extensions that keep your progressions interesting.

Why This Exercise Works

This exercise encourages the player to think beyond basic triads and traditional 7th chords. By using the 11th in each voicing, you expand the harmonic possibilities of each chord, turning simple progressions into harmonically rich statements.

• Balanced Voicings: The use of fifths in both hands creates a wide, spacious sound.
• Tension and Resolution: The added 7ths and 11ths bring natural tension that resolves beautifully as you move between chords.
• Versatility: These voicings are suitable for a range of musical genres, from jazz to more experimental forms of classical or pop music.

Practice Tips

• Voice Leading: Focus on smooth transitions between chords. Since you are using fifths, the jumps between chords can be large. Practice keeping each hand relaxed and aim for seamless shifts.
• Dynamics: Experiment with dynamics. The open sound of the fifths can change dramatically with softer or louder playing. Try creating a crescendo as you move through a progression to add emotional impact.
• Explore Other Keys: Once you’re comfortable with this pattern in Bb, transpose it to other keys. This will not only improve your technical skills but also broaden your harmonic vocabulary.

Conclusion

This exercise offers a gateway to creative chord voicings on the piano, particularly useful for those looking to explore new harmonic textures. By combining the solid foundation of fifths with the color of the 7th and 11th, you create chords that are rich, balanced, and full of potential. Take this pattern through the entire key of Bb, and don’t hesitate to apply it to other keys and chord progressions to unlock even more possibilities in your piano playing. Happy practicing!