Beginner's Guide to Barry Harris Jazz Guitar

Comping and Chord Voicings

This lesson focuses on developing your comping skills and exploring interesting chord voicings on the guitar. Comping is a rhythmic accompaniment style where you play chords in a supportive role, often behind a melody or solo. Effective comping involves a combination of rhythmic precision, harmonic awareness, and tasteful voicing choices.

Chord Voicings

Experiment with different voicings for common chords. Instead of always using the basic open chords, try inversions and add extensions (7ths, 9ths, etc.) to create richer and more interesting sounds. Consider using voicings that fit the context of the song, emphasizing certain notes to highlight the melody or create a specific mood.

Comping Techniques

Practice playing chords rhythmically, focusing on even strumming or fingerpicking patterns. Try varying your rhythm to add interest and dynamics. Listen to how professional guitarists comp and try to emulate their phrasing and rhythmic choices. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns, arpeggios, and rhythmic variations to find what sounds best.

Putting it Together

Combine your knowledge of chord voicings with your comping techniques to create a cohesive and engaging accompaniment. Practice playing along with backing tracks or songs you enjoy to develop your feel and timing. Focus on listening to the overall sound and making adjustments to your playing to support the music.

Remember, comping is all about supporting the music while adding your own unique style and personality. The more you practice, the more natural and expressive your comping will become.