Rootless Piano Voicings for F Blues #1

Example 1

The starting point for left-hand rootless voicings on blues progressions is to play two-note voicings that provide the 3rd and b7th of each chord. In a I IV V blues progression as shown below, each chord's voicing will be within a half- or whole-step from the other voicings. Close, or stepwise voice leading from one chord to another provides good flow or connectedness when playing chord progressions. Also note that for dominant 7th chord types, the 3rd and b7th chord tones form the interval of a tritone. The example below uses a simple form of the blues progression.

Use the following play-along video (or another one you like) to practice playing these chords in time with a rhythm section. You can also practice improvising melodies in your right hand at the same time.

Example 2

This example uses a more robust blues progression with some secondary dominants added, but chord voicings are still two notes and use the 3rds and b7ths of the chords.