Comping 101: How to accompany (jazz style) and play chords in a band, Jazz tutorial.

BY REQUEST: How To Comp in a Band. New version of previously released video, shown here for new subscribers and those who missed it. Explains 3 distinct hand positions, and rhythms for chord voicings (structures).To get 80+ free scores go to : www.kenthewitt....

[@richardgeschrey3965]

Who's the greatest jazz piano teacher on the internet. Our pal and Master Kent. Not only techniques and building blocks but more importantly, philosophy and sharing how he thinks and approaches each detail. This is his soul that he is sharing. Many teachers lack this attribute. He has it spades because of his love for his art. Obviously! Being a former bass played I understand and my chops intuitively can play complicated syncopated rhythms in my head. You must sing through your instrument. That's why it is also so important to understand and memorize lyrics which in itself is hard to do. Once you have the tune and changes down, only then can you get busy with reharmonazation and rhythmic improvazation. On this video I have learned how to approach the harmonic cord variations for comping as Kent opens his brain to us. Bravo Kent. For all of you groovy cats and chicks out their who are not varying and syncopating your rhythm yet, do as our teacher instructs, get a metronome now. If you have put that off, forget about being a jazz player. You think Oscar got that wonderfull internal clock without one. Think again. Go back and listen to Kent using the metronome. It's perfect. This takes time.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hey Richard, bro you are the man!...will you be my press agent? Your comment is going into the archives. Comments like yours keep me going and encouraged to do better and reach more people. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with others, Blessings and swing loose!

[@ErGoyoTV]

There you go... Somehow I missed this video until now. Thanks again. There is more in these 15min about comping than in anywhere else. Kent is so generous to pack so much useful stuff and advise.. 100% "this is for your playing" and 0% "watch how cool I play" and he happens to be playing cooler than ever just for free and for KZbin land. Personally I only watch his videos and some Barry Harris stuff... If I can throw even 1% of Kent's teaching and 1% of Barry Harris teachings into my playing I can say I learned from the best in earth

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You are the cat! When you do something and someone "gets" it, and appreciates what you do, then you've reached a milestone that confirms your existence...and there's nothing better than that. Thank you, my friend.

[@kajafer]

After almost 50 years (on and off mostly self-taught) dabbling with piano & keyboards, I'm getting closer to being able to actually play these kinds of styles fluently thanks to your videos (and a very few by others on ut). Can't thank you enough, Kent! By the way, your singing is fine and helps in making your points. Apologizing for it adds to your already abundant arsenal of humorous asides, etc., so not suggesting to stop apologizing, just to keep singing anytime you feel it helps get your points across! Thanks again -----Ken F

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks Ken, that's a great comment and heart warming. I keep trying to get more personality into my videos because it makes it more real for me...because, believe me, I make a lot of mistakes doing these. If you think these things just rattle off my brain.......nope.

[@barbarajames6853]

Just want to second what everyone else has said. You have the most help tutorials on KZbin.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much, Barbara. I try to make them real and practical...nothing far out or too abstract, or edge cutting.

[@genuinefreewilly5706]

that was a good quote! Music and culture in general is an answer to challenges we have in our small remote village. Even though population is small and employment opportunities are not so good these days we seem to have a large proportion of talented people. I play music with some of them and keep finding new folks who are interested. NOw its hard finding musicians that are interested in jazz the way I am, but its still relatively a new passion for myself. Most of them are interested in folk, heavy metal and rock and definitely celtic (that is a Canadian thing) Playing with other musicians has alot to do with respect, give and take as far as space goes. I am trying to create my own arrangement of I Can't Give You Anything But Love , its for a 30s era radio play I doing music and effects for. There are several other era specific melodies I am working on (One of the main reasons I watch your tutorials has to do with amatuer theatre I am involved in, period pieces and live theatre really works with early jazz and or improvisation) Anyways Billy Holidays version is my favorite, and its the comping that makes it work. Diana Krall has a great take and again the musicians are right on the money Back to thinking about your original quote, living in an increasingly crazy dangerous, world music and getting as many people on board as far as music, do it passionately and make it intense and gorgeous as you can and try to do it with other like minded people, yeh its like sex that is why Billy Holiday still rocks. Live theatre and music is becoming popular and scarce at the same time, it has value to change things or at the very least escape from the shit storms out there

[@p1anosteve]

No points off for singing. It's good idea to know the words and how they relate to the music your playing!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're absolutely right...the best charts will have the words, and it's good to know the "message" of the music. That's like the joke, when the singer comes to a note and can't remember the words and asks the accompanist for help, and he says: "C dominant 7 b9".

[@guitargod6997]

Fabulous video as usual, Kent! You are in the ranks of the best on KZbin. Amazingly concise and on the money with a humorous and witty delivery. Thank you from my heart. And your singing is just fine, too.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Jay...your comment touches my heart...and there's really nothing better than that...so we are compadres!

[@seamuscunnane3595]

Jay DeLuca hi

[@guitargod6997]

Hi, Seamus! As you can imagine, I am an enormous fan of Kent. Great player and personality.

[@mcmire]

This is so awesome! I'm trying to (slowly) learn jazz and hardly anyone that I've found really goes into depth on comping and how you're supposed to do it to achieve that "sound". This video was so accessible but there's also so much there to study at the same time.

[@romoloborra]

You’re the voice of the experience. You always teach all those little things so important but at the same time so hard to discover if you’re not a mature hip! Genuine thanks by a vibraphonist from Switzerland

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Love vibes...played them myself at one time. I did a gig with Warren Chaisson, recently, who was with George Shearing. Thanks for the support and great comment!

[@avohill4]

Absolutely terrific. Really helpful real world stuff, especially for playing with or behind other musicians. Your “asides”, are valuable stuff. And thanks for permission to sing and hum badly while practicing. It’s important to do but hard when other people are in the house. Now I can say, “Kent said I have to”.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, David. That's a great comment. I used to sing on gigs but that was years ago so I'm way off practice. I actually got good enough at one time...that I thought I should do a singing CD. Now if you believe that.........

[@calnutt]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's very affirming to me...thanks!

[@verobarrionuevo]

Thank you. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you too!

[@SinaFallahMusic]

Another fantastic video Mr. Hewitt.

[@budharpey]

Very good to see these 3 positions in one overview with the rhythmic concepts, very helpful video, thank you!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I thought after I should have made one video on each position...but this is how it turned out ...so thanks for the affirmation!

[@GME17i]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you soooooo much Kent. I still have a long way to go but your lessons make sense and are always so inspiring. Plus I love " My Romance !" And...... one of my first songs I sang in my youth was " Don't Blame Me" ! Greetings from Michigan !

[@orthoair]

Your lessons are fantastic. You have really been productive lately. Can’t thank you enough. Keep em coming😀

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the affirmation...I'm trying to get back into the groove.... and I have so many requests...and other ideas...that the inspiration is endless...I'm grateful.

[@330007176015]

thank youuuu🤗 for giving hopeful moments thinking i will oneday play well sounding jazzpiano 🐴

[@KentHewittpiano88]

All you need is the desire and motivation to learn and practice. It's a very personal thing...and if the desire is there...and take it one step at a time....you'll be successful.

[@NhanNguyen-xk3yz]

Mr Hewitt, Thank you so much for making these awesome tutorials on youtube. I really appreciate your kindness as it takes time and patience to do this. I do not know how some idiots who down-voted your videos. They simply cant understand that most professionals like you do not even care about sharing, let alone teaching their musical knowledge for free like this. But you decided to do this out of your own kind heart. Please ignore those ignorant people and keep up the good work. Again, Thank you so much!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you so much, Nhan, you comment is kind and thoughtful. I really appreciate your support and affirmation...this keeps me going, otherwise I wouldn't be doing this.

[@phyllishesford428]

Really nice comping information - certainly must practice scales and chords before I can accomplish it. Will be watching this video many times....:You have taught me how very important it is to DRILL and practice hard!!! You are the best....

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Phyllis...yes, but the reward is all yours when you practice hard and see the results....very satisfying (with patience).

[@sscholle]

Thank you Kent As always.

[@lorenzomaterazzi1492]

Very nice video Kent, you are a great musician!!! ... thank you :)

[@johnrothfield6126]

Thanks Kent!!!! You are the man!! (for learning Jazz)

[@randomdon2983]

When I scroll down my saved favorite videos on KZbin..its half UFC videos and the other half are Kent Hewitt vids lol

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a fascinating mix....I'm glad for the esteem. thank you!

[@jimandangiegeorge2392]

Another Great lesson, Kent. "Don't Blame Me" is a tune that I've been working of for a while, and this (together with your Jazz Imrpovisation 101 (part 2), gives me lots of new ideas to try!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Jim, for telling me...because without that, there's no reason for doing this ...so I'm grateful...very much.

[@daveadams5]

Kent, thanks for another great video. Very informative and useful advice on "backing up" a singer or other soloists. Enjoy your playing on the front and end of these videos as well, just beautiful! Thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Dave...your comment is very special to me...not many compliment my intros and exits.

Thanks from Spain, great lesson.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Appreciated!

[@MaxTooney]

Wonderful lesson--and a great (timely) quote by Leonard Bernstein. (I keep expecting ADEM to spring out of that closet!)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi Max, welcome back! I think he left town for a while. He got tired of being the center of attention. Anyway...thanks for appreciating my quotes.

[@marcopellegatti]

Great vid. Thanks Mr. Hewitt.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

As always, my pleasure Mr. Pellegatti, and now... thank you for being in the minority elite.

[@zedo1973]

another Great lesson, ty mate , ciao from Rome.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Much appreciated!

[@jimsskot1]

Thanks for all that you do. Always so great.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Much appreciated comment!

[@imNOThalyosy]

Very wonderful teaching

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many thanks!

[@cqueenify]

Another gem, Kent. Thanks. I was thinking that I might be avoiding roots more than I need to on one of my gigs where we play older jazz styles. This was helpful. Also...do you wear those snazzy threads all the time, or just for the videos?

[@lucas34540]

Alright! Great tutorial.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're always "in my corner" Lucas...thanks!

[@ammiammi1974]

Extremely helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate the words of affirmation! Thanks and keep watching!

[@gustavojsierra6321]

please!!! keep doin' your tutorils!!! I really enjoyed this one!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great! I love that comment...thank you so much!!

[@joejazz67]

great lesson and your singing is fine

[@noahgoldberg9849]

Self-taught finger-popping daddy here. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@song4night]

thank you sir!

[@pianojazztustin5811]

Very helpful KH. I️ would love to learn how to play a bass line the way you do.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Mark. Check this video and score on website: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqebi61pqdaprtk

[@tury55]

OOOOOOWEEEE KENT, YOU SO ICEY FAM

[@TechTins_Projects]

Your singing voice sounds good and in tune.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hey Tech. I should have really tried to sing better and used the words...but that's too late now. I appreciate your kind words.

[@TechTins_Projects]

Your singing voice sounds very cool. Honestly. I am not saying that to be kind. It does! None of us, ever think our own voice sounds good. My partner tells me I have a lovely voice. She never holds back with her true feelings. Yet, I think my singing voice sounds awful! Go figure!

[@musicplacenz]

You've really inspired me! With the passing of glen campbell, I listened for the first time to gentle on my mind. The version was when he was sitting with other musicians. He picks up his guitar sings a verse then plays this amazing solo. It's a beautiful solo played over a few chords but can't understand how the notes sound so right when they're not all in the chord. Do you know the solo ? And if so, do you have a similar constructed riff written that I can look st on here and try to understand what the hell is going on? I'm sooo frustrated that as a so called musician I am missing so much important knowledge. I'm getting lost with some of your videos as I'm missing some vital link in my brain, Paul

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks Paul....my suggestion is watch more of my videos. Particularly the new ones on improvisation 101...which I think really gets to the "nitty gritty" of how to start getting good at improvisation in terms of the concepts. But I have lots of improvisation videos ...go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYc

[@fabiomand]

Great lesson. You rule, man.

[@macpaul]

It is helpfull to me, thank you : )

[@TheYaniekg]

very nice

[@dougnickerson]

Very cool

[@TheLazyTrombonist]

Swear this man is the ReviewBrah of piano tutorials.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

However he did update his computer...for 1.

[@FrankDeruyck]

Hello Kent, as you know I am one of your greatest fans. Often I watch your lessons but then sometimes I can't figure out which notes you are exactly hitting. Some tutorial video's on the internet show a bar on top with coloured notes(to indicate that they are hit. Of course these guys use an app combined with an electric computer. Would it be an idea for you to try this?(Love it when you sing man! Feels like home!)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks! Remember Frank, I'm a low tech guy, and I feel more comfortable just going for good content...if I knew more or spent more money on sophisticated equipment...I'd probably be more popular. That's why I write out a lot of my transcriptions... also you can always slow down the video (you know how?) Maybe I'll change someday....

[@FrankDeruyck]

Of course Kent! Besides one should learn to decypher cords by hearing.

[@FrankDeruyck]

low tech is just fine Kent: low tech but high spirits! Thank you so much!

[@danielverapiano]

Amazing examples, really clear to understand ! I just have a question. How can I play a good baseline to not sound bored and basic. To be clear.....what is your technique to play the bass line when you play the standard, comping etc.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Daniel. Please check out my videos on bass lines and free scores. I also cover this in my book. Go to this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5bORWqQU6VSD9egXLBEtJ38

[@otisskopik1400]

another great video. thanks a lot

[@KentHewittpiano88]

All good teachers learn from students and the process.

[@BloodBrotherenGames]

Hi Kent, Is there any chance you could do another video going through different types of voicings for the 3rd comping style you showed? I'm confused as to how to voice diminished chords and other tense chords in that style.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Please send me an email...and I'll put it on the list. I have so many requests now..... it's really hard to keep up. Thanks!

[@singridlopez2424]

Saludos desde Guatemala, me gusta su contenido, espero algun dia pueda subir videos en Español

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Are you familiar with the subtitles feature enabling you to see subtitles in any language below the video? Go to the settings wheel (lower right of video) and choose the subtitles option, click on auto translate, and scroll down to find the language.

[@nimeshkansara4793]

Thank you sir

[@KentHewittpiano88]

My pleasure and thank you!

[@flober1970]

Thx, excellent ! Could you give us your personal insights on the whole tone scale use ?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the request...I'll put that on my TO-DO list. In the meantime...check out Thelonious Monk.

[@flober1970]

Kent Hewitt any particular recording?

[@soliloquyguy6852]

Will you be adding this song to your list of free music?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I don't have a score for this song, however there is a version of it in 10ths in my book. If you need a lead sheet, I can send you the one in the Real Book. Write to my email;, thanks.

[@胡逸顺]

very usefull！But Im confused that when comping， if the top note of the voicing is always melody note，its not comping，its a solo cover，and no voice leading？so ，how to keep the balance of comping and fill in and top note is the melody？ 3q

[@KentHewittpiano88]

The only reason to keep the melody note on the top is to help support a singer who needs a cue or to emphasize or support the melody. So part of the time you might want to do that. You should always have good voice leading in comping,, so that would contrast with the melody and support it harmonically but not melodically.

[@胡逸顺]

3q a lot！

[@canefan17]

When I am comping do I need to make sure to play below the melody?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

No...but it's important to support and compliment the melody. Also have good voice leading. kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists?disable_polymer=1

[@jamesfs2208]

Can you do black and blue?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm familiar from accompanying a singer...thanks!

[@Supertank2015]

You don't need to be so self conscious about your singing all the time, haha! You sound fine. You communicate what you're trying to. We're pianists, not singers, haha.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Noah...I actually used to sing on gigs...but haven't for years...so I'm out of touch.

[@WOHEI62X]

no points off for your singing from my point of view.