Comping

 

Comping (from accompaniment) is the art of providing rhythmic and melodic support to a soloist. Chord sustain and logically connecting one chord to another are major characteristics of this valuable technique

Comping is a jazz term used to describe the act of playing accompaniment in an ad lib fashion using the Fake chord names and certain time signature hints to create a background part. It is almost always assigned to one or more of the rhythm instruments (Piano, Guitar, etc.).

 

This technique allows for a limited amount of freedom on the part of the rhythm section and also is used to free up the copyist from the chore of having to write out arrangements note for note for the rhythm instruments. 

When reading a jazz chart in an ensemble setting it is fairly common to encounter a section of two where the notation simply reads "comp" above the staff line, followed by measures and fake chord changes and possibly some rhythm figures as a guideline. The player then must create the accompaniment part "on the fly" in the style of the overall tune. 

This practice is useful for accompanying soloists as well as creating effects in intros and choruses. 

 

12 Bar Minor blues Progression

 

 

 

Harmonic Minor

The harmonic minor is one of the three so-called diatonic scales - the other two are the major and melodic minor scales. Most of the other scales that are encountered are merely modes (or inversions) of one of these three.  This scale is similar to the natural minor (Aeolian mode) but with a raised seventh. This altered note permits stronger sounding resolutions with minor key perfect cadences ( V to I chord progression).  Based on the tonic this scale has a flat third and unaltered seventh making it both major and minor at the same time.

For Example:

To appreciate this scale you have to hear it in the right context.  Listen to the Intro (entirely G Harmonic Minor) to SummerTime played by Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company circa ~1969.   Very cool.

 

Triads

Great way to spice up you chord voicing selection