Maiden Voyage: A Jazz Guitar Masterclass on Modal Harmony and Quartal Harmony
Maiden Voyage Guitar Comping: A Guide for Jazz Guitarists
If you are a jazz guitarist, you probably know that comping is one of the most essential skills you need to master. Comping, which stands for accompanying, is the art of playing chords and rhythms that support and enhance the melody and the soloist. Comping is not just playing chords, but creating music that adds color, texture, groove, and harmony to the tune.
maiden voyage guitar comping pdf download
One of the best tunes to practice comping is Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock. This tune is a classic jazz standard that has a simple but beautiful melody, a modal harmony that allows for many chord possibilities, and a rhythmic feel that swings hard. In this article, we will explore how to play comping on Maiden Voyage, covering the harmony, the rhythm, the melody, the form, the soloing, and the style. We will also provide you with tips and exercises to improve your comping skills on this tune.
By the end of this article, you will be able to play comping on Maiden Voyage with confidence and creativity. You will also be able to download a PDF with some comping examples that you can use as inspiration or reference. So grab your guitar and let's get started!
The Harmony of Maiden Voyage
The chord progression of Maiden Voyage is based on four modal chords that repeat throughout the tune. A modal chord is a chord that is derived from a specific mode or scale, rather than from a key or tonal center. Modal chords are often used in jazz to create a more open and ambiguous sound, as opposed to the more functional and predictable sound of tonal chords.
The four modal chords of Maiden Voyage are:
Dm7sus4 (from D Dorian mode)
Em7sus4 (from E Dorian mode)
Fmaj7#11 (from F Lydian mode)
Gm7sus4 (from G Dorian mode)
The chord progression is as follows:
Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4
As you can see, the chord progression is very simple and symmetrical, with each chord lasting for two bars. However, this simplicity also allows for a lot of freedom and creativity when it comes to playing comping. You can use different chord voicings, substitutions, inversions, extensions, alterations, and embellishments to create more variety and interest in your comping.
Some of the common chord voicings and substitutions that you can use for comping on Maiden Voyage are:
Chord
Voicing
Substitution
Dm7sus4
x57565
Gm9/D
Em7sus4
x79787
Am9/E
Fmaj7#11
x8789x
Bm7b5/F
Gm7sus4
x10 10 10 10 10 x
Cm9/G
Of course, these are not the only voicings and substitutions that you can use. You can experiment with different shapes and sounds that suit your taste and style. The important thing is to be aware of the underlying harmony and the modal sound of each chord.
The Rhythm of Maiden Voyage
The rhythm of Maiden Voyage is based on a swing feel and a syncopation. A swing feel is a rhythmic feel that is common in jazz, where the eighth notes are played with a triplet feel, rather than with a straight feel. A syncopation is a rhythmic device that involves accenting the weak or off-beats, rather than the strong or on-beats. Syncopation creates a sense of tension and release, as well as a groove and a forward motion.
One of the most common rhythmic patterns that you can use for comping on Maiden Voyage is the Charleston rhythm. The Charleston rhythm is a two-bar pattern that consists of an eighth note followed by a quarter note on the first beat, and an eighth note on the fourth beat. The Charleston rhythm is syncopated and swings hard, making it perfect for comping on this tune.
The Charleston rhythm looks like this:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + x x x x x
You can play the Charleston rhythm with any chord voicing or substitution that you like, as long as you keep the swing feel and the syncopation. You can also vary the Charleston rhythm by adding or removing notes, changing the accents, or playing different inversions or extensions of the chords.
Some of the variations of the Charleston rhythm that you can use for comping on Maiden Voyage are:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + x x x x x x 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + x x x x x 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + x x x x x 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + x x x x x
Again, these are not the only variations that you can use. You can experiment with different rhythms that suit your taste and style. The important thing is to be aware of the underlying swing feel and the syncopation.
How to Practice Comping on Maiden Voyage
Now that you have some ideas of how to play comping on Maiden Voyage, here are some tips and exercises to help you improve your comping skills on this tune:
chord voicings, substitutions, rhythms, and variations. You can also use the PDF that we will provide you at the end of this article as a reference.
Practice comping on Maiden Voyage with a backing track or a metronome. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you feel more comfortable. Try to use different chord voicings, substitutions, rhythms, and variations for each chord. You can also try to play comping in different positions on the fretboard, or use different fingerings or techniques.
Practice comping on Maiden Voyage with a friend or a teacher. One of you can play the melody or the solo, while the other one plays the comping. You can also switch roles and try to play both parts. This will help you develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your musicality and creativity.
Record yourself playing comping on Maiden Voyage and listen back to it. Try to be objective and constructive when you evaluate your performance. Ask yourself questions like: Did I play in time and in tune? Did I use appropriate chord voicings, substitutions, rhythms, and variations? Did I create contrast and interest in my comping? Did I support and enhance the melody and the soloist? How can I improve my comping on this tune?
By following these tips and exercises, you will be able to play comping on Maiden Voyage with confidence and creativity. You will also be able to apply these skills to other jazz tunes and styles.
The Melody of Maiden Voyage
The melody of Maiden Voyage is based on a simple but beautiful theme that consists of four motifs. A motif is a short musical idea that can be repeated, varied, or developed throughout a piece of music. Motifs are often used in jazz to create coherence and continuity in the melody and the solo.
The four motifs of Maiden Voyage are:
Motif A: A descending line that starts from the fifth degree of the chord and ends on the root.
Motif B: A descending line that starts from the ninth degree of the chord and ends on the fifth.
Motif C: A descending line that starts from the eleventh degree of the chord and ends on the seventh.
Motif D: A descending line that starts from the thirteenth degree of the chord and ends on the ninth.
The main theme of Maiden Voyage looks like this:
Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 A G F D B A G E A G F D B A G E Motif A Motif B Motif A Motif B Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 C Bb A F D C Bb G C Bb A F D C Bb G Motif C Motif D Motif C Motif D Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 Dm7sus4 Em7sus4 A G F D B A G E A G F D B A G E Motif A Motif B Motif A Motif B Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 Fmaj7#11 Gm7sus4 C Bb A F D C Bb G C Bb A F D C Bb G Motif C Motif D Motif C Motif D
As you can see, the main theme is very simple and symmetrical, with each motif lasting for one bar. However, this simplicity also allows for a lot of freedom and creativity when it comes to playing melody on Maiden Voyage. You can use different embellishments and improvisations to create more variety and interest in your melody.
Some of the common embellishments and improvisations that you can use for playing melody on Maiden Voyage are:
Adding passing notes or chromatic notes between the main notes of the motifs.
Adding grace notes or slides before the main notes of the motifs.
Adding bends or vibratos to the main notes of the motifs.
Adding octaves or harmonics to the main notes of the motifs.
Adding rhythmic variations or syncopations to the motifs.
Adding melodic variations or extensions to the motifs.
Of course, these are not the only embellishments and improvisations that you can use. You can experiment with different sounds and ideas that suit your taste and style. The important thing is to be aware of the underlying melody and the modal sound of each chord.
The Form of Maiden Voyage
The form of Maiden Voyage is based on a 32-bar AABA structure and a turnaround. A 32-bar AABA structure is a common form in jazz, where the tune consists of four sections of eight bars each, with the first, second, and fourth sections being identical or similar (A), and the third section being different (B). A turnaround is a short chord progression that leads back to the beginning of the tune or to the next section. A turnaround is often used in jazz to create a sense of closure and continuity in the form.
The form of Maiden Voyage looks like this:
A A B A Turnaround 8 8 8 8 2
As you can see, the form of Maiden Voyage is very simple and symmetrical, with each section lasting for eight bars. However, this simplicity also allows for a lot of freedom and creativity when it comes to playing melody on Maiden Voyage. You can use different ways to navigate the form and create contrast between sections.
Some of the common ways to navigate the form and create contrast between sections are:
Playing the main theme on the A sections and improvising on the B section.
Playing variations of the main theme on the A sections and playing a different theme on the B section.
Playing different themes on each section, but keeping some elements of the main theme.
Playing different dynamics, articulations, or tones on each section.
Playing different registers, positions, or techniques on each section.
Of course, these are not the only ways to navigate the form and create contrast between sections. You can experiment with different approaches that suit your taste and style. The important thing is to be aware of the underlying form and the turnaround.
How to Practice Melody on Maiden Voyage
Now that you have some ideas of how to play melody on Maiden Voyage, here are some tips and exercises to help you improve your melodic skills on this tune:
Listen to different versions of Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock and other jazz artists. Pay attention to how they play melody on this tune, and try to imitate or transcribe their themes, embellishments, improvisations, and variations. You can also use the PDF that we will provide you at the end of this article as a reference.
the fretboard, or use different fingerings or techniques.
Practice playing melody on Maiden Voyage with a friend or a teacher. One of you can play the comping or the solo, while the other one plays the melody. You can also switch roles and try to play both parts. This will help you develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your musicality and creativity.
Record yourself playing melody on Maiden Voyage and listen back to it. Try to be objective and constructive when you evaluate your performance. Ask yourself questions like: Did I play in time and in tune? Did I use appropriate embellishments and improvisations? Did I create contrast and interest in my melody? Did I follow and enhance the form and the turnaround? How can I improve my melody on this tune?
By following these tips and exercises, you will be able to play melody on Maiden Voyage with confidence and creativity. You will also be able to apply these skills to other jazz tunes and styles.
The Soloing of Maiden Voyage
The soloing of Maiden Voyage is based on the modal scales and the arpeggios that correspond to each chord. A modal scale is a scale that is derived from a specific mode or scale, rather than from a key or tonal center. An arpeggio is a chord that is played one note at a time, rather than all at once. Modal scales and arpeggios are often used in jazz to create a more open and ambiguous sound, as opposed to the more functional and predictable sound of tonal scales and chords.
The modal scales and the arpeggios that correspond to each chord of Maiden Voyage are:
Chord
Scale
Arpeggio
Dm7sus4
D Dorian (D E F G A B C)
Dm7sus4 (D G C F)
Em7sus4
E Dorian (E F# G A B C# D)
Em7sus4 (E A D G)
Fmaj7#11
F Lydian (F G A B C D E)
Fmaj7#11 (F B E A)
Gm7sus4
G Dorian (G A Bb C D E F)
Gm7sus4 (G C F Bb)
As you can see, the modal scales and the arpeggios are very simple and symmetrical, with each scale having seven notes and each arpeggio having four notes. However, this simplicity also allows for a lot of freedom and creativity when it comes to playing soloing on Maiden Voyage. You can use different ways to create interesting and coherent solos.
Some of the common ways to create interesting and coherent solos are:
Using the modal scales and the arpeggios as the basis for your solos, but adding passing notes, chromatic notes, grace notes, slides, bends, vibratos, octaves, harmonics, rhythmic variations, syncopations, melodic variations, extensions, alterations, and embellishments to create more variety and interest in your solos.
Using motifs from the main theme or from your own ideas as the basis for your solos, but repeating, varying, or developing them throughout your solos. You can also use motifs from other jazz tunes or styles as inspiration or reference for your solos.
motifs, rhythms, and melodies. You can also use contrast between different sections of the form and the turnaround.
Using call and response between different elements of your solos, such as scales and arpeggios, motifs and variations, questions and answers, statements and comments, or tension and release. You can also use call and response between yourself and the comping or the backing track.
Using space and silence between different elements of your solos, such as notes and rests, phrases and pauses, or sections and breaks. You can also use space and silence to create anticipation, suspense, or surprise in your solos.
Of course, these are not the only ways to create interesting and coherent solos. You can experiment with different approaches that suit your taste and style. The important thing is to be aware of the underlying harmony and the modal sound of each chord.
The Style of Maiden Voyage
The style of Maiden Voyage is based on the influences and the characteristics of Herbie Hancock's style. Herbie Hancock is one of the most influential and innovative jazz pianists and composers of all time. He has played with many jazz legends, such as Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and many others. He has also explored many jazz styles and genres, such as hard bop, post bop, modal jazz, fusion jazz, funk jazz, electro jazz, and hip hop jazz.
Some of the influences and the characteristics of Herbie Hancock's style are:
His use of modal harmony and quartal harmony. Modal harmony is a type of harmony that is based on modes or scales, rather than on keys or tonal centers. Quartal harmony is a type of harmony that is based on fourth intervals, rather than on third intervals. Both modal harmony and quartal harmony create a more open and ambiguous sound, as opposed to the more functional and predictable sound of tonal harmony.
His use of rhythmic complexity and syncopation. Rhythmic complexity is a type of rhythm that involves irregular or unpredictable patterns, accents, or subdivisions. Syncopation is a type of rhythm that involves accenting the weak or off-beats, rather than the strong or on-beats. Both rhythmic complexity and syncopation create a sense of tension and release, as well as a groove and a forward motion.
His use of melodic simplicity and elegance. Melodic simplicity is a type of melody that involves using few notes or motifs, but with clear and memorable shapes. Melodic elegance is a type of melody that involves using smooth and graceful lines, with subtle embellishments or variations. Both melodic simplicity and elegance create a sense of coherence and continuity, as well as a beauty and a charm.
and innovation create a sense of variety and interest, as well as a freshness and a originality.
As you can see, Herbie Hancock's style is very rich and diverse, with many elements that can inspire and challenge you as a jazz guitarist. You can use different ways to emulate and incorporate his style into your playing.
Some of the common ways to emulate and incorporate Herbie Hancock's style are:
Listening to his recordings and analyzing his playing. You can try to imitate or transcribe his chord voicings, substitutions, rhythms, motifs, embellishments, improvisations, and variations. You can also try to understand his harmonic, rhythmic, melodic, and stylistic choices and concepts.
Playing his tunes and compositions. You can try to play his tunes and compositions as they are written, or with your own arrangements or interpretations. You can also try to play his tunes and compositions in different styles or genres, or with different instruments or techniques.
Creating your own tunes and compositions based on his style. You can try to use his harmonic, rhythmic, melodic, and stylistic elements as the basis for your own tunes and compositions. You can also try to use his influences or characteristics as inspiration or reference for your own tunes and compositions.
By following these ways, you will be able to emulate and incorporate Herbie Hancock's style into your playing. You will also be able to develop your own style and voice as a jazz guitarist.
How to Practice Soloing on Maiden Voyage
Now that you have some ideas of how to play soloing on Maiden Voyage, here are some tips and exercises to help you improve your soloing skills on this tune:
Listen to different versions of Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock and other jazz artists. Pay attention to how they play soloing on this tune, and try to imitate or transcribe their scales, arpeggios, motifs, embellishments, improvisations, and variations. You can also use the PDF that we will provide you at the end of