Comping is a lot more than just what chords or chord voicings you play. It can be very difficult to practice, but there are some things you can be aware of to perform a lot better when comping in a jazz setting. In this video I will try to highlight and describe some of these approaches.

 

I will also go over why being a great at comping will make you a much better soloist!

Content: 

0:00 Intro — Comping practice? 

0:19 It’s not about the voicings! 

0:55 Your Function when comping in a band 

1:09 Your Responsibility with comping 

1:24 Comping Example: Harmony 

1:52 Conveying the Harmony in comp 

2:32 Comping Example: Groove 

3:01 Conveying the groove 

4:15 Comping Example: Interaction

4:42 Discussion on Interaction — the subtle art of… 

5:36 Not playing as a form of interaction (Scofield and Jim Hall) 

5:57 Interaction vs Groove comping

6:19 Responsibility within the band 

6:30 Roles within the Rhythm Section 

6:55 Learn by listening and analyzing 

7:06 Bill Evans/Scott La Faro/Paul Motian — example of roles 

7:28 Herbie Hancock/Ron Carter/Tony Williams — example of roles 

7:53 Serve the music! Check you ego at the door 

8:37 It will make you a better soloist! 

8:59 Why the Piano solo is often the most fun! 

9:25 Coming Philosophy 

10:09 How do you think about comping, like to comp? 

10:34 Like the video? Support my videos on Patreon!