Final Block Chord Lesson: Drop 2 Technique

In this lesson, we're going to look at a classic arranging technique known as Drop 2, which is widely used by pianists. Legendary pianists like Bill Evans love this technique for the open sound it produces, contrasting with the more closely grouped shearing voicings.

Using Drop 2 with Arpeggios

Let's start by applying Drop 2 to an arpeggio. For example, the arpeggio in "A Sentimental Mood" ascends like this in D minor.

Step 1: Keep Notes on Top

• Play four-note voicings while keeping the top notes intact.
• If you're accustomed to practicing your inversions of seventh chords, you may have done this many times already.
• In the case of shearing, you would simply double the bottom note, which is relatively simple.

Step 2: Implementing Drop 2

Now, I'm going to take the second note from the top , in the first chord, that's C , and play it in the left hand instead of doubling the note.

• Listen to the difference:
  • This sounds very different from the shearing block chords!

Legato Connections

With arpeggios, especially in "A Sentimental Mood," pay attention to connecting the notes legato or consider using some pedal to achieve unique shapes.

Creating Unique Voicings

Using the Drop 2 voicing:

• For instance, drop the D down.
• Next, drop the F down.

This creates a shape with two notes bunched together in the middle, resulting in a nice, distinctive sound. You can repeat this with the top note:

• Take the A down.

Adding the 9th

One important point is to include the 9th to avoid a sparse sound. For example, use D minor 9:

• "D minor 9 again."

Practicing Triads

To familiarize yourself with these shapes, I recommend practicing triads. Start with minor triads, for example:

• Do this in the left hand, and go around the cycle.
• Here it is in D minor.

Exploring Other Keys

Once comfortable, you can move on to G and then C.

Final Thoughts

Once you start using these voicings, I warn you, they can become addictive! You'll find yourself searching for places to incorporate this type of sound.

• What a lovely way to play C minor 7!