jazztrumpet.com
drop voicings for 4
horn writing
Basic Guidelines:
- Drop 2 voicings: begin with a standard
4-way close voicing; drop the 2nd voice one octave; if
possible, substitute a tension note for the new 2nd
voice; this is an effective guitar voicing
- Drop 3 voicings: begin with a standard
4-way close voicing; drop the 3rd voice one octave
- For both drop 2 and drop 3 voicings,
the lead range should be within the treble clef staff in
order to avoid low interval limits; notes below the staff
will create issues with these limits
- Drop 2 and 4 voicings: begin with a
standard 4-way close voicing; drop both the 2nd and 4th
voices one octave; the lead range should be within the
upper 1/2 of treble clef staff in order to avoid low
interval limits; this is an effective brass section
voicing (because of the space which allows for a nice
overtone ring)
- Listen to the masters!