Most harmonic issues are easier to solve by looking at a keyboard than at trumpet valves or saxophone keys. Mastering a few "hip" voicings allows you to:

: Designed to be accessible even if you have zero background in piano.

: The 3rd and 7th are the "essential tones" that define the chord quality (Major, Minor, or Dominant). 2. Professional Sound: Rootless Voicings

"Chapter One," Mark said, tapping the paper. "It tells you to stop playing the root. That’s the bass player’s job, and since we don’t have one tonight, let’s just pretend. Look at the Cmaj7. What does the chart say?"

He froze. His right hand played the melody. His left hand hovered over the keys like a dying moth. He played a root. A fifth. It sounded like a door slamming.

If you're looking for additional resources to help you master jazz piano voicings, here are a few suggestions:

(roughly C3 to C4) where jazz chords sound the most clear and professional. II. Core Concepts: The Shell and Beyond