CBT

Chordal Block Technique

A jazz piano technique using block chords for harmonic support and fuller sound in improvisation. Also known as “locked hands”, the chordal block technique is a method for harmonizing a melody line by playing a chord in five parts: 

• All the notes of the chord move in parallel, following the same rhythm as the melody.
• The melody is voiced in octaves, with three notes in between. 
• The right hand usually plays the top four notes, while the left hand plays one note. 

The technique is used to create a fuller soloistic sound or to thicken the texture of improvisations. Block chords can also be used to build intensity during a piano solo. George Shearing popularized the sound of block chords on the piano. Other pianists who have used the technique include Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans.