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The Drop Voicing for Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Harmonic Tension and Movement

Caleb Carter

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Published in THE DROP VOICING FOR GUITAR: A Complete Guide To Drop 2 Drop 3 Drop 2 3 And Drop 2 4 Chord Voicings Inversions

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The drop voicing is a versatile and expressive technique for guitarists to create harmonic movement and tension. It is a type of guitar voicing where the bass note of the chord is placed an octave below the rest of the notes, creating a wider and fuller sound.

Drop voicings are commonly used in jazz and fusion guitar, but they can be incorporated into a wide range of musical styles. They add a unique harmonic flavor to chords, making them more interesting and dynamic.

THE DROP VOICING FOR GUITAR: A Complete Guide to Drop 2 Drop 3 Drop 2 3 and Drop 2 4 Chord Voicings Inversions

THE DROP VOICING BOOK FOR GUITAR: A Complete Guide to Drop 2, Drop 3, Drop 2&3 and Drop 2&4 Chord Voicings & Inversions

by Dan Cosley

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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A Diagram Demonstrating The Construction Of A Drop 2 Voicing In The Key Of C Major. THE DROP VOICING FOR GUITAR: A Complete Guide To Drop 2 Drop 3 Drop 2 3 And Drop 2 4 Chord Voicings Inversions

Construction of Drop Voicings

The construction of a drop voicing is simple. Take a regular guitar chord and move the bass note down an octave. For example, to create a drop 2 voicing of a C major chord, you would play the following notes:

C (bass note)
E
G
C (octave above bass note)

The interval between the bass note and the rest of the notes in the voicing is what gives it its characteristic sound. In a drop 2 voicing, the bass note is a major 2nd below the next note, creating a more dissonant sound.

Types of Drop Voicings

There are three main types of drop voicings:

Drop 2: The bass note is a major 2nd below the next note.
Drop 3: The bass note is a minor 3rd below the next note.
Drop 4: The bass note is a perfect 4th below the next note.

Each type of drop voicing has its own unique sound and can be used to create different harmonic effects.

Voicings for Common Guitar Chords

Here are some common guitar chords and their drop voicings:

Chord	Drop 2	Drop 3	Drop 4
C Major	C, E, G, C (octave)	C, E, G, B	C, F, G, C
G Major	G, B, D, G (octave)	G, B, D, F	G, C, D, G
D Minor	D, F, A, D (octave)	D, F, A, C	D, G, A, D
A Minor	A, C, E, A (octave)	A, C, E, G	A, D, E, A

Applications of Drop Voicings

Drop voicings can be used in a variety of musical contexts. Here are some common applications:

Creating harmonic movement: Drop voicings can be used to create smooth and dissonant harmonic movement. By using different drop voicings in a chord progression, you can create a sense of tension and release.
Adding rhythmic interest: The wider range of notes in a drop voicing can be used to create rhythmic interest. By playing the bass note on a different beat than the rest of the chord, you can create a more complex and dynamic sound.
Comping: Drop voicings are a great way to comp behind a soloist. The wide range of notes provides a rich and supportive harmonic foundation, while the dissonant intervals can add interest and tension to the backing.

The drop voicing is a powerful technique that can add harmonic depth and movement to your guitar playing. By understanding the construction and applications of drop voicings, you can expand your harmonic vocabulary and create more interesting and engaging music.

THE DROP VOICING BOOK FOR GUITAR: A Complete Guide to Drop 2, Drop 3, Drop 2&3 and Drop 2&4 Chord Voicings & Inversions

by Dan Cosley

4.5 out of 5