Quartal Harmony and Voicings for Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the fascinating world of quartal harmony and voicings for guitar. This guide will provide a comprehensive exploration of this advanced technique, empowering you to expand your musical vocabulary and unlock new sonic possibilities on your guitar.

Quartal Harmony and Voicings for Guitar

by Kevin Anderson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25323 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	72 pages

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What is Quartal Harmony?

Quartal harmony is a form of extended harmony that emphasizes the use of intervals of fourths (or "quarts") instead of the traditional thirds. This unconventional approach creates unique and dissonant sounds that challenge conventional harmonic norms.

Quartal Voicings for Guitar

Quartal voicings are guitar chord voicings that prioritize quartal intervals. They often contain open strings and extended ranges, resulting in a spacious and airy sound. These voicings can be constructed in various inversions and positions, allowing for a wide range of harmonic and melodic possibilities.

Principles of Quartal Harmony

1. Emphasis on Fourths

Quartal harmony revolves around the use of quartal intervals as the primary melodic and harmonic building blocks. These intervals create a sense of dissonance and tension, which can be resolved or exploited for unique expressive effects.

2. Open String Utilization

Quartal guitar voicings often incorporate open strings to enhance their resonating and spacious quality. The use of open strings provides a foundation for the quartal intervals, allowing them to sustain and interact more freely.

3. Extended Ranges

Quartal voicings frequently extend beyond the traditional guitar range to encompass wider intervals and create a sense of openness. This extended range allows for the exploration of high and low registers, adding depth and complexity to the harmonic foundation.

Applications of Quartal Harmony

1. Jazz and Improvisation

Quartal harmony is widely used in jazz guitar and improvisation. Its dissonant nature provides a framework for creating complex and dynamic solos. Quartal voicings offer a distinctive and refreshing alternative to traditional chord progressions, allowing for more experimental and adventurous harmonic explorations.

2. Contemporary Guitar Music

Quartal harmony has played a significant role in shaping contemporary guitar music. Artists such as Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Bill Frisell have incorporated quartal elements into their compositions and improvisations, expanding the harmonic language of the guitar.

3. Classical and Avant-Garde Music

Quartal harmony has also found its way into classical and avant-garde music. Composers like Bela Bartok and Luciano Berio have employed quartal intervals to create dissonant and challenging sounds that push the boundaries of traditional tonal harmony.

Techniques for Constructing Quartal Voicings

1. Quartal Arpeggios

Arpeggiating quartal intervals provides a straightforward way to create quartal voicings. Start with a root note and add intervals of fourths above and below. Experiment with different inversions and voicings to explore the various harmonic possibilities.

2. Polytetrads and Polychords

Polytetrads are chords built on fourths. Polychords are combinations of multiple polytetrads. These complex structures can be challenging to construct but offer a rich and dissonant harmonic foundation for your guitar playing.

3. Extended Voicings with Open Strings

Incorporate open strings into your quartal voicings to enhance their resonance and spaciousness. Experiment with different combinations of open strings and fretted notes to create unique and evocative voicings that extend beyond the traditional guitar range.

Examples of Quartal Harmony in Guitar Music

Jazz Trio with Quartal Harmony

Listen to a jazz trio using quartal harmony to create a dissonant and captivating harmonic backdrop for improvisation.

Contemporary Guitar Solo with Quartal Voicings

Explore a contemporary guitar solo that incorporates quartal voicings to create an experimental and otherworldly sonic landscape.

Classical Composition with Quartal Elements

Listen to a classical composition that employs quartal intervals to challenge traditional harmonic conventions and create a sense of dissonance and intrigue.

Quartal harmony and voicings for guitar offer a vast and unexplored territory for musical experimentation and harmonic innovation. By embracing its principles and techniques, guitarists can expand their sonic palette, enhance their improvisational skills, and create truly unique and captivating musical expressions.

So embark on this musical journey, delve into the world of quartal harmony, and unlock the infinite possibilities that await you on your guitar.

Author Bio:

John Smith is a professional guitarist, music educator, and composer with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in jazz, contemporary, and classical guitar, and has a passion for exploring extended harmonic techniques and voicings. John is committed to sharing his knowledge and insights to empower guitarists of all levels to unlock their musical potential.

Quartal Harmony and Voicings for Guitar

by Kevin Anderson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25323 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	72 pages

FREE