Voicing the 2-5-1: Twelve Examples, from SIMPLE to ADVANCED

In this video, I will walk you through 12 different ways to voice the 2-5-1 progression in the key of C. We're going to start simple and easy, using triads, and then work our way up to more advanced voicings using concepts such as quartal harmony, polychords, tensions, cluster voicings, rootless chords and more. We won't be doing any substitutions, though - that's going to be a different video!

Although this video doesn't delve into the theory, here are some other videos from my channel that will help you explore some of the concepts here in more depth.
Overview of basic theory concepts:
More polychords:
Quartal voicings:

[mironolszewski]

0:49 Inverted Triads
1:51 Drop-2
2:53 Inverted 7th Chords
3:38 Shell Voicings
5:58 Using Tensions
6:52 Rootless Voicings (Left Hand)
8:17 Cluster Voicings
9:57 Polychords #1
11:22 Polychords #2
12:24 Quartal Voicing #1
14:00 Left Hand Quartal Voicings
14:35 Quartal Voicing #2
15:28 Couterpoint

[sharonapple]

You just explained a whole semester of a jazz piano class in one video. Thanks!!!

[dspmusik]

What makes this so good is the incremental level of difficulty. Not getting stuck too long on one thing (not begging for subscriptions or likes).
Keep up the excellent work! A great resource for teachers, students and players everywhere.

[AJStudios]

I’ve been watching for over 3 years now, it’s really cool to understand the majority of the concepts in video now

[ipudisciple]

MangoldProject: I'd really love to see a video from you explaining the ideas that go into the "noodling" right hand. At 5:45 and 8:05 for example. You clearly have a lot of go-to patterns, rhythms and scales that you know are going to sound great. And a lot of talent and practice, but I want to practice the Right Stuff! I'm going to transcribe those examples, but I know it's about concepts, not just notes, and I'm sure a video from you explaining those concepts would be amazing. Thank you.

[unworthyServant]

This goes into my reference playlist today! Thank you for the great lessons. Your humility and willingness to teach inspires me every time I watch you, even if there are some concepts beyond my understanding currently. But I learn so much from you every time.

[Dave_The_Beatmaker]

Halfway through: SUBSCRIBED!

What I really love about your presentation is that you give us an overview of different methods / techniques etc. which pave the way for further research. Its like the root (your presentation) + the upper structure of a chord (further research) :)

[lawrencetaylor]

Another of your beginner to advanced videos. I listened to the first part, I'll start practicing and when I get better, I'll be back. You are a invaluable resource.
Merci beaucoup.

[thegiftedhandsmusic]

This is a great video laid out in such an understandable format! Bill Evans was a master at creating counterpoint harmony as well inner voice movements in his chords 👍

[ianparker]

Dude, fantastic as always. I am mostly a guitar player, but I love your lessons and apply them in all musical applications.

[Sooper]

Thank you very much for all the care and effort you put into these videos, they are quite simply the best format and design of anything I have seen on YouTube (and I have watched quite a few).
Much appreciated!

[lidorguta]

Every video you upload is simply amazing! I find it easiest to learn from you because of the way you teach

[dazhang]

I have been reading different books and randomly experimenting on piano for a while for Jazz. I have come across all the concepts covered in the video, and it’s really nice to see everything covered in one video to validate everything my thinking of how to play jazz voicing. For example for ploy-chords and counterpoint I did not read it anywhere but more like experimenting such concepts on my own, and really good to know it’s actually a valid way to play in such styles for Jazz. Great video and thank you so much!

[boerboelmummy]

Thank you, you are a fantastic teacher and I always learn so much from you.

[tushensu]

Now let me learn these concepts for the next 6 months. Thank you so much for breaking it down into digestible bits. 🙏🏾

[alexjohnson]

You truly are a blessing. I have been learning most of these "tricks" to my students, while many others keep them for themselves, pretending they are secrets. That way a student will never learn.

[patiticojjb]

Tried to go through all these for years... You really simplify:-) great work tahnks

[MikeFloutier]

There is music and then, there is music. I listen to these voicings and its like I just dug up a diamond; like I just discovered a totally new colour. And suddenly parts of my body that I didn't realise we're so tense start to relax. Man, this music thing is so beautiful. Thank you!

[HTXRS]

This video just opened my mind to understand jazz like never before

[RichardAmegatcher]

This video has taken my back years, reminding me how far I've come