4.11Why low chords can sound muddy

Play a low C–E–G with the left hand, very low on the keyboard.

Then play the same triad an octave or two higher.

The low version may sound less clear.

Lower frequencies have dense overtone relationships, so tightly packed low chords often become muddy.

A useful piano rule:

Low register: use wider spacing.

Middle/high register: close voicings work better.

So a common accompaniment pattern is:

Left hand:

root or root + fifth

Right hand:

3rd + 5th + maybe 7th