BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
10896 / 18210 · Workshop 89 — Independent Clocks at the Piano: Separating Bass Time, Chord Time, Melody Time, and Phrase Time Without Losing the Groove← prev⊞ allnext →

89.146A practical hierarchy for solo piano

When things become difficult, prioritize:

  1. time
  2. melody
  3. bass direction
  4. guide-tone/harmonic clarity
  5. comping detail

If the fancy RH syncopation damages time or melody:

remove it.

The groove is more important.