The 2+2 Chord Arranging Method
Prerequisite: By now, you should be familiar with the following five types of seventh chords: Major 7th, Dominant 7th, minor 7th, minor 7th flat five, and diminished 7th. For a review of these chord types, refer to my two PDF files on triads and 7th chords.
The 2+2 chord arranging system involves each hand playing two specific notes. This approach creates balanced and harmonically rich voicings for solo jazz piano while maintaining simplicity in fingerings and hand positioning.
Our aim is to master chord formation using the 2+2 method for any lead sheet.
Over time, using the 2+2 approach could make sight-reading from lead sheets nearly effortless. It’s an excellent starting point for creating your own arrangements from lead sheets.
Overview of the 2+2 Chord Arranging System
Left Hand: Primarily uses two types of two-note chord voicings: either the root and 7th, or the root and 3rd.
Right Hand: The thumb plays either the 3rd or the 7th of the chord, choosing the note that isn’t already being played by the left-hand thumb.
Adding the Melody
The melody is added on top and played primarily with the right hand’s pinky (or occasionally the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd fingers).
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the rules outlined above, which are detailed at the bottom of the .pdf page titled "2+2 Explained" and also in "Beautiful Love 2+2."
Players are eventually encouraged and taught to add more notes and fills. When doing so, they typically use their right 2nd and 3rd fingers and their left index finger. The 2+2 chord arrangement is described as a skeleton, allowing for the addition of notes and fills based on preference. However, the melody and harmony are often strong enough to stand on their own.
