Problem with Misty

[Marc]

Hi,

I have a problem with chord (5). The righthand chord consists of E, G, A, C. De melody however is C, Bb, G, Eb. Currently I play it like this:
E G A C
E G Bb
E G
Eb

Do I have it correct or should it be played different? The whole original righthand sounds dissonant to me. It sounds a lot better when you play Eb G Bb C.

[David Haynes]

Hi Marc,
Initially it’s pretty typical for people to resist the b9/#11 combination with dominant chords – it does sound a little dissonant. But in context it adds to the harmonic interest.

A couple things: If you’re playing an acoustic piano make sure it’s in tune. Stick with the voicings as written – you’ll have lots of opportunities to make your own choices later and you need to become accustomed to this way of hearing dominants.

The voicing you suggest: 1,3,5,M is a basic major triad (with the melody – a 6th), so while the b7 is in your right hand the overall chord doesn’t sound much like a dominant.

[Author]

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