stride bass

English composer

Definition

A jazz piano style where the left hand alternates between a low bass note on beats 1 and 3 and a mid-range chord on beats 2 and 4, producing a characteristic striding motion that was a foundation of early jazz piano.

Interpretive Guidance

Maintain rhythmic evenness in the left hand; lightly accent the off-beat chords to create forward momentum. Keep the bass notes resonant without pedalling over the chord changes.

Context

Scope Used by Nikolai Kapustin
Language English

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