“Smile” by Charlie Chaplin, a free arrangement

[harry likas]

Using my 2+2 basic chord voicing method, I’ve arranged the classic standard “Smile”by Charlie Chaplin for solo piano.

The 2+2 chord voicing approach is a practical way for pianists to build their own harmonies from lead sheets. It keeps things simple by assigning each hand a clear role: the left hand provides the harmonic foundation—usually playing the root and 7th or the root and 3rd of the chord (sometimes the root and 5th). The right-hand thumb fills in the remaining crucial chord tone, either the 3rd or 7th (whichever isn’t already covered by the left hand), while the rest of the right-hand fingers play the melody on top.

This setup promotes smooth voice leading, creates a balanced sound, and works well for both solo and group playing. When it’s time to solo, the bebop jazz pianist will continue to play the left hand as in the arrangement—alternating between root and 7th and root and 3rd voicings. It serves as a strong foundation for exploring more advanced spread voicings. As players become more comfortable with 2+2 chord voicings, they can enrich their harmony with additional notes, enhance left-hand rhythmic motion, and incorporate melodic embellishments to develop their own unique style.

Please check out my 1,100 “2+2” Jazz Piano Arrangements of Standards & 50 Tutorials at www.Patreon.com/HarryLikas

I was the technical editor for Mark Levine’s “The Jazz Theory Book” and contributed to “The Jazz Piano Book.”

[liszt-and-the-galops]

Explain to me how this "2+2" thing will help someone play this, please.

[themeandvariation]

LATG:  "Explain to me how this "2+2" thing will help someone play this, please."

It doesn't show you how to play what is formally written.
It is an approach to voicing chords on a lead sheet - like jazz..

"The 2+2 chord voicing approach is a practical way for pianists to build their own harmonies from lead sheets.