ENGLISH
REFERENCE

voicing

n. C / U
C2 Proficiency US //ˈvɔɪsɪŋ// UK //vˈɔɪsɪŋ// voic·ing

n. the way the notes of a musical chord are arranged. It describes which notes are at the bottom, middle, or top of the sound.

n. the specific distribution of the individual notes of a chord across different octaves or instruments. Refers to the vertical spacing and doubling of pitches within a harmonic structure.


SIMPLE

The pianist used a wide voicing for the final chord.

CONTEXTUAL

By changing the voicing of the opening chords, the composer created a much darker and more mysterious atmosphere.

COMPLEX

The arranger experimented with orchestral voicing, placing the root in the double basses while the woodwinds provided a shimmering cluster of upper extensions to create a sense of ethereal tension.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From voice + -ing.

Usage

Often used in the context of jazz or classical arrangement to describe the 'open' or 'closed' spacing of notes.

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