3 note voicings commonly referred to as “Shell Voicings” focus on the root, 3rd and 7th. There are two main reasons these voicings are so effective. Ease of play and the value of the 3rd and 7th. The 3rd and 7th define the gender of the chord whether major, minor, dominant or diminished. Unless ambiguity is the goal these tones are essential to the voicing. An added advantage is the mobility offered by playing a small voicing. Adding melody notes above or moving a bass line below are easily accessible.
