How To Play Satin Doll With Spread Voicings
January 2, 2026
A couple weeks back we learned about a very famous style of jazz chords called spread voicings.
(If you missed the lesson and have no idea what spread voicings are make sure you check out the how to play spread voicings lesson).
Anyway, since then I received a couple emails from subscribers to the site asking me to demonstrate these voicings in the context of a jazz standard. (video lesson below)
So, here’s another free jazz piano lesson video. In this video I teach you how to apply jazz spread voicings to the famous Duke Ellington jazz standard “Satin Doll”.
These spread voicings are some of the best solo jazz piano voicings out there. They work great for solo piano as well as even in trio settings or accompanying a vocalist or instrumentalist.
Enjoy learning these voicings. They are very powerful. Practice them in all your keys my friends and apply them to all your favorite tunes!
If you’re looking for more information on jazz piano chords make sure you check out this free lesson on rootless voicings or this lesson on two handed comping.
If you’re looking for some licks you can play on Satin Doll check out this Wes Montgomery transcription on Satin Doll.
If you want to learn how to apply even more professional sounding jazz piano voicings to tons of great jazz standards I have a whole course that teaches you how to do it.
You can check out The Premium Membership course right here.
If you enjoyed reading and watching this post please leave a comment below. Also, be sure to subscribe to the freejazzlessons email list on the top right. It’s quick, easy, and free!
Loved your video sir! Very helpful. Keep up the good work!
It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you’re enjoying the site!
Thanks Yonex. I appreciate your kind words!
That’s fabulous Steve. I love how you cater for complete beginners like myself who play some piano but have no idea how to get started on this wonderful and superior style of playing. Great stuff!!!
Thanks Cecil. Welcome to the community.
Nice to meet you friend
I am Japanese.
I want to play the piano jazz. And I want to study sound.
I do not open so much finger. So, I’m glad to show me how to play the closed voicing.
And I am very happy.
The site is written in English. So, that to understand all is difficult.
I think that it’ll let you not learn from the sound.
Thank you.
Nice to meet you too!
Thank you, Steve, for producing these great videos and lessons. Each one is an excellent nugget for study. I keep coming back here again and again as I learn and progress.
My pleasure Carter. Happy to have you here with us as a member of the community!
Hey Steve,
Thanks for this great lesson. I really think you should do a full one on Premium Membership someday!
In the lead sheet (Real Book of Jazz Volume 1) the turnaround in bars 7-8 is written as C – Emin7b5 – A7b9, going back to Dmin7. The ones you’re playing sound more colorful. I’m wondering what are the chords you’re using there?
Also, to keep with the flavor of the chord extensions in the A section, what would you suggest for bars 15-16 to lead into the B section?
I believe the 15-16 is normally written as C – Dmin7 – D#dim7 – Emin7 going into Gmin7 in bar 17.
Really appreciate your help! Thanks!
Best wishes,
Peter
Hey Peter! Thanks 🙂 Yep, the full lesson for Satin is on the scheduled release for Premium. We’ll releasing several hours and levels on this tutorial very soon.
To answer your question about turnarounds…on this vid I’m playing Cmaj7 F7 E7alt then A7.
Since you’re a Premium Member also check out the intermediate and advanced arrangement I did of “Straight No Chaser:. Also, watch out the harmonic analysis I shot for the tune as well. I share some cool turnaround concepts in those.
Thanks Peter for your question!
Thanks, Steve. I will take a look at the videos for “Straight No Chaser.” Super excited to see what you’ve put together for next month!