Originally Posted by: equatorPolychords are large chords that can contain six or more tones. On the piano you play a chord with the left hand and another chord (called Upper Structure) with the right hand....[/quote]
Great info in your post. :)

The part about the "upper structure" was a great point. I want to add that there are two different types of polychord notations.

- one with a slash like G/A, indicating a G major chord with an A note in the bass.
- one with a straight line like a fraction. More like:
[U]G[/U]
A

The second indicates a G major chord over an A major chord (or at least the root and third - not only the root).
[QUOTE=ren]I use Polychordal ideas in some of my playing - tapping one triad with one hand, and another with the other etc.

Great point, ren! This is done quite frequently and more easily on the piano. I do it all the time to get jazz voicings.

Your sweeping idea is also a great one! I also do that. It's very helpful in quickly suggesting or outlining all the tones implied in a polychord or upper structure harmonic idea.