block chord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. A 'barre chord' is a specific left-hand fingering technique that allows you to play many chords with one shape. A 'block chord' refers to the texture of playing all notes together, which can be done with barre chords or open chords.

Individually, no, as they play one note at a time. However, a section of wind instruments (like a saxophone section or brass choir) can play block chords together, with each musician playing one note of the chord, creating the collective effect of a block chord.

Pianist George Shearing popularized a specific, elegant style of block chord playing often called the 'Shearing sound' or 'locked-hands' style, where both hands play the chords in parallel motion.

The most direct opposite is a 'broken chord' or 'arpeggio', where the notes of the chord are played in sequence rather than simultaneously. A 'rolled chord' (a quick arpeggio) is also a contrast.

A musical chord in which all notes are played simultaneously, typically as a solid harmonic unit in keyboard or guitar playing.

Block chord is usually specialist / technical (music) in register.

Block chord: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblɒk ˈkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblɑːk ˈkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.