Now that we have introduced all of the modes, let's look at what roles individual notes take in these scales. In a tonal context, they all have certain tendencies. Stable Tones: (1,3,5) Tonic: The tonic is the 1st degree of the scale. All other notes are based around the tonic and gravitate towards it. Dominant: The dominant is the 5th degree. This is a solid or stable note. Third degree: The 3rd degree is stable; however, it is not as stable as the tonic or the … [Read more...]
Advanced Music Theory Lesson 1: The Modes
May 7, 2009 by 2 Comments
As we discussed in previous lessons, the Major scale is also know as Ionian and the Minor scale as Aeolian. We also know that the relative minor is the major scale starting from it's 6th degree. The scales starting from all of the other degrees will now be introduced. This group of scales is known as "the modes". Lets start in the key of C. If we re-spell the C Major scale (Ionian) starting from each subsequent degree in the scale, we end up with the following: Mode … [Read more...]
Exercises: Mirrors
April 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment
This exercise is aimed at improving your technique, building strength in your hands and improving your double picking across strings. It may also help you to develop some interesting and original chops that you can work into your solos. Click here if you’re not sure how to read the scale blocks. The basic idea is to find a pattern .. and then make a mirror of it .. Now, play them together. In this example, I am starting on the 4th finger of the … [Read more...]
Scales: G (Dorian) Minor
April 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment
The Dorian Minor scale is commonly used in improvisation. This position ( personal opinion ) lends itself nicely to working up speed. Remember that these scales can be played anywhere on the neck. In the case of this scale, if you were to start the same shape (pattern) one fret higher (6th fret) it would become the Ab Dorian Minor scale. One fret lower and it becomes the Gb Dorian Minor scale. Also notice that this position DOES NOT start on the root of the scale, … [Read more...]
Scales: G (Jazz) Melodic Minor
April 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment
More often called the Melodic Minor scale, this scale is commonly used in improvisation. This position ( personal opinion ) lends itself nicely to working up speed. Remember that these scales can be played anywhere on the neck. In the case of this scale, if you were to start the same shape (pattern) one fret higher (4th fret) it would become the Ab Melodic Minor scale. One fret lower and it becomes the Gb Melodic Minor scale. Also notice that this position DOES NOT … [Read more...]
Scales: G Major ( 2 positions )
April 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Major scales are one of the most commonly used scales in improvisation. Shown below are 2 positions of the G Major scale. The second position allows for greater movement up the neck. Both positions lend themselves well to working up speed. Remember that these scales can be played anywhere on the neck. In the case of this scale, if you were to start the same shape (pattern) one fret higher (4th fret) it would become the Ab Major scale. One fret lower and it becomes … [Read more...]
A blank scale template you can use
April 9, 2009 by 2 Comments
Here is a blank scale block you can use to mark out scales you discover as you explore your instrument. Just download it on to your system and print it. If you prefer, you can download the MS Word document (version 2003) which has several of these already neatly laid out on a page for you to use. Download the MS Word 2003 file here © Synaptic Systems Inc., 2001 … [Read more...]
Scales: Looking for patterns and the A Minor Pentatonic Box Scale
April 9, 2009 by 6 Comments
If you took all the notes from all the 5 positions shown in the A Minor Pentatonic lesson and placed them into one block, this is what you would end up with. This is a great exercise to do with any of the scales we (or anybody else) show you in multiple positions. By doing this, you can now see all of the notes of that scale across the neck. Often, when learning a new scale, I will do this. I sit with my guitar in front of this scale block and play the … [Read more...]
Scales: A Minor Pentatonic ( 5 positions )
April 9, 2009 by 16 Comments
One of the most commonly used scales in improvisation is the Minor Pentatonic scale. Shown below are 5 positions of the A Minor Pentatonic scale. The second position shown is probably the most commonly used shape of this scale. While learning all five is highly recommended, start off by learning the adjacent positions (1 and 3) as this will offer you far more variety in your playing. Remember that these scales can be played anywhere on the neck. In the case of this … [Read more...]
Some Thoughts on Improvisation
April 8, 2009 by 1 Comment
Literally, volumes have been written on the subject of improvisation. These are some of my thoughts on what I find to be one of the most pleasurable and satisfying aspects of playing music. Be Musical: Being musical is a very difficult statement to try to quantify for everyone. The reason of course is that there are so many different types and styles of music that it is almost impossible to make a definitive statement about what being musical means. But … [Read more...]
