Today I'm writing you from Washington State right near Canada where a film I composed the music for is being shown! Lots of fun more on this later.
Many times my students ask what is a mode and more importantly how do I apply it. First off modes are created from the major scale. By making each note of the major scale a root note the mode is created. Using the C major scale lets look at it:
Scale Formula: WS, WS, HS, WS, WS, WS, HS
WS = whole step 2 frets
Many times my students ask what is a mode and more importantly how do I apply it. First off modes are created from the major scale. By making each note of the major scale a root note the mode is created. Using the C major scale lets look at it:
Scale Formula: WS, WS, HS, WS, WS, WS, HS
WS = whole step 2 frets
HS = half step 1 fret
Notes are: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Ionian Family of Chords:
I chord = C major (4 note chord = C major 7th)
ii chord = D minor (4 note chord = D minor 7th)
iii chord = E minor (4 note chord = E minor 7th)
IV chord = F major (4 note chord = F major 7th)
V chord = G major (4 note chord = G dominant 7th)
vi chord = A minor (4 note chord = A minor 7th)
viio chord = B diminished (4 note chord = B minor 7th flat 5th)
Scale Formulas: WS, WS, HS, WS, WS, WS, HS
Notes are: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Now record (or have a friend play) these common Ionian progressions
5 to 10 minutes each and live (or on another track) play the Ionian
(Mode 1 of the Major Scale) scale using quarter then eighth notes.
1. I //// IV //// V //// IV ////
2. ii //// V //// I ////
3. ii //// V //// I //// vi ////
4. I //// V //// vi //// IV ////
Later create at least 4 to 6 of your own progressions for each mode.
Now transpose these to each position (register) of your instrument, then to all 15 keys.
All materials copyright 2010. For personal use only.
Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Mus
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