Theory Disscusion, Feel free to ask, blues, jazz, funk, rock,... Options

[Ivan Milenkovic]

Feel free to ask any theory question that you don't know the answer to, and I'll try to help.

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[kevvyg]

Hi Ivan,
As you're discussing modes, can I just ask something? The triads build on the Ionian mode (major scale) are MmmMMmd.
Are the chords built on the other modes altered because of the different interval patterns or are they the same, but just in a different order? (Could we have a theory section on 'Modes for Dummies'?).
Modes were a bit of a mystery to me, but they are beginning to make sense.
I couldn't get my head around the fact that all of the modes contain the same notes given one particular tonality (ie C major, D dorian, E phrygian etc). These all contain the notes CDEFGAB, so I thought, how can we know when we're playing in a certain mode, we seem to be playing in ALL modes simultaneously!!
It seems that it's the emphasis of the root note, and its relationship with the other notes in the scale, especially the 3rd and 5th, and the chords built on the scale notes - see above!
On the subject of blues, I've got my work cut out at the moment, as I've started concentrating on mastering the blues lessons in GMC, and this has made me realise blues is not just a minor pentatonic played ad-lib over a I-IV-V chord sequence. More's the pity!!
I let Ivan know in a separate thread, but if anyone's interested, check out http://12bar.de/index.php for a really helpful site about all things blues, including some note for note analysis of some classic blues songs.
I've discovered from studying the GMC blues lessons and this other site that it's a REALLY GOOD IDEA to learn the notes on the fretboard, along with the minor AND major pentatonic patterns, so that you can swap between the two at will. Anybody out there got any suggestions how to speed up the process of learning the fret notes?! I'm trying to do it a string at a time, but it's really easy just to sit there going "B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B...". Not that helpful, as I'm just reciting the alphabet!!
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about hypnotism?


Thanks!
Kevin

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[Ivan Milenkovic]

As you're discussing modes, can I just ask something? The triads build on the Ionian mode (major scale) are MmmMMmd.
Are the chords built on the other modes altered because of the different interval patterns or are they the same, but just in a different order? (Could we have a theory section on 'Modes for Dummies'?).
Modes were a bit of a mystery to me, but they are beginning to make sense.

They are the same, only in a different order. Different interval patterns don't affect the chordal build in that way that they chords are changed. Chords shift along with the intervals in parallel, so they remain the same.

I couldn't get my head around the fact that all of the modes contain the same notes given one particular tonality (ie C major, D dorian, E phrygian etc). These all contain the notes CDEFGAB, so I thought, how can we know when we're playing in a certain mode, we seem to be playing in ALL modes simultaneously!!
It seems that it's the emphasis of the root note, and its relationship with the other notes in the scale, especially the 3rd and 5th, and the chords built on the scale notes - see above!

That's exactly right mate. The emphasis is on the strong notes of the scale - the notes that are building the harmony. Different voicings of the modes can help you create different vibes on top of the harmony, so you can mix modes in different keys to create modal solo. If you have major chord, there are three major modes that you can use, so you mix, and see where it takes you. And yes - you have to know all the modes in all the keys perfectly!

On the subject of blues, I've got my work cut out at the moment, as I've started concentrating on mastering the blues lessons in GMC, and this has made me realise blues is not just a minor pentatonic played ad-lib over a I-IV-V chord sequence. More's the pity!!
I let Ivan know in a separate thread, but if anyone's interested, check out http://12bar.de/index.php for a really helpful site about all things blues, including some note for note analysis of some classic blues songs.

You are on the right path mate, your conclusions are good! Blues is definitely not all about minor pentatonic scale! it's about expressing your feelings and making a positive stand about life, although life is hard. You tell that story, a blues story of yours so the audience can hear it. Blues is the feeling, the vibe, it is connected by the name with the "blues" music, but blues is something more than that. Traditional to modern blues music has changed and evolved a lot, and you can check out the blues article on wikipedia, it is great for knowing the essence of the blues music.

I've discovered from studying the GMC blues lessons and this other site that it's a REALLY GOOD IDEA to learn the notes on the fretboard, along with the minor AND major pentatonic patterns, so that you can swap between the two at will. Anybody out there got any suggestions how to speed up the process of learning the fret notes?! I'm trying to do it a string at a time, but it's really easy just to sit there going "B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B...". Not that helpful, as I'm just reciting the alphabet!!
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about hypnotism?

Learning notes on the neck requires time and patience, so I suggest you spend some time learning the notes horizontally and vertically, and then try to nail the tone you want. It may take several months but it is well worth it, just like you said mate.

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