The Lydian scale or Lydian mode is a major scale that begins on on the fourth note of a major scale. A Lydian scale is a type of of major scale with an augmented (or sharp) fourth. The third note of the scale is major, as opposed to the Phrygian mode, Aeolian or Locrian where their third note is flat (a minor third). The augmented 4th gives playing the Lydian scale the … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: Lydian Mode
Theory in 300
Theory in 300: Phrygian Mode
The Phrygian mode (or scale) is another kind of minor scale. The characteristics of the Phrygian mode are the flattened: Second Third Sixth and Seventh The flattened third is the distinguishing trait that denotes a scale is a minor one versus a major one. The Phrygian mode is based off the third step, or third note, of a major scale. In other words, the first … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: Phrygian Mode
Theory in 300: Target Notes
When soloing whether as part of a jazz ensemble or otherwise, it's likely that underneath your solo there will be chords changing. What really helps to take an average solo and really make it sound like it fits within the song and among the changes is making sure your solo lands on certain notes at certain times. Those notes can be thought of as target notes. Target notes are … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: Target Notes
Theory in 300: Musical Intervals
What are the musical intervals? In this Theory in 300 we're going to break down this important musical concept in under 300 words. Intervals are a fundamental part of musical structures, and as a result a fundamental part of any musician’s understanding of music. An interval is the distance in pitch between two tones. An interval can be quickly found my counting up the scale … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: Musical Intervals
Theory in 300: The Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths (also referred to as the Circle of Fourths depending on the direction you’re moving on it) is a powerful visual tool for musicians. The Circle of Fifths is a visual representation of all the musical keys and their relationships to each other. The Circle of Fifths is most useful for finding the key of a song, transposing songs to different keys, composing … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: The Circle of Fifths
Theory in 300: the Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode is a scale that starts on the second step of a major scale. It has a flat 3rd and a flat 7th note and is considered a minor scale because of the flat 3rd. Think of the Dorian mode as just another scale for a second. Disregard all the jargon about modes and when to use them for moment. Lets approach this scale by first thinking about what a minor scale (or … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: the Dorian Mode