Scales!! Ahh!!!!
This is a big topic. I think you began to understand a little bit of what I was talking about. I’ll review (hopefully) most of what we chatted about this lesson. The main concept here I was trying to get at is major scale + alterations = new scale. If you remember that formula you’ll easily be able to analyze and learn any scale. For example C maj + b7 & b3 = Dorian. This is where thinking about scales in numbers really comes in handy. Try to have that going in the back of your head at all times.
Heres a quick list of the major modes and the alterations. For next week, I want to hear one Mixolydian scale and one Lydian Scale.
Major/ Ionian: It’s just a major scale
Mixolydian: b7
Dorian: b7 b3
Natural Minor/ Aeolian: b7 b3 b6
Phrygian: b7 b3 b6 b2
Locrian: b7 b3 b6 b2 b5
Lydian: #4
We also talked about pentatonic scales, which are major/ minor scales with notes removed. Lots of pop tunes use pentatonic scales for melodies so by learning these you’ll be able to easily pick up on some pop melodies by ear.
Nice job on Theme from New World Symphony. You sight read that pretty well. Good for you! For next week, I want to hear a more polished version. Emphasize the dynamics and articulation while practicing this to make it sound alive. This is more important than the notes and rhythms! Continue to sight read some new songs from your book if you would like.