Classification of Scales: A Complete Guide for Modes & Scales - 02

Introduction

In our previous lesson Constructing Scales we discussed about how scales are constructed. In this succeeding lecture we will describe types of scales in music. We can categories scales according to different parameters, such as:

1.    Number of notes in a scale

2.    Interval used in scale

Different types of scales are described as follows.

Classification of Scales According to Number of Notes

A scale has a fixed number of notes. Usually we play scales that have seven different pitches such as a Major Scale or a Minor Scale. Apart from these seven note scales there are other scale which have six or five different pitches, such as Blues Scale and Pentatonic Scales. According to the number of pitches found in a scale they could be categorized as:

1.   Heptatonic Scales (7 Notes)

a.   Major Scale

b.   Minor Scale

c.    Lydian Scale

d.   Mixolydian Scale

e.   Phrygian Scale

f.     Locrian Scale

 

2.   Hexatonic Scales (6 notes)

a.   Blues Scale

 

3.   Pentatonic Scales (5 notes)

a.   Major Pentatonic Scale

b.   Minor Pentatonic Scale

 

Classification of Scales According to Intervals

Scales can also be classified according to the pattern of intervals used in the scale. According to the intervals the scales generally classified as Diatonic Scale and Chromatic Scales. There could also be other forms of scales according to number of intervals.

Diatonic Scale

A  Diatonic Scale is an eight note musical scale composed of seven pitches and a repeated octave. The diatonic scale includes five whole steps and two half steps for each octave. The two half steps are separated from each other by either two or three whole steps, depending on their position in the scale. This pattern ensures that, in a diatonic scale spanning more than one octave. Major Scale is an example of Diatonic Scale

Chromatic Scale

A chromatic scale consists of an ascending or descending sequence of pitches proceeding always by semitones. The structure of a chromatic scale is therefore uniform throughout, unlike major and minor scales which have tones and semitones in particular arrangements. In simple words, when you play all twelve notes of music in ascending or descending sequence, it will be chromatic scale. For example playing C Chromatic Scale in ascending order will look like as:

C – C# - D – Eb – E – F – F# - G – Ab – A – Bb – B – C

Chromatic Scale is not used for compositions. In next lessons we will discuss all these scales with their examples. Happy Playing!!

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Constructing Scales: A Complete Guide for Modes & Scales - 01

What is a scale? Why learning scale is important?

A scale is a collection of musical notes arranged in an order of frequency or pitch of the sound. When notes are played in increasing order of frequency it is called Ascending order and when they are played in decreasing order of frequency is known as Descending order. Thus a scale can be played in ASC and DESC order. With few exceptions some scales are played in varying ascending and descending pitches e.g. Melodic Minor. We will cover  types of scales in a different post.

 

The harmony or melody is constructed using a part of or the complete scale. Hence in the context of practicing music, scales are must to do exercise for learning. To have a much clearer picture of music, just visualize music as a language. To learn a particular language we start learning alphabets followed by formation of word and sentences. In the similar way in music; notes are alphabets, scales are words and harmony/melody is a complete sentence. Without attaining the basic knowledge of scales it will be difficult to understand music.

 

How scales are formed?

 



  

To understand the construction of scales, let us refer to the diagram - The Music Pyramid that demonstrates various elements step by step that are used to construct scale and composing music. Symmetrically they are Intervals, Modes, Scales, Harmony, Rhythm, Melody and Chords. We will discuss up to scales in this articles as it would be difficult to cover all the topics in a single post. Let's start exploring formation of scales step by step.

 

 

Intervals

 

Logically, interval is the gap between two notes which are arranged in ascending or descending order according to their pitch or frequency. For example starting with note C we can arrange all twelve notes in ascending order as: C, C#, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb and B. Now, the distance between C and C# is half note that can be denoted by "H" and distance between C and D is whole note which can be denoted by "W". So we get two types of Intervals i.e. Half Step (H) and Whole Step (W).

 

Modes

 

It will be very interesting and essential to learn about modes before switching to scales. A mode can be described as a blue print or a building block for constructing a scale. Usually a mode is an arrangement of intervals to form a pattern. This pattern of intervals is used to form a particular sequence of notes to construct the scale. Confused? Let us understand the concept with the help of an example. Let us consider the example of Ionian Mode which describes the following pattern of intervals:

W-W-H-W-W-W-H

Keep in mind that the interval defines the gap between two notes thus W or H is actually the distance between two notes and not the note itself. According to the given pattern of intervals let us construct the C Scale. To do so start with the note C and put the subsequent notes according to the given set of intervals. Here it goes:

1. Start with C
2. After leaving whole step interval pick the next note, that will be D
3. Leave whole step interval pick next note, that will be E
4. Leave half step interval pick next note, that will be F
5. Leave whole step interval pick next note, that will be G
6. Leave whole step interval pick next note, that will be A
7. Leave whole step interval pick next note, that will be B
8. Leave half step interval pick next note, that will be C

Thus the sequence of notes we derive from the Ionian Mode (W-W-H-W-W-W-H) starting with note C is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C which is exactly the C Major Scale. Either way you can say that Major Scale is derived from Ionian Mode.

Modes and Scales Together

Let us put Modes and Scales together to understand the difference and similarity between them. First examine the difference:

SR	MODE	SCALE
1	Mode is the pattern of intervals.	Scale is sequence of notes arranged in order of ascending or descending pitch.
2	Mode is the building block.	Scale is derived from a Mode.
3	Mode cannot be played.	Scale can be played in ascending and or descending order.

Coming to the similarity between mode and scale, it lies only in their name. For example at times a mode and a scale share the same name such as Mixolydian Mode forms Mixolydian Scale. Whereas at most of the times the scale has a different name than a mode from which it is derived for example Ionian Mode is used to derive a Major Scale.

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Book Review: Incredible Scale Finder (Hal Leonard)

Book Title: Incredible Scale Finder
Author: Adam St. James
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
ISBN: 0-634-02027-7
Website: www.halleonard.com
Pages: 104
Price: $5.95 (May change accordingly)
Accompaniment: NA

REVIEW

Scales are building blocks of music, be any type and they are the essential element to learn for every musician. Scales help musicians to comprehend how melodies are formed, how chords are built and how the explore more improvising solos.

This book covers almost 17 different types of scales & modes and every scale is described in multiple positions on the the guitar neck. Almost severn different patterns for each scale to practice on your guitar. Thus it would take around months to practice and improvise each and every scale on different location on the guitar neck. See, how comprehensive it is.

If you really want to master the art of playing scale this book can help you a lot. If it is not possible for you to practice all scales then you can use this book as a ready recknor for any problem you face to comprehend a scale on guitar. Few sample pages are here to have a glimpse of the book.

Front Cover

 

Table of Contents

 

Scales and Modes

 

 

 

 

Improvising and Soloing

 

Scale Diagrams

 

Back Cover

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Guitar Chords: Piya Aaye Na (Aashiqui 2 - 2013)

Film: Aashiqui 2
Release: 2013
Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Muisc: Jeet Gangulli
Singer: Tulsi Kumar, KK

Synopsis: No wonder all Aashiqui2 songs are marvelous to play along on guitar. Try this song. Chords are straight and pretty simple for this song and that will give you frequent flavors in the song as you shift one chord from another.

CHORDS: Em, Am, B, Bm, C, D

VERSE

(Em)TERI (C)KHATA HAI (Bm)MERE (Em)JIYA
(C)TERI (D)KHATA HAI (Bm)MERE (Em)JIYA
(Em)UNNPE (C)BHAROSA KYUN (D)TUNE (B)KIYA
(Em)SAB JHOOTHE JHOOTHE WAADE THHE (D)UNKE
(Em)CHAL PEECHHE PEECHHE AAYA TU (D)JINKE
WOH PIYA AAYE (Em)NA
(Bm)WOH PIYA AAYE NA(C)(D)
PIYA AAYE (Em)NA (Bm)WOH PIYA AAYE NA(C)(D)
(Em)AB SABHI UN (C)KHWAABON KI TU (D)DAGAR CHHOD (Em)DE
(Em)AB SABHI UN (C)KHWAABON KO TU (D)KHUD HI TOD (B)DE
WOH PIYA AAYE (Em)NA…

STANZA 1

(Em)HAR (Bm)KHATA KI (C)HOTI (D)HAI KOI(Am) NA (C)KOI (Em)SAZAA
(Em)GHAM (Bm)LIKHE HO (C)KISMAT (D)MEIN TO (Am)BAN HI (C)JAATI (Em)WAJAH
(Em)AB SABHI (C)GHAM ASHQON MEIN (D)SIMAT SE (Em)GAYE
(Em)AB SABHI (C)AANSU PALKON SE (D)LIPAT SE (B)GAYE
WOH PIYA AAYE (Em)NA…

STANZA 2

(Em)SACH LAGA THA JO (C)BEWAJAH
HUMKO WOH (Am)BHARAM HO (D)GAYA HAI
(Em)BHOR AANE THE JIS (C)FASAANE MEIN
WOH KHA(Am)TAM HO (D)GAYA
(Em)BHOOLE HUM BHOOLE (D)WOH
KAISE (C)SABSE KAHEN (Bm)BAAT (Am)YE

(Em)AB CHALO HUM (C)DHEERE DHEERE (D)BIHAL SE (Em)GAYE
(Em)AB CHALO HUM JAISE (C)BHI HO (D)SAMBHAL SE (B)GAYE
WOH PIYA AAYE (Em)NA…

Disclaimer: The Film, Lyric, Music etc. are copyrighted and sole property of their respective owners. The lyric and its chords are posted for the purpose of education and training only.

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Know The Guitar Accessories

Guitar Accessories

Have you ever wondered the guitar which you carry each and every day to your class, school or college just putting it into the covers, how many other things which are associated with your beloved instrument. Might be you are not using them at all, but still when you gain knowledge about your instrument and get more skilled gradually you come across all this stuff. At that stage you would really feel the world is full of many surprises and you are aware a little about it. Nothing matters, it is just a question of the level of curiosity you have in your brain. More curious you are, more you would try to learn something new everyday. So lets grab a little knowledge about other interesting gadgets of guitar.

Guitar Strap

This is the strap or belt that is used to hold the guitar when it is being played in standing position. A player uses high thigh when it is played while sitting. Straps may be available in vibrant color combinations and vivid graphics imprint on it. Or you may also get the straps having a single color.

Guitar String Winder

Guitar string winder is used for tuning and winding a loose string on a guitar. Typically the tuning pegs (tuning machines) are harder to turn due to its size and string tension. The winder makes tuning the guitar easier on the hands. This is especially useful when changing guitar strings. The winder is used by putting the winder into the tuning pegs (tuning machine) of the guitar and turn either clockwise or counterclockwise. The winder can be used for all guitars: electric, acoustic and classical. The color of the winder may vary from the picture shown.

Capo 

A capo tasto (from Italian capo, "head" and tasto, "tie or fret"), or simply capo, is a device used for shortening the strings, and hence raising the pitch, of a stringed instrument such as a guitar, mandolin or banjo. Although usage of the capo likely began earlier in the 17th-century. There are several different styles of capo available, utilizing a range of mechanisms, but most use a rubber-covered bar to hold down the strings, fastened with a strip of elastic or nylon, a cam-operated metal clamp, or another device 

Music Stand

A music stand is a device that holds sheet music in a position that allows the performer to read it while performing. There are various types of music stands. There are ornate wooden ones that tend to be pricey; there are digital ones with automated page turning, and the most popular ones, the metal ones that can be folded for ease of transportation. There are also small ones that can be attached to the instrument itself, as in marching bands. Thomas Jefferson, former president of the United States, invented a revolving music stand that he never patented because he liked for people to freely use his inventions. 

Electronic Guitar Tuner

An electronic tuner is a device used by musicians to detect and display the pitch of notes played on musical instruments. The simplest tuners use LED lights or a needle to indicate approximately whether the pitch of the note played is lower, higher, or approximately equal to the desired pitch. More complex and expensive tuners indicate more precisely the difference between offered note and desired pitch. Tuners vary in size from units that can fit in a pocket to tabletop models or 19" rack-mount units. Instrument technicians, piano tuners and luthiers use the more complex and expensive units. 

The simplest tuners only detect and display the tuning for a single pitch (often "A" or "E") or for a small number of pitches, such as the six pitches used in the standard tuning of a guitar (E, A, D, G, B, E). More complex tuners offer chromatic tuning, which allows all the 12 notes of the scale to be tuned. Some electronic tuners offer additional features, such as adjustable pitch calibration, different tempered scale options, the sounding of a desired pitch through an amplifier and speaker, and adjustable "read-time" settings which affect how long the tuner takes to measure the pitch of the note. 

Amplifiers 

Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is any device that changes, usually increases, the amplitude of a signal. The relationship of the input to the output of an amplifier—usually expressed as a function of the input frequency—is called the transfer function of the amplifier, and the magnitude of the transfer function is termed the gain. In popular use, the term usually describes an electronic amplifier, in which the input "signal" is usually voltage or current. In audio applications, amplifiers operate loudspeakers used in PA systems to make the human voice louder or play recorded music. Amplifiers may be classified according to the input (source) they are designed to amplify (such as a guitar amplifier, to perform with an electric guitar), the device they are intended to drive (such as a headphone amplifier), the frequency range of the signals (Audio, IF, RF, and VHF amplifiers, for example), whether they invert the signal (inverting amplifiers and non-inverting amplifiers), or the type of device used in the amplification (valve or tube amplifiers, FET amplifiers, etc.). 

Guitar Stand 

A typical guitar stand is used to hold the guitar usually when you are not playing it or just want to have a rest. There are variety of guitar stands which are available either made up of steel or wood. You can also use the guitar stand to decorate your set-up in a live show and keep your guitar intact on the stage before starting the show. If you have more than one guitar then you can opt for a guitar stand that can hold multiple guitars at one go. Or even you can build your own to fit your style and space available. 

Audio Connectors 

Audio connectors and video connectors are electrical connectors for carrying an audio signal or video signal, either in an analog or digital format. Analog A/V connectors often use shielded cable to inhibit RF interference and noise.

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Music Theory: Understand The Guitar Fretboard

What is Fretboard?

For a novice guitar player it may be a matter of interest to know about the notes found on the fretboard. Fretboard is the important component of the guitar neck which comprises of frets and inlays (position marker). Each fret on each string constitutes a note. It is important to know which note comes where on the guitar neck using the standard tuning.

To figure out the neck diagram yourself; you just need to know just two things. First the standard tuning of the guitar and second the sequence of notes i.e. Chromatic Scale of any note.

Standard Tuning of Guitar

Every stringed instrument has to be tuned first before it is played. The term Tuning refers adjusting its strings either by tightening or loosing to an extent that it must sound the exact note required. For example; the sound which should be produced by the open strings of guitar should be 6E - 5A - 4D - 3G - 2B - 1E. It is quite easy to remember the Standard Tuning of Guitar. There is another easy approach to remember the tuning by just memorizing the phrase Eddy Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddy and its all done.

Now, how we can derive the next series of notes resting throughout the entire neck of the guitar. Before that once again revise the chromatic scale starting with note C. Here it comes:

C - C# - D - Eb - E - F - F# - G - Ab - A - Bb - B

Let's start the exercise with the 6th string. The 6th string open sounds E, as per the standard tuning. Press the 1st fret on 6th string; it would sound F as the next note after E is F. Press 2nd fret it would be F# and then G on next fret and so on. Hence the notes coming on 6th string would be E - F - F# - G - Ab - A - Bb - B - C - C# - D - Eb - E till the 12th fret. You can repeat the same process for rest of the strings. It would be a better idea to draw a fretboard diagram in your notebook for the future reference. It might be difficult to remember the entire fretboard on the fly. Having the fretboard diagram in front of your eyes can help you a lot at many places in the journey of learning the guitar.

For your reference you may also download the following diagram for your help.

Hope this lesson would help you a lot in learning guitar in a better way.

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Music Theory: Notes in Music

What is a Note?

A note is the smallest element in music or we can say it is the atomic unit of music. A note can be defined as a sound which is played at a particular pitch. A sound which is played using varying pitch might contain multiple notes. For example in the first two lines of the song "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are" there are 14 notes: one for each sound. This is the simplest way to understand the concept of a note.

Name of Notes

Each note is identified by a unique symbol or name. In different languages or different systems of music their name vary accordingly. In Western system of music they are identified by alphabets from A to G. In Indian Classical system the notes have name like Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni. In some other language they are even termed as Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si.

We would stick to the Western System and Convention of music symbols. Well the first note in the Western System of music is C and not A. Hence the notes are sequentially termed as C, D, E, F, G, A and B.

Different Category of Notes

As we have seen above there are 7 basic notes, but this is not all. There are several others notes too. In order to understand them we can categorize them.

Natural Notes: The basic notes that we have seen i.e. C, D, E, F, G, A and B are the Natural Notes. The natural notes are the foundation of the music system. The other two forms of notes are the sub-set or the modified form of the basic note.

Flat Notes: The flat note derive its term because the pitch of a flat note is a bit less than its basic parent note. It is evident that to differentiate between a Natural Note and a Flat Note, a flat note is written with a symbol b. There are the following flat notes such as Ab (A Flat), Bb (B Flat) and Eb (E Flat).

 Sharp Notes: The sharp notes have a higher pitch than its basic parent note. Sharp note is written with a symbol of a hash #. There are two sharp notes C# (C Sharp) and F# (F Sharp).

The Chromatic Scale of C: The term chromatic has been derived from the word chroma which means color. Here the chromatic in terms of music resembles all variant form of colors in the medium music; all twelve notes. Hence, when we talk about chromatic scale of any note; it means it would contain all other notes in succession. Thus the Chromatic Scale of C would be written as:

C, C#, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb and B

At places you may come across notes name like D#, G# or A#. Don't worry these are not any extra note rather they have got their name changed and have become a sharp note instead of flat. For example Eb ==> D#, Ab ==> G# and Bb ==> A#. This is termed as Enharmonic Equivalent of a note.

It is very easier for you to recognize Natural, Flat and Sharp notes on a keyboard or a piano. In these instruments all white keys are Natural Notes and all black keys constitutes Flat and Sharp. See the following diagram for your reference.

To know the notes on fretboard of guitar please keep looking for our coming lesson.

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