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In this lesson I'd like to show you how to apply different modes
to a dominant chord or progression. Additionally, I'd like to
touch on altered tensions.
First, try to see
your scale in two octaves:
From Root1 you ascend
up numerically to the next root [aka the octave]. Instead of
calling it the octave, call this note the 8th [ or Root 2 ].
Both names are correct so use what feels comfortable. As you
proceed through the second octave of the scale 2 becomes 9,
3 becomes 10 and so on.
ex:
Root1 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
Root2
9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th
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When you
play a chord, you are usually playing it's Root, 3rd, 5th, and
7th. These are the essential notes for tonality
[For example
Root, 3rd, 5th = major / Root b3rd, 5th = minor].
To add color to these chords you must add tensions or extensions.
Which Tensions or
Extensions? Look at the chart below. In Chord Harmonization
of the I chord, every other note is played, starting on the
root. The logical extensions would be the 9th, 11th and 13th.
Check it.
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Root,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th,
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th,
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Above Root2 are
the upper tensions [aka color tones]. When dealing with a Dominant
chord [V], you may alter any of these tones:
9 to b9 or #9
11 to #11
13 to b13
Altered Tensions
over a Dominant chord - Let's put these theories to the test.
If you have a Bb7
chord [Bb, D, F, Ab], try Eb Harmonic minor. This yields Gb,
which is the b6 [aka b13] and Cb, which is the b9.
Bb7 = Bb,
C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab,
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Eb
Harm.minor = Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, D,
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Bb Melodic minor,
[ Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, A, ] gives you 2 altered notes [Db and
A]. Over Bb7, Db is the #9 and A [which is the Major 7] acts
as a passing tone for chromatic lines in solos or walking bass.
Finally, the Bb Altered
Scale [ Bb, B, C#, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, Ab ] can give you every
alteration to the upper tensions [b9, #9, #11, b13]
In my next lesson,
I'll provide a few lines using the scale choices listed above.
Al Improta - a Graduate
of SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Jazz Performance, Al shares his
knowledge daily with students at the Guitar Asylum. He also
performs regularly with his band Luciar.
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