5 The Masteryof Modes &Pentatonics

SUBCHAPTERS

• Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal

• Modal Pentatonic Applications

• Recap

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

In this chapter, Seamus demonstrates several modal applications of the major pentatonic scale. He explains howthe major pentatonic can be played over a single pedal notestarting on various intervals from the note to create “light”and “dark” sounding modes. For example, the lightest mode,“lydian,” is made by playing an E major pentatonic scaleoover a D drone.

The purpose of this technique is to create tension andcolor in your lines beyond the basic scalar approach. In contrast to simply using one of the modes of a scale to access a different modal color, the use of the major pentatonic creates an open sound and widens the scope of your lines on the instrument.

TTo take this technique further, Seamus shows how one canmix and pair these different modes together to create a combination of light and dark sounds. To practice this idea,take for example the E major pentatonic scale which creates the lydian mode, the lightest mode over a D drone, and pair it with the Ab pentatonic over the D drone which createsa locrian sound. So, at any given point in your improvisationyyou can not only inject an open, “outside” sound using apentatonic scale but also expand on this concept by elaborating over various major pentatonic scale combinations.

This technique is particularly useful for playing over pedal points or modal tunes and using it effectively will unlock a new dimension in your playing.

Elite Music Mentor

The Mastery of Modes & Pentatonics - Overview Ch. 5, pg.45

—Seamus Blake

“The more you limit yourself, the more focusedyour practice can be.”

Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal Ch. 5, pg.465 The Masteryof Modes &Pentatonics

PLAYING MODES OVER A ‘D’ PEDAL

(mentioned at 0:30)

• E major pentatonic for D Lydian 0:54)

• A major pentatonic for D Ionian (1:06)

• C major pentatonic for a D7sus sound (1:33)

• F major pentatonic for D Dorian (1:50)

• Bb major pentatonic for D Aeolian (2:00)

• Eb major pentatonic for D Phrygian (2:18)

• Ab major pentatonic for D Locrian (2:35)• Ab major pentatonic for D Locrian (2:35)

• Demonstration of each mode over D drone backing track

Refer to the next section for transcriptions.

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5 Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal - Transcriptions I

Elite Music Mentor

Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal - Transcriptions Ch. 5, pg.47

(0:53)

(2:00)

(1:48)

(1:33)

(1:07)

5 Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal - Transcriptions II

Elite Music Mentor

Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal - Transcriptions Ch. 5, pg.48

(2:17)

(2:36)

Playing Modes Over a ‘D’ Pedal - Homework Ch. 5, pg.495 The Masteryof Modes &Pentatonics

Homework

PLAYING MODES OVER A ‘D’ PEDAL

• Practice playing a major pentatonic over various pedal points using a backing track or sample.

• Ingrain the sound of the modes created by the use of the major pentatonic and begin mixing them

• Understand the contrast and tension created by the use of this technique in order to implement it effectively

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Modal Pentatonic Applications Ch. 5, pg.505 The Masteryof Modes &Pentatonics

MODAL PENTATONIC APPLICATIONS

(begins at 6:08)

• Demonstration of switching between lydian (E major pentatonic) aeolian (Bb major pentatonic) to create contrast

• Dominant (C major pentatonic) and Phrygian (Eb major pentatonic) mixing

• Practice with limitations/parameters

• Demonstration o• Demonstration of Locrian + Ionian + Dorian

No additional transcriptions for this section.

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Modal Pentatonic Applications - Homework & Recap Ch. 5, pg.515 The Masteryof Modes &Pentatonics

Homework & RecapMODAL PENTATONIC APPLICATIONS

• Using the next page, create several lines using the combination of “light” and “dark” modes via the major pentatonic scale

• Practice these lines over several drones to familiarize yourself with different fingerings on your instrument

• Recap: Mix modes to play outside, create tension, great for pl for playing over drones or modal tunes

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Interact with other users on the website and ask questions! Our mentors will answer all your questions and help you through your musical journey. The best student will beselected each month to recieve one free masterclass of their choice.

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5

Modal Pentatonic Applications - Create

Elite Music Mentor

Modal Pentatonic Applications - Homework Ch. 5, pg.52