Messiaen’s 6th mode is great for manipulating “Diminished” and “Augmented” intervals.
Mode 6 allows for this to be sequenced easily
Below is a descending Augmented sequence
For common sequences: The Augmented sequences move in tones whilst the Diminished sequences move in minor 3rds.
Although, Diminished intervals can move in semitones and tones. For Example:
Getting back to our common sequences we can see below the brilliance of diminished intervals moving in minor 3rds with the employment of the simple triplet figure.
More examples of mixing up the Augmented and Diminished ideas to avoid the cliches and develop something fresh sounding
We can also make interesting intervallic motifs from the notes of the Messiaen mode 6
Finally, we can employ a contrapuntal counterpoint “Mirror” compositional device to really manipulate this brilliant 6th mode of Messiaen.
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Clifford Martin is a trained classical musician and composer. His 1st study being piano and composition and a deep study into the meticulous world of modern music theory. He also studied jazz piano and jazz drums privately.
Clifford later came back to the guitar and studied in the jazz fusion style of John McLaughlin and Al di Meola. It was at this point that he put all of his years of learning together into one musical form
This website is a sort of cataloging of ideas and musical concepts for exploitation and development in the arts of musical composition and improvisation. What started out as a jazz improvisation site has grown into a full blown, harmony, timbre, pitch and rhythm library. Peace, Enjoy!
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