Author: Modern Music Theory and Application

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Hi Guys,

Today, a look at the unique scale formations/superimpositions of Dennis Sandole.

Dennis Sandole

We will take three examples from a handwritten page of polytonal scales by Dennis Sandole and apply them to the guitar:

SCALE 1:

Dennis Sandole’s Handwritten Polytonal Scale:

Same scale applied to the Guitar:

In this example notice how the different major scales connect via semitones creating a unique chromatic connection.

Now, let’s apply a descending version with a more pentatonic/fingering guitar format:

Again, notice the half step chromatic connections that make this run smoothly.

SCALE 2:

Dennis Sandole’s Handwritten Polytonal Scale:

Same scale applied to the Guitar:

Here, we have whole tone connections as well as half step connections creating a colourful set of sounds:

Let’s now create a descending version:

SCALE 3:

Dennis Sandole’s Handwritten Polytonal Scale:

Same scale applied to the Guitar:

In this example we have a full C major scale connecting to a full Db major scale via the halfstep of C to Db. And finally, up another half step to the note D.

Finally, let’s descend:

Arpeggio/Motifs from Polytonal Scales:

There are also many concepts that you can make out of these polytonal scales:

For instance, we can imply triads/arpeggios with dyads and create little licks, motifs and hook lines.

EXAMPLE:

Slight Var:

IN CONCLUSION

This was just a very brief look at Dennis Sandole’s concept of polytonal scales.

In terms of the guitar these are very useful for creating a mixed harmonic palette and creating seamless lines where any scale can connect to any other scale regardless of non diatonicism and ambiguity.

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