explained in detail – Modern Music Theory Improvisation and Application

Robert Fripp Flat 5th “Tri-tone” Guitar Technique: Exercise 1

Posted on October 5, 2024October 5, 2024 by Modern Music Theory and Application

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Hi Guys,

Today, a look at the Robert Fripp flattened 5th [tri-tone] guitar shape and its right hand picking patterns, rhythmic concepts and single note lines and chordal applications.

GUITAR LINE: EXERCISE:

In the first part we can employ, “Down down down up” or plain alternate picking:

From here we can either exploit the “Down Down up” pattern or once again employ our old friend alternate picking:

Also, notice how the rhythm is working. It’s a bit like triad pairs in the way it is counted, set up and felt. [It also creates a 1 2 3 effect]

We now carry this on and break it up with two 4 note groupings. [Finishing with 3 notes in the bass]

Flattened 5th shape as chords:

This shape can also be employed brilliantly for chords and chordal picking.

Here, we play all 6 strings on the guitar and leave the open E and B strings to resonate around the flat 5 shape.

This, then gives way for a quick fire ascension of the b5 shape:

We now shift the shape up higher and imitate the process:

And, move the figure up also,

To complete the phrase we will descend the b5 figure with strict alternate picking starting on a “Down” stroke:

From here, we will break it up with a group of 4 notes employing Down Down Down Up to 3 notes with Down Down Up:

To:

And finally, finishing with four Am9 chords:

CONCLUSION:

This example/exercise was just to exploit the b5 shape and show what is possible both rhythmically and in terms of the right hand picking techniques.

The key though is to employ and develop it sparingly. This way it can cause surprise and rhythmic interest.

It’s a really useful guitar tool for composition and creating a unique and individual voice for the serious creative guitarist.

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Scriabin’s ‘Prometheus’ Mystic Chord Analysis and examples for Guitar, Orchestra and Piano

Posted on May 29, 2024June 11, 2024 by Modern Music Theory and Application

The “Prometheus” Chord-Scriabin’s “Mystic” Chord Analysis

Hi Guy’s,

Today, we will take a look at Alexander Scriabin’s “Prometheus” or mystic chord.

INTRODUCTION

The “Prometheus chord,” introduced by Alexander Scriabin, is a fascinating and innovative harmonic structure that reflects the composer’s mystical and philosophical inclinations. Officially known as the “mystic chord, this six-note chord (C, F#, Bb, E, A, D) forms the foundation of Scriabin’s “Prometheus: The Poem of Fire,” Op. 60.

CHORD CONSTRUCTION:

Okay, let’s take the scale notes in order [Hexatonic 6 notes]

Now, let’s arrange the pitches by intervals,

root
major second
major sixth
major third
minor seventh
augmented fourth
root

This results in the “Promethus/Mystic” Chord:

Here is the outline of the chord in single notes:

Now, let’s apply it as a guitar fingering:

Here is a Barre Guitar chord shape/voicing:

Guitar-voicing-bar-chord-Scriabin-Prometheus-chord

From here, we can now play around with this unique sound and create some interesting musical ideas from it.

CHORDAL ARPEGGIOS FROM THE CHORD/SCALE OUTLINE

Here are two “Chordal picking” guitar arpeggio vamps:

In the first example the key is to make sure not to dampen the open D string in the first bar even though this same string is fretted in the second bar.

Example 1:

composing-with-Scriabin's-Prometheus-chord

In the next example [below] the key to execution is the same by remembering not to dampen any open strings with the fretting hand.

EXAMPLE 2:

Longer lines constructed from scale for improvisation and/or composition:

Here is an example of a longer line built from this chord/scale concept:

improvising-with-Scriabin's-Prometheus-chord

This little phrase exploits the chord/scale outline with some string skipping/intervallic picking to create interest and to make it more compositional in its approach.

Chord for Orchestration:

This chord/scale is employed a lot in modern and old Film and T.V music:

Example 1: Old 70’s detective shows like “Columbo”

Example 2: Mystery/Drama from the late 30’s early 40’s Film.

Example 3: Tremolo Build up for suspenseful crescendo.

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion this was just a quick look at the amazing “Prometheus” chord and it’s use and function in music.

It’s a very useful tool becasue it can be employed for lovely guitar vamps, solo lines and improvisation. It’s also excellent for orchestration where drama and suspense is required.

FROM SCRIABIN’S PERSPECTIVE:

This chord departs from traditional harmonic conventions, creating a sonorous, otherworldly soundscape that evokes transcendence and spiritual awakening. The chord’s ambiguous tonal center and unconventional intervallic relationships challenge listeners’ expectations and epitomize Scriabin’s quest to explore new harmonic realms. This daring musical innovation was part of Scriabin’s broader artistic vision, intertwining music with his synesthetic experiences and esoteric beliefs, aiming to elevate human consciousness through art.

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Alternate Picking “Upstroke” Guitar Exercise

Posted on March 21, 2024March 26, 2024 by Modern Music Theory and Application

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Alternate Picking Guitar explained in detail-“The UP STROKE”

Please watch video above for detailed information

Hi Guys,

Today, just a short alternate picking guitar technique exercise starting on an “Upstroke”.

The first part of the exercise employs a scale fragment that starts on an upstroke .

Although, this creates an odd grouping of 5 notes, it works really well because when you cross over the strings you will be starting on a “Down stroke”

This, also works well because this is a simple two finger pentatonic movement.

alternate-picking-guitar-explained-how-to

In the second bar we imitate the first part of the first bar by starting on the “Upstroke” again, creating another 5 note grouping,

In the next part we start on the “Down stroke” again. Also, note the fingering as we cross the strings. This is a favourite of guitarist John McLaughlin. This is crossing with the 2nd finger.