Exploring Modal Chord Progressions in C Major

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Hi Guys,

Today, a quick look at modal chords.

The chords are from the backing track [below in this page] and they are “Transposed” with C as the root note.

These are exploited in the 12 bar form of a fusion blues.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

To begin with, we will take the first chord for the basic Ionian/Major sound. Here we have a chord/triad of G Major over the bass note C as a substitution for Cmaj7:

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

Next, we have a C Dorian tonality. For this I am employing a 7sus4 chord with a triad of Bb over a C bass once again

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

From here, we will create a C Lydian sound. We will do this by employing a triad of D Major over a C Bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

Now, we will move back to Ionian with another 7sus4 chord. This time it’s a triad of C Major over a D Bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

To create interest, we will now make this tonality minor by adding a triad of Eb Major over a C Bass [a la C minor 7th]. [Aeolian/Dorian]

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

For, the Phrygian/Aeolian sound, we will employ a 1st inversion triad of Ab Major over a C bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

To create some dissonance, and a more ethereal sound it’s a good idea to add a Locrian chord. In this instance, I am employing a triad of Db Major over the C Bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

For the mixolydian sound I am employing a simple C7 chord. [You could also add a 4-3 suspension]

Now, let’s add a couple of Dorian chords.

These will be another 7sus4 chord of an Eb triad over an F bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

And, a Major 9 [or sus2] no 3rd chord. For this we will add a triad of F major over a Bb bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

For the penultimate Mixolydian chord, we will create a 3rd inversion [Dominant]. This will be a C Major triad over a [the 7th] Bb bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

And finally, an Aeolian sound with an Fm6 chord over a G bass.

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

Modes Backing Track Transposed in C Major with Chart and Scale Suggestions.
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily
modal_chords_guitar_lesson_explained_easily

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Free Messiaen Modes E-Book Download

Hi Guys,

I made an E Book from the collected webpages and blogs from this website that wasn’t needed in the end.

So,

Rather than delete it I have posted it here for anyone who might be interested or find it useful:

Exploring Messiaen’s Mode 1: Musical Concepts and Colorful Creations

Unlocking Messiaen’s Mode 1: Guitar Explorations

Hi Guys,

Today a look at Messiaen’s first mode of limited transposition:

This is the Whole tone scale and has two transpositions and one mode. It is a “Hexatonic” scale that has a dreamy, enigmatic air to it due to lack of resolution as all of the tones are the same distance apart.

The goal of this blog post is to create something interesting out of this scale.

Here is the first bar: This employs a Fripp-esque repetitive picking “Riff”

exploring-messiaen-mode-one-Fripp-guitar-style

From here, let’s make a smooth transition with an ascending whole tone scale:

exploring-messiaen-mode-one

Now, let’s employ some 20c Classical Messiaen style “Intervallic” movement to complete the phrase:

exploring-messiaen-mode-one-intervallic-guitar

From here, we will descend with the whole tone scale and connect it to the augmented arpeggio:

exploring-messiaen-mode-one

Let’s now return to and exploit our intervallic movement as we ascend the guitar fingerboard:

exploring-messiaen-mode-one-intervallic-guitar

Finally, let’s finish with some string skipping whole tone scale and a couple of plucks up high:

exploring-messiaen-mode-one-string-skipping-guitar

This was just an example of playing around with musical concepts and creating something colourful and interesting from Messiaen’s Mode 1.

Although, this is only a six note scale it has plenty to offer due to it’s non resolving/non diatonic nature. It works really well for riffs, motifs and hooks and really draws the listeners ear in. Even when used sparingly it can really add colour and texture to a composition [or part of] .

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD:

Exploring Messiaen’s 5th Mode of limited transposition
Messiaen’s modes of limited transposition: