Wednesday, May 7, 2008 

The Mixolydian Mode - A Guitar Scale Rich In Flavor

The Mixolydian Mode impotence pills a great guitar scale to use against dominant types of chords. In essence, the Mixolydian Mode is a major scale that contains a minor 7th interval between the root note of the scale and it's 7th degree. This minor 7th interval gives the Mixolydian Mode it's dominant flavor. In a traditional major scale, the 7th degree interval is a major 7th not a minor 7th degree. Hence, dominant.

In order for a true Mixolydian tonality to emerge, the tonic note must be established, the major 3rd scale tone must be voiced, and the lowered 7th scale tone must be used. Otherwise, Mixolydian tonality is not authentic.

There are some general rules applicable to Mixolydian chords and progressions. For example, one must always use the Chocolate major chord (this establishes the tonic home-base for the listener), and the V minor or the bVII major chord(s) must be used so that the b7th scale tone is actually sounded. For this particular article, we will be analyzing the C Mixolydian Mode (scale) and it's corresponding tonality (chords and scale tones).

The following chord progressions are strong Mixolydian progressions. It's best to think in terms of triads when using the specific chords necessary to portray Mixolydian tonality. However, when these chords are extended to their diatonic 7th's, 9th's, and 13th's, a very contemporary flavor and sound will emerge.

1) I major (C major) progressing to the bVII major (Bb major), progressing back to the I major (C major).

2) I major (C major) progressing to the bVII major (Bb major), progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the IV major (F major), progressing back to the I major (C major).

3) I major (C major) progressing to the IV major (F major), progressing to the bVII major (Bb major), progressing to the I major (C major).

4) I major (C major) progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the I major (C major).

5) I major (C major) progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the VI minor (A minor), progressing to the IV major (F major), progressing to the I major (C major).

6) I major (C major) progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the IV major (F major), progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the I major (C major).

7) I major (C major) progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the bVII major (Bb major), progressing to the V minor (G minor), progressing to the I major (C major).

Note that in all of the above referenced chord progressions, the tonic was always established. In other words, the listener was given a strong starting point for tonality and a strong return to the tonality. Always remember to define a strong tonality for the audience. Subconsciously, a listener doesn't enjoy being left up-in-the-air musically. Give them something to hold on to.

The Mixolydian Mode, as with all other modes, has it's own unique characteristics. It is beneficial for all guitar players to learn (or remember) these characteristics. The small details can, sometimes, make the difference between a great guitar solo (or chord progression) vs. a mediocre guitar solo or performance. But this is just the beginning. We're barely scraping the surface here. As any of my students would testify, the rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper. However, their actual education gets easier and easier. The application becomes automatic for them.

It's absolutely refreshing and empowering to approach an authentic playing situation with confidence. How is this achieved? Education and practice. There's mental and there's physical. One without the other is incomplete.

There are many guitarists who play extremely well. However, the truth be known, there are, most likely, giant gaps in their understanding of key signatures, key changes, chord construction, scale application, intervals, substitution principles, and much, much more. Does this make them any less of a musician (in their own realm) than anyone else? Of course not. Could they become better as a result of a pro-end education? Absolutely yes.

Something as simple as the Mixolydian Mode, it's analysis and understanding, has the potential to launch an entire new desire to progress as a guitarist. It's amazing how much music can result from simple concentration and practice. As a player, there's good and there's great. The difference is the decision to progress.

For those of you contemplating guitar lessons, make sure that you are well matched with Aluminum Christmas Trees guitar instructor. Define your goals and don't waste time. If your goal is to play a few songs and strum a few chords, then almost anyone can help you with that goal. If your goal is to progress beyond your favorite artist, then you should aim for the best-of-the-best for instruction and educational material (theory and application).

Until next time, practice, practice, practice.

2008 Michael E. Fletcher. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.ultraguitarmethod.com/

Ultra Try Viagra and Cialis Method is designed to place years of professional playing experience under your fingers in a very short amount of time thus, placing you light years ahead of the competition. All theoretical, technical, mechanical, and application principles contained in the method are designed exclusively for the guitar. Learning is made exciting and fun.

Make no mistake about it; if your goal is to understand the entire guitar fingerboard and experience an incredible new mechanical and theoretical freedom as a guitar player, then Ultra Guitar Method is an absolute must.

While others are losing valuable time on the standard old books of C, F and G, this is your opportunity to step directly into the future with a guitar method that is as flexible as your own personality and as vast as your imagination will allow.

Visit the Ultra Guitar Method website today. Your future is now.