A note that is repeated while other notes around it change.
A tone that is usually a root or fifth in the bass or lower register.Many times the inverted pedal tone is used.
This is when the pedal tone is not in the bass or lower register.
A great technique used often by rock, jazz and film composers.
First example will be using pedal tone.
Starting in C major play continuous quarter notes on middle C.
C //// //// //// //// //// //// //// ////
Then playing one octave higher in tone play chords using whole notes.
The lowest tone is on the left moving to the higher tones on the right.
C,E,G, //// C,F,A, //// D,G,B, //// C,F,A, //// A,C,E, //// G,B,D, //// F,A,C, //// E,G,C, ////
Now same idea in C natural minor:
Starting in C natural minor play continuous quarter notes on middle C.
C //// //// //// //// //// //// //// ////
Then playing one octave higher in tone play chords using whole notes.
C,Eb,G, //// C,F,Ab //// Bb,D,F //// Bb,Eb,G //// Ab,C,Eb //// G,Bb,D //// F,Bb,D //// G,C,Eb ////
Now same idea in C harmonic minor minor:
Starting in C natural minor play continuous quarter notes on middle C.
C //// //// //// //// //// //// //// ////
Then playing one octave higher in tone play chords using whole notes.
C,Eb,G, //// C,F,Ab //// D,F,Ab //// D,G,B //// Eb,G,C //// F,Ab,D //// G,B,D //// G,C,Eb ////
Starting in the key of C major play the following examples:
The following examples will be played two octaves above middle C.
The highest tone is on the left moving to the lower tones on the right.
This is using inverted pedal.
The C is same exact pitch (pedal tone) each time.
C,B - C,A - C,G.
Repeat this melody at 100 BPM then moving to 220 BPM by five's. 105,110,115 BPM etc.
Now same idea in C natural minor:
C,Bb - C,Ab - C,G.
Repeat this melody at 100 BPM then moving to 220 BPM by five's. 105,110,115 BPM etc.
Now same idea in C harmonic minor:
C,B - C,Ab - C,G.
Now transpose these to each position (register) of your instrument, then to all 15 keys.
Then apply this same concept to all scales and modes.
All materials copyright 2010. For personal use only.
Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Music
Leave a comment