Advanced Music Theory: Symmetrical Scales

Symmetrical Scales

• Symmetrical scales are constructed using repeated intervals, creating a sense of tension, ambiguity, and chromaticism.
• These scales are valuable tools for advanced applications in music theory and composition.

Whole-Tone Scale

• Consists entirely of whole steps, resulting in a dreamy and ethereal quality.
• Hexatonic scale, meaning it has six unique pitches per octave.
• Formula: W-W-W-W-W-W.
• Example: Starting on C, the whole-tone scale is C-D-E-F#-G#-A#.
• Commonly used in jazz and impressionist music to create a sense of suspension, ambiguity, and tonal ambiguity.

Diminished Scale

• Eight-note scale that alternates between whole steps and half steps.
• Often referred to as the octatonic scale due to its eight unique pitches per octave.
• Formula: W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H.
• Example: Starting on C, the diminished scale is C-D-D#-E#-F#-G-A-A#.
• Commonly used in various musical genres, from classical to jazz and beyond.
• Highly versatile and can be applied in melodic, harmonic, and improvisational contexts.

Octatonic Scale

• Eight-note scale that alternates between whole steps and half steps, just like the diminished scale.
• Starts with a whole step, followed by alternating half and whole steps until the scale is completed.
• Formula: W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W.
• Example: Starting on C, the octatonic scale is C-D-D#-F-F#-G#-A-B.
• Combines both the characteristics of the whole-tone scale and the diminished scale, creating a unique tonal palette.
• Often used in jazz, film music, and contemporary classical music to add color and tension to compositions.

Exotic Scales

• Exotic scales and modes add depth and an intriguing flavor to compositions.
• Incorporating these unique scales and modes into your playing can create a distinct sound and explore a world of musical possibilities.

Eastern Scales

• Derived from Eastern musical traditions, featuring intervals that are different from the familiar major and minor scales.
• Examples: Phrygian dominant scale (Spanish scale or flamenco scale), Hijaz scale, and Persian scale (Dorian b2 scale).

Other World Scales

• Derived from different parts of the world, offering unique qualities.
• Examples: Hungarian minor scale (Gypsy scale), Japanese Hirajōshi scale, and Indian Raga scales (Bhairavi, Malkauns, and Todi).

Harmonic Minor Modes

• The harmonic minor scale, with its raised seventh degree, provides a foundation for constructing exotic modes.
• Examples: Phrygian dominant mode (Spanish Gypsy scale), derived from the fifth degree of the harmonic minor scale, and Locrian ♮6 mode, derived from the seventh degree of the harmonic minor scale.

Melodic Minor Modes

• The melodic minor scale can be utilized to create exotic modes.
• Examples: Lydian ♯2 mode (Lydian augmented scale), derived from the second degree of the melodic minor scale, and altered scale, derived from the seventh degree of the melodic minor scale.