Advanced Music Theory: Symmetrical Scales

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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic of symmetrical scales?

They create a sense of resolution

They are constructed using repeated intervals (correct)

They are used only in classical music

They are limited to five unique pitches

What is the formula for the whole-tone scale?

W-H-W-H-W-H

W-W-H-W-H-W

H-W-H-W-H-W

W-W-W-W-W-W (correct)

How many unique pitches per octave does the whole-tone scale have?

6 (correct)

What is the whole-tone scale commonly used for in music?

To create a sense of suspension and ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for the diminished scale?

W-H-W-H-W-H Signup and view all the answers

How many unique pitches per octave does the diminished scale have?

8 Signup and view all the answers

What is the diminished scale commonly used for in music?

To create a sense of tension and ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the diminished scale?

Octatonic scale Signup and view all the answers

What is the Lydian ♯2 mode derived from?

The second degree of the melodic minor scale Signup and view all the answers

What is the altered scale commonly used in?

Jazz music Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of experimenting with exotic scales and modes in different musical contexts?

They can add color and complexity to musical ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of incorporating exotic scales and modes into your playing?

You will unlock a world of musical exploration and creativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Lydian ♯2 mode?

It features a raised second degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of embracing the diversity and nuances of exotic scales and modes?

You will become more creative and open to new musical ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for the octatonic scale?

W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Phrygian dominant scale?

Augmented second interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using symmetrical scales in composition?

Creating tension and tonal ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Hungarian minor scale?

Augmented second interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the Hijaz scale?

Middle Eastern music Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Indian Raga scales?

Rich and profound sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the starting point for constructing an octatonic scale?

Any pitch Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Locrian ♮6 mode?

Major sixth interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using exotic scales and modes in composition?

Adding depth and flavor to compositions Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Japanese Hirajōshi scale?

Pentatonic structure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Explore symmetrical scales, including whole-tone, diminished, and octatonic scales, and their applications in music theory and composition.